400 Rims Advice

[andut]

After some advice or recommendations on new wheel options for my 400 please.

DSS's DID chrome rims don't seem rediculously priced, but no SS spokes, only galvanised ?

Any other options that others have used or would recommend ?

Would ideally like to refurb the original rims, but I think they're a bit too far gone, and good metal finishers seem rare !

Andy

[mike the bike]

I used stainless rims, spokes and nipples from Central Wheel.  Not original I know but that's just my preference.

[andut]

Thanks Mike, I'll take a look at Central Wheel offerings !

[stevush]

I have some original DID rims if you're interested, I think they would refurb OK. PM me if you like.

Regards
Steve

[Chris400F]

Andy,
I have an original front rim with light pitting if that's any use (wanted to check condition before posting).
Come to that I also have a complete front wheel, again with light pitting on the rim, which came off my own bike - I managed to pick up a very nice S/H one for less than the price of having mine rebuilt with a new or rechromed rim so went down that route.
Also came across this thread on stainless spokes, not for the 400 but probably still relevant: http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php?topic=5596.0
Chris

[petermigreen]

I used stainless rims, spokes and nipples from Central Wheel.  Not original I know but that's just my preference.

Me too, future proof I think.

[andut]

Thanks for advice and the offers of rims !

Looks like Central Wheel's stainless offering seems to be a good option, so will go that route and might get brave enough to have a go at building the rims up myself !

Andy

[petermigreen]

Hi Andy,
Great choice. I rebuilt my wheels so it can't be that hard!
Best advice, take a million pictures of the wheels BEFORE you strip them down. Lacing pattern and hub offset (on rear) very important.

I'm lucky enough to own a truing stand from when I straightened bicycle wheels, but if you don't own one I'm sure it's easy enough to jury rig a stand out of just about anything or even a long spindle in a vice. Anyway the job is far easier if you have some way of spinning the wheel and having some sort of datum (pointy thing) to gauge the rim against for true-ness. I'm guessing though that if you're considering attempting it, then you may have some experience anyway so don't be offended if I'm teaching you to suck eggs.
Let us know how it goes.
Good luck. Peter.

[andut]

Thanks Peter !

I have no experience of building wheels, so very happy to receive your advice ! 

I'll place the order tomorrow, and I'm told there's presently a few weeks lead time, so I'll update here when I get the parts and I'll no doubt be after more advice shortly after !

Just need to dismantle the old rims, but that could be fun as the nipples seem pretty well corroded inside and out - guessing I'll be dusting off the bolt croppers !

Andy

[steven400/4]

you can still get did rims and genuine spokes of german ebay

[Tomb]

Wheel building is easy needing no special tools, AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER TO MEASURE THE OFFSET BEFORE STRIPPING!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4seylmsPzAk