User Submitted Question Regarding Rims
I got this user submitted question regarding some rims. Not totally fixed gear related but if anyone knows the answer please leave a comment below.
Hi,
I am a cyclist who is in the process of building up a single speed bike. While sourcing up some parts to complete my project, I came across a pair of rims known as Araya B16 Red. This is a brand new but old stock rims from one of the shop in my hometown. While searching in the net to find out more on this particular model, I found out that this rims are specially used in the velodrome for Keirin riders and very popular in Japan. While looking at the rims I also notice that that there is no braking surface on the rims. I intend to ride regularly on road and placing brakes on the bike is importance. Hence this is a concern for me. Cud you guys shed some light over the matter. The rims is light though. Have you known anybody who ride the rims on road with brake?
Txs n rgds,
Mehmoud
Malaysia
November 10th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Hi Mehmoud
Brake as you please if you can get the brake to hit the rim. It was only late in the nineties rim-producers started to mill braking-surfaces on rims, so untill then we didnt care. Braking will wear the nice surface though. Back inm those days (70’s and 80’s) the brakes were not that powerfull either…
I would guess those rims are for tubular tires as well, so remember to glue them.
Peter Nyholm
Copenhagen
PS. I have not ridden that exact rim, but I rode mavic gp4 rims which had a similar construction
November 18th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Hey Mehmoud,
I agree with Peter, but one caveat - depending on the surface of the wheels non-machined surfaces can be very squeaky with standard brake pads. This is especially true if you have powder coated rims. I had a pair of wheels machined once, and the machinist only charged me $50, but it was really hard to find a shop with the capacity to turn the wheels. I also sanded a pair of powdercoated track rims and it solved the squeak problem, but looked ugly. My suggestion: try it carefully then adapt if the braking is inadequate or the squeaking annoying.
Best,
Ry