Tom asked:
> Does anyone recall what year the Campy Omega Strada Hardox rims (tubular) were
> introduced? Anyone recall their weight, and recommended usage (light time
> trials only, general racing, training or touring?). Anyone with actual
> experience?
I have a 1986 Rim launch catalog where the Omega Hardox rim was first presented. To the best of my knowledge, this was the second rim catalog that Campagnolo brought out. The first one, from either 1984 or 1985, showed only the Record and Victory rims. The Omega rims weighed 405 g in the XL version and 445 g in the regular version. These weights are given for a rim with 32 hole ferrules, with a note stating that every ferrule weighs 1.52 g. The possible weight variation was plus or minus 12 g. (These ferrrule weights were given to allow people to compare weights with Mavic rims where the rim weights were given without the ferrules.) They were available in 24, 28, 32, 36 and 40 hole drillings.
Their suggested use were noted as: the same as the delta strada, however with a traditional hardox finish: hard anodized finish, guaranteed Campagnolo. The XL version is particularly indicated for use by amateur riders.
The Delta Strada rims were suggested as designed for: those who love cycling and systematically practice the sport. The XL version is destined for use by fast amateur riders, including for stage races. It is also indicated for triathlon use and the corrosive locales where this discipline normally takes place.
The catalog line-up shows the Lambda for OEM use, the Epsilon for fast touring or sportif riders, teh Omega and Delta as listed above and the Sigma at the top of the line. There was also a second brochure which outlined the fluid-dynamic wheels, a third showing how the ferrules were different from those of the competition.
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Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ