I have two newly repainted bike frames from 1974, and they are very close to "perfect" restorations (Raleigh International(s) - undoubedly they look better than original, and the colors are great, with not-too thick of a clearcoat). I just got the much-hoped-for truing stand for Christmas. Time to build some wheels.
In the garage, I have some used original AVA wheels and rims, which are quite possibly some of the _crummiest_ tubular rims that existed in 1974 (these are the dreaded "washer" rims with no eyelets.) And I have learned that my skills at mounting tubulars are so poor that i could quite possibly go through all 14 of my budget tires before I get just one tire mounted straight ...
So here are the choices for the wheels :
- Campy High-Flange Original Hubs, and
AVA Rims + Panaracer Practice Tubulars ( = Raleigh Nylon Extra 270gm, circa 1974)
- or -
MAVIC Open Pro Rims + - stripped of anodizing & polished - modern logo removed, maybe a retro "MAVIC" logo applied Clement (Thailand) Ventoux Clinchers, 220 grams + Michelin 70 gram tubes
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My goal is to have a good bike, and imho the campy hubs are more likely to get used by the next owner if the wheels are clinchers. Nobody is making new AVA washer-rims. I've noticed that on the vintage san diego rides, EVERYONE is riding clinchers, i.e. on the Colnagos, the Raleighs, the Cinellis, etc. I was the only one with tubulars (my Carlton PRO last month on our ride to Solana Beach ...
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA