On 8/31/07, George Allen <jgallen@lexairinc.com> wrote:
>
> I'm ready to build up some wheels with NOS Campy Record hubs and an
> assortment of nice NOS rims. One wheelset in particular is for a nearly
> NOS 1973 Schwinn Paramount that's all original except, of course, for
> the wheels. I have procured high flange Record hubs with '73 lock nuts
> and the "Schwinn Approved" Super Champion rims. So do I use vintage
> spokes in building up the wheels? And, if so, what spokes would be
> appropriate for a 1973 Paramount? And exactly where does one find such
> spokes? If the bike were not so original I probably wouldn't care and
> would just use modern double butted, stainless spokes like I've used on
> all my other wheel builds with vintage rims and hubs.
>
> What are other listmember's opinions on the use of vintage spokes? How
> anal should we get in the period correct department? Wouldn't modern
> spokes make for a stronger wheel? Thus, wallhanger = old spokes, regular
> rider = new spokes?
>
> George Allen
> Lexington, Ky
> USA
I personally draw the line at spokes, considering them minor consumables from an appearence standpoint. I build everything with modern DT stainless, they're good and look good to me in an otherwise vintage wheelset.
One thing you could do is find out what spokes are correct as OE for that bike and while you wait to find suitable spokes, build up or borrow a rider wheelset and save the correct hubs and rims until you find your spokes for a correct OE build.
Kurt Sperry
Bellingham WA
USA