Another Option in 26 x 1 3/8 (590mm) Rims: Alesa Alloy Rims

Alesa Rims - Look Westrick but are more Endrick in Size

The common British 3-speed rim sized 26 x 1-3/8 (590mm) periodically is produced in various shapes by various companies. Rigida, Araya, and Sun Ringle are among the companies that have produced rims in this size, not to mention the originals from Raleigh, Dunlop, and Sturmey Archer. 

I was mildly surprised to recently come across a new listing for 590mm rims made by Alesa. These rims are alloy, but of a more traditional shape than the popular Sun CR18 rims. Let's take a closer look.

These rims resemble the old "Westrick" Raleigh rims found on the Dawn and Sports series bicycles. They have a ridge in the center, flanked by narrow flats. The sides are polished, plain, and flat for caliper brakes. Construction is straightforward, without any extra walls, boxes, or eyelet reinforcement. The rims are quite light.

The rim joint is noticeable, but no more so than on the popular Sun CR18 rim. The joint area is reasonably well-matched and smooth.

Although resembling the Westrick rims in shape, they are not quite the same as the originals. The Alesa rim is  narrower than Westrick, with narrow top flats, being closer in size to a traditional Endrick rim than to a true Westrick, despite the center ridge. This rim will not reliably accommodate full-sized rod brake pads on the inner surface because the top flats are too narrow. Overall, I would describe the Alesa as an Endrick rim with a center ridge rather than being a true "Westrick".

Plain eyelets without reinforcing on Alesa rims

Whereas the Westrick can take both the rod and the cable-caliper brakes, this Alesa rim only looks suitable for cable-caliper brakes that touch the side walls. 

The original Westrick is a wider rim than the Alesa

That being said, this rim does capture a certain vintage look, more so than the CR-18. I recommend, given the single-layer construction at the eyelets, that nipple/rim washers be used when lacing these into wheels.

From what I can see, these rims are only made in 36-hole drilling. This is a big drawback for people wanting to preserve the original 40/32 hole combination of their English three speed bikes. The British did convert these bikes to 36/36 drilling in the mid-1970s, but a 40-hole and a 32-hole offering would be much appreciated in addition to the 36-hole drilling. 

I can't complain though. This rim represents another offering in a size that has periodically struggled to be reproduced.  For those willing to use a 36-hole wheel on a vintage English 3-speed, these rims have a pleasing look and may help keep old 3-speed bikes needing new rims on the road awhile longer.

 Alesa rims are available as of June 2025 on eBay through certain sellers in the USA. They sell there in the $25 - $30 (US dollars) range each.

Alesa rims - a narrow "Westrick" shape in an Endrick size