-
Which Rims?
Mavic Module E look pretty much like old sprint rims - that was probably the maker's intention.
I expect you have a 40 hole rear hub which you intend to use and this may cause a problem since
most of these rims are 36'sAs I mentioned above, I'd guess that there are more unwanted 40 hole sprints out there than 700's.
So far as the make is concerned, I don't think it's very important - there's not much difference in appearance. For your purposes I would try to avoid anything super light, for example Super Champion Medaille d'Or, which were excellent for best TT wheels, but too fragile for normal use.
Fiamme were very common and would suit you pretty well.I'm glad to hear you're intending to ride your Holdsworth - there doesn't seem much point in restoration if the bike is never used.
-
@SideshowBob There's a 40h Module E2 on Ebay at the moment (has been for maybe a month). IMO £80 is a lot to pay, so I have been doing my best to ignore it! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-NOS-MAVIC-MODULE-E2-700c-40-HOLE-CLINCHER-RIM/392463508327
Other 40h sprints do come up, not a lot and not often sexy ones. There are a couple of 70s/80s Monthelery Route listed at the moment https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-Mavic-Monthelery-Route-Tubular-Road-Rim-Silver-40H-700c-622-21mm-390g/333142231526?hash=item4d90d309e6:g:BxIAAOSwOVlcAA7h and it should be relatively easy to find matching 32h fronts. Again IMO these would look good with decals removed and a bit of a polish - they are at the more robust end for sprints.
Regarding the period Fiamme and Mavic, as mentioned above the Mavic seem really hard to come by. I have been looking for a 32h to pair a nice 40h I have for months, possibly even a year. Hilary Stone does have some, but unless he's unearthed more since I was there, what he has would suit builds with more patina.
If you haven't seen this, there is good info on trying to get the 'right' Fiamme for your build https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/781480-fiamme-red-timeline-start-please-join.html
As far as I remember without checking, the Longhi patent expired in 1959 - so #2 would be good to around then plus a few years for stock to run off. The later versions #4-6 come up reasonably often, especially 36h, but good condition #2 and #3 are hard to come by.
Repro decals are available from a few places, but as far as I know Cyclomondo do the best, you'd want H for #2 http://cyclomondo.net/USERIMAGES/Fiamme%20B(1).jpg
Thanks very much for the offer @clubman.
The 26" wheel search was for my 47' Holdsworth and trying to restore it to the specification offered by Holdsworth at the time but when I finally get it running I intend to use it rather than look at it.
The points you raise sound very valid and I think I will now look for sprint's or 700s.
Sprint's - Would I be looking for Fiamme or early Mavic ?
700s - What should I be looking for to suit ?
Thanks for advice.