After the subject regarding frames costs/restoring etc. It would be interesting to know members comments on the next vital bike component , the humble wheel rims ,hubs and spokes. I do 'nt intend to raise well aired views on the actual building as in past discussions. But to ask how we in the UK differ in the building and restoring and the costs involved and whether folk build their own or have to rely on the local cycle shop to do the job for them.
I have always built my own wheels over many decades and still build and rebuild for local shops and club folk today. Often people ask me to show them how to build a wheel and reply is always , " I 'll show you how I do it but whether its the correct way I would 'nt know". So its each
to their own the way , either learned from the professionals or taught themselves maybe !
My own collection of wheels both past and present are in the majority 27" clinchers with a few 700 cc , constructed in two, three and four cross spoke patterns . Perhaps a misconception is that wheels need constant attention but hubs aside a correctly built wheel should not , bar in accide ntal damage ,need anything more than cleaning throughout its life span.
A comparison , slightly off topic , the design of modern wheels of today are more difficult and time consuming than all our classic hubs, rims and spokes. Finally to say the vintage wheel is same the world over and something perhaps we take for granted , but to be without our pastime would not exist !!
Doug Smith North Dorset UK
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