Well, I'll add what little data I have, and ask another question or two.
I remember getting my first set of narrow clincher wheels in 700c for my high school graduation... in 1979. Those had Rigida 1319 (or maybe they were 1320s by then, they changed the model early on) rims and Robergel Trois E'toile spokes on Avocet Mod. I high flange hubs. Lovely wheels, but the Avocets were tough to get a cone wrench into. The first tires I used were Michelin Elans, and then I tried the Wolber W20, a really skinny tire in it's day, with a cotton casing. Both rode nicely, but the Elans were kinda fragile.
Now, can anyone pin down actual dates for when the first narrow (13mm inside, 19ish outside) 700c clincher rims hit the US? As I recall, it was the Mavic Module E, but what year was that? And when did the Araya 20A come out? I believe that was the first skinny Japanese rim in the US, but I don't know when it arrived here. I ask because I'm trying to decide if that's the best choice for my 78 Centurion Pro.
Next question.. is there a currently available, classic looking (tan sidewall) 28mm-ish tire that will actually stay ON an Araya 20A? They don't have much hook, and I have have Paselas consistently blow off them. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
-- Tim Fricker bikes@vienna, llc Vienna, VA, USA Recumbents, folders, tandems, etc.