Another Option in 26 x 1 3/8 (650A / 590mm) Rims - Van Schothorst

 I'm always hunting for good quality wheel parts for old three speed bikes. Good wheels breathe life into an old bike, whether vintage, upgraded, or modified. I prefer to use vintage parts that are generally consistent with the presentation of a vintage bike. I like an old-style rim that fits with the period in which the bike was made, even if the rim itself is not quite that old.

I wrote previously about Alesa aluminum rims in the 26 x 1 3/8 (590mm "650A") size. Those aluminum rims are a vintage item, Made in Belgium. They have roughly an Endrick rim width, but with a center ridge similar to a Westrick/Raleigh pattern rim. Interestingly, Weinmann made a very similar rim in the USA for a number of years. I have a set of those as well, and they are similar to the Alesa but a little more heavy-duty. Both are 36 hole rims and would look reasonably at home on a vintage three speed bike. 

This week, I received another vintage 26 x 1 3/8 set of rims: Van Schothorst steel rims. These rims are also 36 hole types. These VS rims are fairly heavy-duty and pretty well finished. There aren't any rough spots or seams on the outside that would catch your brake pads. Interestingly, they are the opposite of the Alesa/Weinmann rims: they are roughly of a Westrick/Raleigh rim's width, but without the center ridge. They're wider than a traditional Endrick rim.

 

VS Rims - the insides are coated with a non-slip paint

These rims are made in Holland, which makes sense given the large number of utility bikes available in that country. I don't know how widely available these rims are in the USA or Britain today, but apparently old stocks of them do occasionally show up. 

 

Rim information clearly presented - I like this feature of the VS rim

These rims won't solve the perennial problem of "I need a new rim with 32 holes in front and 40 holes in back", which tends to plague older English-made bikes. But if you have 36-hole hubs available, they are an option to build up a nice wheel set for an English bike. They also could be used to convert a Schwinn or other American-made three speed to the more common 650A/590mm tire size, down from the less common 597mm or 599mm size. 

Westrick/Raleigh pattern width, but without the center ridge

 

A short guide to these various replacement rims:

•  If you're looking for lightness, the Alesa, Weinmann, or Sun CR18 is better than the VS.
• If you're looking to maintain the width of your Westrick/Raleigh rims, the VS is better than the Alesa/Weinmann.
• If you're looking for durability, the VS is the heavier-built rim.
• If you're looking for better braking, the Weinmann, Alesa, or Sun is better.
• If you need 32h or 40h new rims, the Sun CR18 is the best option. 
• If you need 32h or 40h dead stock rims, original Raleighs are your best bet.