[CR]Wood rims

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Cinelli)

From: <noel3006@verizon.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2004 14:44:49 -0500
Subject: [CR]Wood rims

I'm thinking about using wood rims on my 30's style road racing bike. I have an NOS set from the 70's. Questions:

1)How do the rim surfaces hold up under brake use? Do they wear out quickly? Any special concerns with splintering, scoring, etc.? Does brake pad style matter, i.e. black rubber pads, red Universal pads, etc.?

2)Is it advisable to gently "resurface" the braking area periodically, by fine sanding and applying varnish/shellac?

3)What is the strength and failure mode of wood rims? Do they stand up to bad pavement, daily use, and 185 pound riders? If they do fail, is it catastrophic? IOW, ambulance rides and E.R. bills?

Noel Hoffmann
Huntington Beach