Author Topic: Of Tires and Rims  (Read 12868 times)

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Offline Rick.in.AZ

Of Tires and Rims
« on: September 12, 2013, 12:20:27 pm »
I have a 15 year old Randonee that came with Mavic MA2 rims.  The rear needs replacement now

So now the question - Do I just get a new Mavic (now Open Sport) and spokes and call it a day, or do I replace both rims?  The reason I ask is that if I am going to do both, I'll switch to A 319s.

I have examined the front rim, and there are none of the micro-cracks Mavic rims are known to develop, but I can feel i slight ridge near the lip, indicating that there is noticable wear on the breaking surfaces. The wheel has been fine, with only minor truing over 15 years and about 25,000 miles, but is that the point of wear out?

So - Those of you with lots of experience:

The MA2s did fine on a loaded Portland to SF trip 15 years ago, but should I really consider stouter wheels for the TransAM? That would tip me to replace both.

Or should I just replace the rear rim?
« Last Edit: September 12, 2013, 11:37:44 pm by Rick.in.AZ »

Offline bogiesan

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2013, 09:36:17 pm »
Take it to a good bike shop. Tell the wrench what you're concerned about and let them have the bike for an afternoon. go pick up the bike and let them sell you the rims and the hubs and the tires and the brakes and probably a new transmission, too.

I play go. I use Macintosh. Of course I ride a recumbent

Offline Rick.in.AZ

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2013, 11:39:26 pm »
Thanks Bogie.  I suppose a new Engine too.  Mine is 57 years old.

Any one else?

Offline Mongoeric

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2013, 10:10:41 am »
I went through this process when I was getting cracked rims on my OE rims.

I am a big man (240lbs) and live in Vermont so dirt roads can't be avoided. I wanted something close to bullet proof but not crazy heavy.

I ended up having Peter White make me wheels with Ultegra Hubs and Velocity Deep Vee rims. Love 'em. They survived hitting a pot hole in NYC and me flying over the handlebars without even a retrueing. (I, on the other hand, cracked a rib.) There are lots of alternatives out there, 36 spokes will make a difference.

Eric

Offline dkoloko

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2013, 12:48:58 pm »
I have a 15 year old Randonee that came with Mavic MA2 rims.  The rear needs replacement now

So now the question - Do I just get a new Mavic (now Open Sport) and spokes and call it a day, or do I replace both rims?  The reason I ask is that if I am going to do both, I'll switch to A 319s.

I have examined the front rim, and there are none of the micro-cracks Mavic rims are known to develop, but I can feel i slight ridge near the lip, indicating that there is noticable wear on the breaking surfaces. The wheel has been fine, with only minor truing over 15 years and about 25,000 miles, but is that the point of wear out?

So - Those of you with lots of experience:

The MA2s did fine on a loaded Portland to SF trip 15 years ago, but should I really consider stouter wheels for the TransAM? That would tip me to replace both.

Or should I just replace the rear rim?

Personally, I would just replace the one rim. As to stout, MA2 rims should be fine; the build  quality is more important. As you know, MA2 or its successor will limit you to 32mm width tires (actual measurement), which should be adequate, although you may think you need wider rubber. I've found the Open Sport rim easier to build, which also means it should stay true longer. I have not noticed micro cracks on my Mavic rims. Is this something more particular to anodized rims? If I was switching to A319 rims it would be because I want to install wider rubber, not because I thought MA2 rims weren't stout enough to tour.

Offline RussSeaton

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2013, 05:58:16 pm »
I hate Mavic rims.  I know what you are talking about.  Cracks around the spoke eyelets on my Open Pro rims.  I replaced the rear rim with a Sun Assault SL1 rim.  Same spokes, same hub.  I've had good luck building wheels with Velocity and DT rims.  I really like DT rims.  You can have Star Bike build the wheels for you if you go for new hubs and spokes and rims.  36 spokes is preferred.  If you have the money, sure replace both rims, wheels.  More fun to buy new stuff for the bike.  Not needed, but fun.  Ultegra or Dura Ace 36 spoke hubs, stout DT rims, DT 14/15 spokes, 3 cross, brass nipples.  Super wheels.  Since its a 15 year old bike, it will be 130mm rear hub spacing, Shimano hubs, 9 or 8 speed STI.  All new wheels will fit fine.

http://www.starbike.com/en/starbike.com-wheel-building-service/

Offline Rick.in.AZ

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2013, 06:45:12 pm »
Thanks folks.

I am skeptical of Sun rims - reason is, I replaced my Open Pro's on my "racing" bike with Sin Assaults same as Russ.  They work fine but AHHHH what a pain to change tires.  I actually have rebuilt the rear on the Randonee with a Sun CR18, and have a 2nd one for the front, but their so stinking hard to change tires that I am afraid to use then on the Trans AM (Tires are Conti Touring 2000 Plus which I can swap with out tools on the Mavic MA;  Conti Gators on the Open Pros).

Now if I could find a magic trick to change tires on the CR18's I'd be set...

dkoloko -- By the way 35s fit on the Open Sport/MA2.  My bike came with Avocet Cross inverted tread 700 x 35s, and I have run Conti touring 700 x35 also with no issue.  It's a size bigger than recommended, but works fine (I did the Pacific Coast with Contis).


Offline dkoloko

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #7 on: September 13, 2013, 06:52:25 pm »

dkoloko -- By the way 35s fit on the Open Sport/MA2.  My bike came with Avocet Cross inverted tread 700 x 35s, and I have run Conti touring 700 x35 also with no issue.  It's a size bigger than recommended, but works fine (I did the Pacific Coast with Contis).

I specified 35mm measured. If you are successful mounting 35mm tires (actual measurement), fine. I couldn't mount 35mm Marathon tires on rims, not MA2, but same width, and yes, with hooked beads. There is also question of performance when such size tire is mounted on such size rim.

Offline Rick.in.AZ

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2013, 09:05:23 pm »
I specified 35mm measured. If you are successful mounting 35mm tires (actual measurement), fine. I couldn't mount 35mm Marathon tires on rims, not MA2, but same width, and yes, with hooked beads. There is also question of performance when such size tire is mounted on such size rim.

Fair enough, and in reality, my 32s are just fine. so if the Open Sports are strong enoigh as you say (I do believe you), then the only question really, is if my front rim is worn to the point where it needs replacing. If so, then I guess the decision is more just a judgment call.

Since the MA2 doesn't have a wear indicator, how do I tell if the rim is too far worn?  Find someone with a micrometer? But then what's the Starting thickness???

Offline Rick.in.AZ

Re: Of Tires and Rims
« Reply #9 on: September 14, 2013, 11:35:32 am »
how do I tell if the rim is too far worn?  Find someone with a micrometer? But then what's the Starting thickness???

Answered my own question, courtesy of Googling.  The thickness answer is 1mm. If < 1mm replace. And use a Dental Caliper.  But since I don't have a dental caliper, look to see if the braking surface has become noticeably concave.  I used a metal precision ruler as a straight edge. In a couple places I might be able to fit a sheet of paper in the tiny air space when holding the ruler flat against the side. Not enough to measure or worry about.

Thus the front is fine.  And so I just replace the rear rim.

While the flat dry land of Phoenix, Arizona may not be Shangri-La, it seems it does result in long rim life :)