I'd be very carefull riding other than promenade on OOLLLDD rims!
They lamination could come apart under bending and stress.
New rims should be OK to ride harder even on track, if made properly.
The spoke tension can be quite tight and even underlapped. not underlapped
makes a spongy wheel, and tied a soldered is a nice snug wheel.some guys
used to loosen the spokes a couple of turns to gently detension them, after
the season, for winter rest but they could still be ridden. Then retense for
spring.
If guys had indoor races, they had several sets of wheels and reversed
season adjustment.
Other guys rode all year round and kept them snug and replaced as needed.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates
CA USA
> These need more than slightly relieved tension. Usually they are loose
> enough that you will unwind the spokes if you don't use linseed oil on the
> threads. Tie and solder is a good idea. Even then I would not recommend
> riding them given their age if they are the lightweight racing rims.
>
> Calling Ted Ernst. Whats your opinion?
>
> Joe Bender-Zanoni
> Great Notch, NJ
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Greg S
> Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:11 pm
> Subject: [CR]Spoke tension wooden rims
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>
>> Am currently having some wheels built by my local wheelsmith.
>> Early
>> wooden rims that are in great condition, no warpage or cracks. I
>> need
>> some advice on the spoke tension - normal tension or possibly
>> slightly
>> releived. Straight 15 guage stainless, correct nipples and
>> washers.
>> These are for my '38 Bianchi and will see the odd spin down the
>> road
>> with my 90kg astride.
>> Greg Softley
>> Coffs Harbour
>> Australia