In a message dated 1/20/04 2:30:44 PM Pacific Standard Time,
DTSHIFTER@aol.com writes:
> Mavic claimed a weight of 390gms each for these rims, which (I think??) did
>
> not include the rim washers, so that would add a few grams. Recommended
> usage:
> "Sport" riding per Mavic, but they never defined what it meant!!! I would
> not expect them to hold up very well to any kind of hard use as they were
> not
> an eyeletted rim (yours does have the washers?)? But then again, so much
> depends on riding style...........
>
390 would be a pretty stout rim. Martanos were made at 310, 360 and also a
390. The 310s are a little light, but last well enough IF you don't use 14 gauge
straight spokes and wind them up to a lot of tension. IMO, rims that require
washers should be built up ONLY with butted spokes. Bob Freeman mentioned he
could get 14/17 spokes, these would be perfect. I frequently use 14/15 spokes
on the drive side rear, with 15/16s for the non drive side and the front.
The "Sport" rim was a lower price point (cheaper and easier to make) rim that
Mavic made to supply the lower end of the racing market. Bear in mind that
heavier rims are stronger, these 390s would be equal in strength to a 410+ gram
ferruled rim, but wouldn't hold as much spoke tension.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA