Hi, I'm new to the list and I'm in the process of building up a 1976 Eisentraut Model A.
The bike is 67 cm ctc with a 61 cm top tube. The head tube angle is 76, the seat tube angle is 73. The rear spacing is 120mm. I plan to build the bike with a Campy Super Record group and Wolber Super Champion rims to keep it period correct.
I am a big person at 6'5'', 220 lbs.
I would appreciate thoughts on whether I should build the wheels with High or Low flange hubs.
Thanks. I await lots of good advice.
Greg Thies
'76 is about the time that high flange hubs started dying out. Among the tourists I rode with, the claim was that low flange gave a cushier ride due to longer and hence more flexible spokes. I was told they also saved a bit of weight, although I am skeptical of this because you're replacing aluminum flange with steel spoke. (Anyone know for sure?) High flange hubs were supposed to build a "stiffer" wheel. But stiffer in what way? Torsionally to resist pedal forces? Laterally for better cornering? Vertically to fight off pot holes? If you have noticed wheel flex problems, high flangers might help but I weigh more than you and haven't noticed a difference between flange height.
Either set would be period correct, and I suspect the main issue is aesthetics or economics. Low flange hubs will be 20-30% cheaper than high flange, especially in Campy records. But if you love the look of high flange hubs (like I do), go for it.
I would be a bit more concerned about rims. Assuming your going to ride clinchers, I don't think the Super Champ Gentleman narrow rims were intended for folks as big as us. I've gotten good service from a set of wheels built with the old model 58 touring rims, but don't know where you would find a set today. Two modern possibilities: Sun's CR 18 is a good clydsdale rim a nd has a nice polished silver finish that fits a retro bike. It isn't even that heavy. I'm also trying out the Bontrager Fairlane 36 spoke OCR rims from Rivendell, and after a few hundred miles over potholed roads this spring the initial reports are excellent. I haven't even had to touch up the truing yet after the initial build. The Bontragers have more of a satin finish, but no stickers to save you from rolling billboard syndrome. They look fine and you have to tell people about the OCR feature before they notice.
Be sure to send us some pics when it's done!
Tom Adams with an inch of ice under 4 inches of snow in Kansas City.