Everett464

Hi - In the market for wheels for my 1986 Bridgestone 400. I am considering these: Dura Ace Vintage Tubular Wheelset with Dura Ace Freewheel 36h Mavic GP 4 Rims | eBay

I am rocking a stock set up - 126 mm spacing, 6 speed. Salient details can be found here: Bridgestone Bicycle Catalogue 1985 Bridgestone 400

Frankly, compatibility in this instance is just beyond my knowledge base, so if I'm being stupid, please feel free to tell me.

Everett

oddjob2

No! First they are tubular, which are relatively expensive and more prone to flatting. Second, they are 700c diameter, slightly smaller than the 27" rims on your bike, which may be a problem with brake pads being able to move a few mm down to make rim contact. Third, what's wrong with the wheels that are currently on the bike?

If you have to buy a new set, I recommend these regularly. You may want to replace your freewheel and chain too.

Sun CR18 27 5,6,7 Speed Freewheel hubs Road Bike Wheelset [72274726665] - $115.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

If you can slide the brake pads down 4-5mm, then these are 700c with quality 105 hubs. You would also need to spread the stays a wee bit, you don't need to be Superman to do it. Also, you could then run a 7 speed cassette instead of a freewheel.

https://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=3133

If you do go the new route and the old rims are serviceable, save them for the time when you upgrade bikes so you can save the newer wheelset.

Everett464

Ah - I should have said - I am making the change to 700c because my old rims are nearing unserviceable, and I'd like some additional fender clearance. I have a set of Tektro R556 brakes handy to make the reach.

I missed the part about them being tubular - a definite no-go for me, and a distinction that is within my knowledge base. I was just wowed and distracted by the sexy hubs.

The mavic/105 wheels look nice, and I may end up with something like that (if not those exactly). I want to poke around just a bit longer for something vintage. Thanks for the links.

no1mad 

Moved from C & V Appraisals.

Everett464

I wondered where it ended up - my apologies.

sanmi

Personally I wouldn't go for that set because of the tubular rims/tires, just because I don't have experience with them and parts are less common. That said, the wheels would be compatible with your setup (assuming you understand potential issues of moving from 27" to 700c) and the hubs are fantastic - I just built a nice set of clinchers with the same hubs. I would say that is a good price and if they were clinchers would say go for it.

eschlwc

i would build them myself using the bike frame as a truing stand.

people often think building wheels is for professionals. but it's as easy as following a recipe. just follow sheldon's wheelbuilding page to a 't.'

i just wish someone had told me this years ago.

i use sun m13ii rims and sapim db spokes.

Everett464

I have considered this as an option; I do think my wife may kill me, though.

Lascauxcaveman 

That's funny; why?

You should just bring your wife to the understanding that any time you spend tinkering on your old bikes is time away from [/long list of expensive, dangerous, health-damaging, illegal, potentially immoral hobbies]

David Newton

I have an '86 Bridgestone 300, so it is very close to your bike. I bought the 700c CR18 wheelset from Velomine, and they are perfect, fitted with Panaracer Pasela's 32mm. I can't imagine a better wheelset for less than $150 shipped.
Ask them to make sure the hub bearings don't have side-to-side slop.

Road Fan

If you wanted to try tubulars, you could hardly find a better set of wheels to try them with. The components are all top-notch, and the wheels are if anything overbuilt, being 36 spokes. The Mavic GP-4 rim is among the most durable tubular rim designs ever.

For anyone who does want a similar wheel, I think the biggest assessment to make is whether the bearings have been maintained. Unfortunately many sellers will just play dumb and not answer any questions about spin quality, last time serviced, et cetera.

Everett464

Alas, this is a daily driver for a 16-mile each way commute, up and down several curbs (and other curb like thingies), not to mention the countless potholes, broken pieces of glass, snakes, small children, and polar vortexes. I think I am going to stick with clinchers to support this fat ass.