Re: [CR] Saavedra rims

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

From: "Carlos Ovalle" <ovalle@charter.net>
In-Reply-To: <CD56F849-7B35-41E6-A565-23A5994DCF01@charter.net>
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2011 20:05:08 -0800
References:
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Saavedra rims


Okay, that was a dumb 2nd question, this time I'll blame it on prescription meds. It didn't occur to me until now that perhaps they're anodized? Still, it doesn't appear to be quite like any gold anodizing I've ever seen.

One more thing, the transition of the Stella double-butted spokes doesn't seem to be too elegant, if that's the right term, as there appears to be a slight hint of a groove right at the transition, inconsistent from one spoke to the next. I've never heard of any breakages occurring there but just seems like a weak point. Or am I imagining things? I'll take and post pics in daylight tomorrow.

Carlos Ovalle Long Beach, California, USA

On Feb 9, 2011, at 7:27 PM, Carlos Ovalle wrote:
> Listers,
>
> This afternoon I came across an interesting wheel-set. Campagnolo Nuovo Record high-flange hubs laced to "Industria Argentina" Saavedra aero profile rims (for tubulars) with Stella double-butted spokes (interesting washers) and sporting a Simplex 14-24 5 speed freewheel. My postal scale is not very accurate so I don't want to go there, but I swear these wheels feel super light. I'd love to try them on a bike but they seem so delicate that I'm afraid my 190 lb body will crush them.
>
> I have two questions:
> 1. Any idea on the weight limitation for these wheels?
> 2. The rims are certainly some kind of non-ferrous alloy, but they don't have the "silver" look of aluminum. Compared to all the other vintage rims they have a slightly yellowish tinge that reminds me a lot of titanium. Did Saavedra or any other manufacturer produce titanium rims around that time?
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
> Carlos Ovalle
> Long Beach, California, USA