Hey guys, I have an old Pinarello that I want to keep the same downtube shifting on but upgrade the wheels to something hopefully more modern and lighter or higher quality . I’ve tried to research it but can’t really find much options
Does anyone have any good recommendations or advice on finding a top of the line wheelset for my old steel bike?
by ihm96
5 Comments
Yes, you can. I did that on my rain bike. “Jammed” a 130mm Campy 10 speed wheel in my old 126mm frame. Put on a 10 speed chain. The rear derailleur couldn’t reach the largest cog, so I filed down the ‘L’ stop a little bit to give it more travel.
The front shifting is not ideal because the cage is a bit wide for the chain. Shifting from large front chainring to small should be done quickly, or else it can “half shift” and skate along the top of the small ring.
It’s not a perfect set up for me, but is “good enough”.
You could search Craigslist or Marketplace for decent used wheels. With friction shifting, you don’t have to be as picky about compatibility.
You could lace up your own wheels and get exactly what you want. Are you wanting deep rims with fewer spokes? Are you just wanting lower gears? Once you can build wheels you can have anything.
I’ve used Shimano 10sp cassettes with old Sugino chainrings & SunTour shifters on a couple bikes. Currently rocking a Campy Zonda Wheelset recently bought off amazon on a Panasonic Team with I don’t know what 80s Shimano long cage rear derailer working the chain across an 11-32 10sp cassette. I haven’t cold-set the stays, just lightly massaged the rear dropouts onto the axle, and every big climb I’ve done has not pulled the wheel forward.
I’m eyeing RolfPrima’s polished Vigor wheelset pretty hard for another similar restomod build.
Just came in to say that I freaking love the pantographed rings.
Those wheels are already going to be good, any new wheels won’t be lighter. I’m confused what you are hoping to get out of new wheels?