jmac
Viscount
Posts: 34 
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Post by jmac on Apr 1, 2016 10:17:11 GMT
Hi all
As I am in the middle my first refurb I have realised I don't have any idea what wheels to be looking for. My grand Prix didn't have the originals on it.
Any ideas what would have been on a viscount grand Prix 1978/9? And what I could look for to make it look kind of original!!!
John
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Post by cusqueno on Apr 1, 2016 20:17:55 GMT
In the seventies Viscounts had 27" rims (ISO/ETRTO 630mm). The higher end models all had alloy rims - from a variety of manufacturers including Mavic, Milremo, Nisi - so any rim really, but aero or coloured anodised wouldn't look right. In the late seventies Viscount tended to use high flange Shimano hubs, but anything similar would be ok. It can be tricky to get a good range of 27" tyres so you might fit 700c (622mm) wheels if the drops on the brakes allow. Hope this helps. 36 spokes front and rear by the way.
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jmac
Viscount
Posts: 34
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Post by jmac on Apr 2, 2016 17:59:13 GMT
Thank you that gives me something to go on. Think I will go down the route of fitting 700 wheels, sounds it might be easier!! Moving along slowly but surely.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on Apr 2, 2016 18:21:31 GMT
I am pretty sure that many of those Viscount of that era & level bike would have had the steel rims- I bought an Indy 500 circa '81 and they had them, and I think the steel on that GP were original- but I wouldn't care too much about getting original spec - a nice pair of alloy wheels would suit it! And I think high flange are essential , for my taste on that era bike.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 558
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Post by robt on Apr 3, 2016 0:54:48 GMT
A brief warning that I have offered before, but particularly relevant if you're thinking of ordering some 700C (622) wheels as a simple, budget option: Check the spacing between your rear dropouts. Viscounts were, I believe, built during a period when the standard rear wheel axle spacing (or Over Locknut Dimension, OLD) was increased from 126mm to 130mm to accommodate 7 & 8 speed freewheels. It is likely that a standard set of modern 700C wheels will have a front OLD of 100mm (fine for old Viscounts), but the rear OLD will be 130mm. If your GP is an older Viscount frame, it might be set up for a 126mm rear OLD. 4mm might not seem much, but I had a chainstay break about 3 months after squeezing a 'budget' 27" rear wheel into my 1976 Sebring frame. The repair was only economic on purely sentimental grounds. Having said that, the alloy rim gave massively improved braking over the chromed steel rimmed originals. I certainly wouldn't be at all tempted to spend money on chromed steel rims, however 'original' they might be. As Sooper8 and Cusqueno suggest, go for alloy rims every time if you're buying new. Apparently, rear dropouts can be 'cold set' from 126 to 130mm and others on the forum have done so. 130mm rear dropout spacing would give you a huge choice of modern hubs and 700C (622) rims would give you access to a choice of thousands of modern tyres. Good quality 700C front & rear wheelsets plus decent tyres & tubes can be had for less than £100. If the brake block slots on your original centre-pull brakes aren't deep enough to set the pads to touch a 700C rim, there are many side-pull options that have a longer reach, but all this moves you away from the original specification. If you're looking at building wheels (or having some built for you) with new parts, the Zenith hubs available from Spa cycles can be ordered with 126 or 130mm OLD and with 32 or 36 spoke holes. They look the part, though they have round holes in the flanges instead of the Viscount originals' lozenge shaped holes. The favourite 27" (630) rims for deep-pocketed restorations seem to be the SunRingle CR18, but they are rarely available from UK suppliers. Importing from the USA makes them about £40+ each when you add shipping costs and import duties (which the Royal Mail demand from you before they will deliver them). With the Zenith hubs at £30 each, and 32 or 36 DT spokes per wheel @£0.80, you can end up with a beautiful pair of wheels that have cost you about four times what your Viscount cost in the first place. It would then be a shame to put cheap tyres on them. Choices, choices... Best wishes for your restoration. |
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jmac
Viscount
Posts: 34
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Post by jmac on Apr 3, 2016 7:31:22 GMT
Thank you guys for all the info, it will make my learning process a lot easier.
This is why this forum is fast becoming my favourite and I find that I am turning to it every day for information etc.
I will be taking on board everything mentioned and hopefully get myself a great set of wheels!
John.
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Post by Stella on Apr 4, 2016 11:16:05 GMT
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 558
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Post by robt on Apr 5, 2016 15:31:49 GMT
+1 from me for Stella's recommendation for the Rigida 27" rims from Bankrupt Bike Parts. I used one of these to replace a buckled front rim on my friend's Raleigh Record, and have just built another wheel using one laced to an old Viscount hub. They are single-walled, rather than box section, so are fractionally lighter but may not be as strong as box rims such as the Sun CR18. They maintain the simple profile and polished look of a chromed steel rim, but offer better wet braking. |
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