Building a set of wheels with wooden rims

[Dave2]

For the bicycle. I have a NIB set of Campy C-Record hubs. A pair of Veloflex Criterium tires just waiting to be mounted. So i figured, what the hell, and ordered a pair of Ghisello wooden rims. I should have the rims in about two weeks and I can get to building.

[paddy335]

That's awesome. You'll be getting a Renovo frame too?

[05Mdriver]

Slightly off topic.. but cool nonetheless

[Dave2]

Originally Posted by paddy335

That's awesome. You'll be getting a Renovo frame too?

No, I will use them on these two bikes. '74 Holdsworth Pro and '88 DeRosa Super Prestige. The Holdsworth was restored to near original condition about 3 years ago. It was labeled as a Hill Cycle when imported for Hill Cycle Shop. The DeRosa is in original condition.

[paddy335]

I would have given my left nut for that De Rosa back in the 80's. Both bikes in beautiful condition

[Dave2]

Originally Posted by paddy335

I would have given my left nut for that De Rosa back in the 80's. Both bikes in beautiful condition

If that is the case you will probably like this. DeRosa track bike of the same vintage.

And a newer DeRosa.

[xiliy]

Any of these bikes are for sale?

[Dave2]

Originally Posted by xiliy

Any of these bikes are for sale?

No, none of them are for sale. I am the original owner of each of them.

The Hill Cycle had seen years of racing, followed by years of riding by my girlfriend (now my wife), a son, and daughter. The thing was in very poor condition. I did a restoration to near original condition about three years ago. I was even able to source the original decals from H Lloyd cycles in the UK.

[paddy335]

Those De Rosa's are beautiful. That tracky

I love that you have restored that Hill. I have forever regretted not keeping my early bikes.

[kscarrol]

OK, I'll show my ignorance and ask... What do wooden rims provide other than a "coolness" factor? I am sure there is some logical reason! Are they lighter than the aluminum/metal wheels? Are they more durable/fewer bent rims?

Obviously I am not into cycling so I have no clue what advantage the wooden rims offer?

[Dave2]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

OK, I'll show my ignorance and ask... What do wooden rims provide other than a "coolness" factor? I am sure there is some logical reason! Are they lighter than the aluminum/metal wheels? Are they more durable/fewer bent rims?

Obviously I am not into cycling so I have no clue what advantage the wooden rims offer?

The only benefit they truly provide is the "coolness"factor. Wooden rims have a natural flex to them that will not be found on aluminum or carbon rims, so they will exhibit a softer ride.

The reason I am building up a set is just as you mentioned; because it will be cool! And rare.

I have no plans ride these wheels daily. They will come out on the occasional social ride on sunny days.

[kscarrol]

Makes sense! And it does look like a fun, hands on project. Beautiful bikes by the way!!

[Billup]

That is bad ass, and gorgeous set of bikes too. Nice little collection on your hands. Have any others?

[Litos]

not a bike guy by any stretch of the imagination, but i can appreciate the condition of these bikes.

got a nice set of awesomness there, dude.....

[Dave2]

Originally Posted by Billup

That is bad ass, and gorgeous set of bikes too. Nice little collection on your hands. Have any others?

That is all I currently own. There are some others I have had and sold. All of which I wish I still owned. For the life of me I can't imagine why I let them go, except #4 below . They included:

1) Poliaghi track bike. Late 70's vintage. White with Campy Record and 1" pitch chain. Someone should hit me in the head with a hammer for having sold this!

2) Colnago Super road bike. Late 70s vintage. This was a nice bike; but don't really miss it that much.

3) Limongi road bike. Blue with Campy Record. This was a rare bike built by Pepe Limongi while he was working in the States. Late 70s vintage. Outstanding criterium bike. Again, Someone should hit me in the head with a hammer for having sold this!

4) Schwinn Paramount track bike. Red (repainted blue, then black) with Campy Record. Mid 70s vintage. My first track bike. A girl I met while racing in Michigan talked me into selling it to her. She was very persuasive. I believe I still have her photo somewhere. I would like to have this one back; but if forced to choose between the two I would take the Poliaghi.

[kscarrol]

Originally Posted by Dave2

I believe I still have her photo somewhere.

By "her" do yo mean the bike or the girl??

[Dave2]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

By "her" do yo mean the bike or the girl??

The girl...

[Dave2]

Rims have arrived. Time to start building.

[Dave2]

Wheels are built. Just need to spend some time this week truing , glue on some tires, and they will be ready to ride.