Mercian Super Vigorelli

Like TB14s? Planning on going low profile and was thinking of Open Pros but I'm not sure what alternatives there are.

Velocity A23 have a lower claim weight than Mavic Open Pros, and thus, wider profile mean the 25c feel more comfortable than it is, and will fit the clearance better on the tight track geometry of your Mercian, with the additional bonus of feeling like tubular.

before anyone ask how I got to this, I wasn't sure till mdcc mentioned similar thing about wider rims (I'm running Mavic touring rims with 26c tyres).

Never even heard of those rims! I have 23c on the cheapo wheelset I have on the bike at the moment but as they're road going wheels, 25c with a wider rim sounds like a nice idea.

Get TB14s!

Have you used them? I think they look great but I can't seem to get a decent answer anywhere as to whether they're actually any good....

A23s are better... I've built both.

Like TB14s? Planning on going low profile and was thinking of Open Pros but I'm not sure what alternatives there are.

TB14 rim is a modern 23mm wide rim but one which nods to tradition. But at I believe 501 grams each these rims aren’t super light!

Looks cool!

25c with a wider rim sounds like a nice idea.

incidentally I decided to put 26c on my 23mm rims to see not only how it feel but also give me enough clearance to run mudguard that my 32c can't.

insofar it was surprisingly comfortable (my last memory of running 25c were gatorskin) and really does feel like a tubular when cornering.

no hourglass shape, just a tidy U shape;

also found this when googling;

*The idea of making rims wider, as wide as the tires used, and mating the rims with 23-25mm tires to improve road grip, smooth out transitions from riding straight to taking a turn, and improve aerodynamics all makes sense to us. The wide rim changes the profile of the 23mm tire from a bulb to more of a U shape. Zipp has been embracing the wide rim concept as well with their tubulars for a number of years, and has already done their 101 clincher as a wide rim, but this is the first time we've seen them bring the concept to their deep dish clincher wheels.
*

Those levers look ace! I'm in the market for something like this for my SS, these or the SRAM S900, what is the return spring like on them? I tend to prefer my brakes with lots of resistance...

Thanks!

No spring in them I'm afraid (or on the S900)

However, if you're running two brakes, which I guess you will be with SS then the return is provided by the caliper springs.

I've got S500 levers on another bike and the shape is quite different to Campagnolo. I like both but it may be worth establishing which you prefer before buying!

Alright, £15, that's my final final offer.

Those levers look ace! I'm in the market for something like this for my SS, these or the SRAM S900, what is the return spring like on them? I tend to prefer my brakes with lots of resistance...

Thanks!

I believe these bad boys have springs in them;

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/16841/products/TRP-RRL-Carbon-Drop-Bar-Brake-Lever.aspx?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=PriceComp&utm_term=Froogle&utm_content=None&utm_campaign=PriceComp1

Do you want a boxy wide rim? i think velocity aero (not aeroheat) in alu are a great rim to build with for low profile trad build. low profile round transition looks simple and crisp. Open pros dont seem too special on that bike. I have mavic cxp12s on my mercian vigorelli and think they suit the frame style.

No spring in them I'm afraid (or on the S900).

Really? I had heard that the S900 does have a spring. For the money you would have thought they would...

However, if you're running two brakes, which I guess you will be with SS then the return is provided by the caliper springs.

Gotcha, although I know this generally isn't enough for my preference. I have some Profile Quick Stops on my horns and even with a spring it doesn't feel too good...

I believe these bad boys have springs in them;
http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/16841/products/TRP-RRL-Carbon-Drop-Bar-Brake-Lever.aspx?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=PriceComp&utm_term=Froogle&utm_content=None&utm_campaign=PriceComp1

Nice, thanks, could be the solution!

Really? I had heard that the S900 does have a spring. For the money you would have thought they would...

I can't say for definite but I have S500s and they certainly don't. My Campag lever don't have springs and they're ridiculously expensive new - I'm very lucky to have got them cheap second hand.

But what are springs except extra weight when the calipers do the job? I have some Shimano levers with springs and the unconnected one of those still rattled incessantly.

I'd say get the levers you find most comfortable as your hands will be on them a lot!

Spring were useful when you have single pivot brakes, but ulimately not a necessity in modern brakes, I had both spring/non-spring levers using the same brakes, it just felt the same.

levers with no spring in them is harder to brakes with old calipers I can tell you that.

I'd say get the levers you find most comfortable as your hands will be on them a lot!

Zing, that's that, doesn't matter whether it have spring or not, as long the shape is right for your hand.

The tektro carbons look nice.

Another +1 for the Velocity Aero's. The only downer is non-msw. So the front will show marks. But if you can get polished silver then I wouldn't have thought it'll show up much.

upstart - this is what Open Pros look like on my Vigorelli. The hubs are Dura-Ace low flange track hubs.

Loved that Vigorelli and most especially the handlebar shape.

Have you used them? I think they look great but I can't seem to get a decent answer anywhere as to whether they're actually any good....

I have them on my Merckx and I'm very happy with them. Not ridden Open Pros so can't compare but they feel rigid and most of all comfortable. They give a very good ride. I like them a lot.

might be deeper than you are looking for but this is my vigorelli with mavic cxp12s. though no brake surface...

Thanks all for the advice. I like Open Pros because I find them very easy to build a strong wheel with.

The velocity rims sound good but I don't really want a black rim - silver or hard ano is my preference. Whilst I don't really want to let looks rule over absolute performance, if function was my absolute preference I suppose I wouldn't be building up an old steel bike with a threaded headset...

So I think it's a choice between Open Pros and TB14s. I must admit I'm leaning more toward the TB14 for the wider rim. Choices choices!

They're so pretty...

Love the colour! This looks tall - 60cm+?