[CR] Saavedra rims

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

From: "Carlos Ovalle" <ovalle@charter.net>
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2011 19:27:09 -0800
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Saavedra rims


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