Rims for Vintage Modern build

[DeLuz]

I need to build wheels for my recently aquired 1985 Mercian.
I am going with modern 130mm wheels 20H front and 24 or 28 rear.
I am thinking silver rims would be nice. Here is my list of contenders:

H Plus SON Archetype polished - I am wondering if the polished aluminum will be too bright.

Pacenti Forza Classico - I like the look of this rim. But I have bad memories of SL23 rims thatcracked. I wonder if Forza will have th e same problem?

Hed Belgium C2 - Not silver and a little pricey but I think it would look ok.

Easton R90 SL - Also more expensive and black. I have these on my Cannodale and they have been awesome. Would not hesitate to use again but I am not sure the look would be right for this bike.

DT R460 - Black but really good price on these.

Thanks for any feedback.

[petromyzon]

Pacenti! Either Brevet or Forza Classico. I've no direct experience but both of those extrusions have been around a long time and are much heavier than the SL23 generation.
Neither comes in 20h but tbh 20h will not look "right" on a retro bike.
Forzas are a bit wider and have an offset rear to build a stronger wheel. Neither of those features are period correct but both are nice to have.
You need to check that your chosen brake calipers will play nicely with modern rim widths.
IMHO the nicest look will be silver rims and tan wall tyres, anything else probably won't look "right". Polishing up black rims you've bought would be super expensive.

[bobones]

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[DeLuz]

I think I am leaning towards the Pacenti but as you said it will have to be 24H front and 28H rear.
I also like that the rear is offset.
The brakes will be Tektro R539 which have a reach of 47-57mm. I measured the distance from the brake mount to the rim and I think these will work.
But how do I know if they will work with the rims?

[Singular]

H+Son TB14 is a great rim for retro builds - classic box section, modern-ish size and fine quality.

[Miller]

The Cycle Clinic has a good selection of rims, maybe that Borg22 ?
https://thecycleclinic.co.uk/collections/rims

Halo do a rim that is literally called 'Retro'. 28/32/36 drillings and comes in silver.
https://www.halowheels.com/shop/compone ... retro-rim/

[DeLuz]

H+Son TB14 is a great rim for retro builds - classic box section, modern-ish size and fine quality.

I did look at the TB14. The look is great but its pretty heavy and needs at least 28 spokes.
At some point I have to draw the line between retro look and weight.
Still its an option.

Actually weight is similar to Pacenti Forza so not too bad.

[tjvirden]

I need to build wheels for my recently aquired 1985 Mercian.
I am going with modern 130mm wheels 20H front and 24 or 28 rear.
I am thinking silver rims would be nice. Here is my list of contenders:

H Plus SON Archetype polished - I am wondering if the polished aluminum will be too bright.

Pacenti Forza Classico - I like the look of this rim. But I have bad memories of SL23 rims thatcracked. I wonder if Forza will have th e same problem?

Hed Belgium C2 - Not silver and a little pricey but I think it would look ok.

Easton R90 SL - Also more expensive and black. I have these on my Cannodale and they have been awesome. Would not hesitate to use again but I am not sure the look would be right for this bike.

DT R460 - Black but really good price on these.

Thanks for any feedback.

I have had - and still have - good use from Hed Belgium C2s. Lovely to build with and no problems after many, many Kms. Not cheap, or silver as you say.

[DeLuz]

Just discovered the Velocity Quill, looks nice in satin silver. Its $140 though.