Re: [CR]which new 27" rims?

(Example: Production Builders)

Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:57:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]which new 27" rims?
To: donald gillies <gillies@ece.ubc.ca>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <20080716203027.BFDD02C414@ug4.ece.ubc.ca>


Speaking of classic Weinmann 27" rims, were the ones supplied on the early 70's Schwinn Paramount touring models marked Schwinn-Approved, or were they simply marked as Weinmann? I recently acquired a 1970 all chrome touring Paramount for my wife. It has what seem to be the original Campy hubs, but they have been rebuilt with later dark anodized Mavic 27" clinchers. I'd like to replace the Mavics with correct, or at least more correct Weinmanns, but I don't know whether I need to look for Schwinn-Approved. I seem to have a whole lot of Schwinn projects lately.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA

donald gillies <gillies@ece.ubc.ca> wrote: If you are trying to imitate a 1970's bike, here are some 'faithful' modern clone rims that are still available at retail.

Alex X-404 ~ this is very much like the weinmann single-wall alesa rim, but lacks the dimples of the 1960's model. Basically, single-wall ~550gm+ with a hump in the profile (Alex hump is smaller than weinmann hump) :

http://www.yellowjersey.org/photosfromthepast/WEINRIMS.JPG

Weinmann made an undimpled late-1970's model (I have some of those NOS in my garage). I think the nashbar budget 27" rim is the Alex X-404 rim, or a close cousin.

Weinmann RM-19 / 219 ~ these are still available, in some shops and through some outlets (maybe niagara cycle works on amazon, maybe as full wheels.) They are a vintage rim, although these ones are 'made in USA', not 'made in belgium'. They are single-wall with a mesa (rather than a hump) in the profile. A more narrow (maybe 15mm) version was shipped on Raleigh Super Course MK2's 1974-76.

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Among modern rims, I think the M13-II is probably the lightest and nicest polished 27" rim, although the sources are probably getting scarce by now (again, maybe Amazon / niagara / bikepartsusa). Some shops like yellow jersey will also link you to national wholesalers that are still showing stock in the Weinmann 219/RM-19 and M13-II rims.

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA