Dear Jeremy:
I would first look at upgrading rims/tires for the biggest impact on riding feel and quality. Suntour hubs are usually high quality and six speed freewheels are available, so there's no utility based reasons for getting rid of either. If your current wheels are on the portly side, look at using Velocity Razors or Mavic Open Pros, both of which are cataloged as available in 36 hole drillings and weigh about 450 grams, which should lighten up your wheel set. If you're fairly light yourself, you can also go to DT Revolution Spokes or some such to knock another 20 grams or so off the rim weight. Then use a nice light folding tire with a latex tube, and you should feel a substantial difference in performance without giving up freewheels, spreading your frame of accepting the durability/maintenance issues of modern wheels.
If you really want to go to 32 spokes, then there are good usable 6 speed (126mm) hubs available on ebay and through other outlets on a frequent basis that you could use as the basis for your new wheels. Japanese brand might be tougher, because more persons collect/sell italian stuff. If I were you, I'd watch for some OMAS Big Sliding Ti hubs to pop up on ebay that could be an excellent basis for a lighter wheel set. Or you can hold out for a pair of Suntour Superbes of Sanshin Gyromasters. If you go to 32 holes, then just about any rim in the world will be available, in all different weights.
And don't worry about being rational about needing new wheels. No bikie can have to many wheels.
Tom (used to have twice as many wheel sets as bikes) Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
Jeremy Robillard <robillj@gmail.com> wrote: Hello friends at CR,
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.
-Can a 36 spoke hub be used with less spokes? Is this a practice? Am I crazy for thinking these thoughts? Can I find a newer 6 speed hub to fit these newer sporty wheels?
I know I could miss match wheels, but I would prefer to be consistent in this renewal.
Thanks for any feedback,
Jeremy Robillard Portland, OR
-Reviving a sporty machine from '82, and looking to put it to good use.
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