In a message dated 3/6/07 10:37:01 AM, robillj@gmail.com writes:
>I am looking to update the wheels on my '82 Univega Gran Rally, and I am
>looking for lighter/newer wheels because I am riding daily for
>transportation and competitive exercise. The problem I am finding, is that
>vintage wheels from the era that are light and racy are very expensive,
>and
>there are newer wheel sets that will not break the bank and are lighter,
>clinchers, stronger, ect; however, they are set up with 8,9,10 speed hubs
>that use fewer spokes. I am riding a 6 speed Suntour 36 spoke hubs, and
>would like to keep it at 6 speed. Most newer/lighter hubs I am finding,
>Japanese to keep with the groupo, use less spokes.
Why? If your rims are in good shape rebuilding your current wheels with new spokes by the best wheelbuilder in town-and I'd be willing to bet Portland has some pretty good wheelbuilders-will yield a much more satisfactory result than buying the boutique wheels popular today. Your hubs are probably lighter than current offerings. Repack them, relace the wheels and you will ahve a very good set of wheels. Wheels from a good builder will last almost forever. I have wheels built by my friend Doug White from the mid 70s that I'm riding today that have required only the most minor touchup truing over the past 30 odd years. Hard to beat that. Phil Brown And those wheels are in San Rafael, Calif. today just as they were built <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.