PeregrineA1

I'm torn on rim selection for my '75 Wizard. This is the final piece of the puzzle. I have the Campagnolo Record hubs, Regina CX freewheel en-route, and the rest of the bits are hanging on the bike. Currently the bike has a pair of early '90's Campy branded rims/hubs-doesn't work visually with the anodized rims and newer hubs.

The first issue is whether to go vintage or current vintage looking. If I go with the current offerings, I will choose the HB Son+ TB14. I have a pair on my Litton and the look is correct and there are no issues with performance.

The second is that I am not well studied on period correct rims, so I don't even know where to start with regard to selection. I know I want clincher as I am not looking to add tubulars to my skillset at this time. I have concerns about the availability of decent quality with minimal wear at a cost approaching reasonable-reasonable being less than $80-90 each landed in So Cal.

The bike will be ridden, not a wall hanger. The rider, that would be me, weighing ~195# and being fairly "light" on the bike.

Many thanks.

gaucho777 

PA1, really glad you are almost done with the Wizard. You may recall I was the one who tipped off the frame as being for sale at a LBS. I'd have snagged it myself if it were smaller. Looking forward to seeing it built up!

As for rims, going period correct is usually my preference. Fiamme had a number of clincher offerings in the 70s such as the Speedy, Sport, Professional and some other models you can see on velobase. Their lightweight Ergal tubular rims have a reputation for being noodly, but their clincher models are better in this respect. I really like my Wobler Mod. 58s. I have them on my commuter and they have held up really when with loads and over rough roads.

Edit: Forgot one thing I was going to mention: One of the drawbacks with period clincher rims is that most rims from this era were unhooked. Thus, you are limited to wire-beard/non-folding tires. That serious limits your tires choices and eliminates some of the best rubber available.

How much clearance to you have? Aren't the HB Plus TB14 rims fairly wide? If you can only fit a ~25mm tire on that bike, is too wide a rim a concern? Not sure of the answers, just something to keep in mind.

If you don't mind, I saved a few pics of the frame which I'll share:







Such a sweet frame!

rccardr 

If they are 36 hole hubs, Rivendell has a nice special on Velocity Twin Hollow rims. Silver, box section, and make up into a pretty nice pair of wheels. Disclaimer is that they are not good for loaded touring, but we're about the same size and the pair I laced up with Shimano 6207 hubs was very, very nice. And they look correct.

Another option is to call Velo Classique in Purcellville VA. Last time I was out there they had stacks of vintage rims.

Quite literally...stacks.

mechanicmatt

whoa gaucho, a ratchet for every socket, awesome.

what about ambrosio rims?

gaucho777 

^Sadly, not my workshop. That was in the LBS where I spotted the frame (the now-defunt Velo-Sport).

Ambrosio is a good option.

Also consider Martano rims. That's what Faliero Masi taught Brian Bayliss to use. Not sure what Martano offered for clincher rims, if any. But some models require washers, so make sure those are included if necessary. Straight from the horse's mouth:
Masi wheel building in the 1970's

Also consider Nisi or Mavic Mod. E

PeregrineA1

Gaucho777 I do remember the tip and the journey since then has been fun. I'm excited.

I hadn't considered the non-hook issue with vintage rims, though I am not opposed to wire bead Pasela's. I will measure the clearance with regard to the HB Plus's.

I will also look at the options presented by RCCARDR and MM, as well as Velobase gazing. More opinions welcome.

rccardr 

Enjoying that T-shirt?

PeregrineA1

Absolutely.

Ready to wear it while riding same....

rccardr 

Great. Must admit that I'm still on the lookout for a 57 Wizard myself. Bought a hellenic stays Medici frame from a guy out in CA who's pretty knowledgable about the bike scene from that era and is keeping an eye out for me. Local guy has one of the anniversary/V2 ones and it's a stunner in two shades of green.

Sir_Name 

If you're still considering the TB-14, the increased rim width may actually help a touch with clearances assuming you want to run at least a 23mm tire (same as width of the rim). The wider rim should slightly 'flatten' the profile of the tire as more of the material is stretched width-wise versus height-wise (tire height / caliper interference seems the limiting factor on the frame/fork from the view above). Of course, period correct is always nice, too.

Beautiful bike.

repechage

In 1975 of course, the clincher options were slim, Weinmann concave, Super Champion mod. 58 or Araya, all no hook.
I would hunt down some raw finished Mavics From a bit later with a hook cross-section as it does not read like you are trying to be period correct, but do want to appear reasonable.
Before you finalize the tire choice, measure the rear tire capacity.

Sir_Name 

Agreed, hooked period-reasonable would have been a more accurate phrase for me to use vs. period correct as tubulars are out.

PeregrineA1

Period correct is not quite what I'm going for. The build is Super Record/Record so more what someone would have done with an update a few years later. So yes, hooked period reasonable is correct.

I'm going to try the H Son's with 25 mm GP4000's, off of the Litton, for fit this weekend. That will give a point of reference for size.