1986 Fuji Sagres Restoration Part 2

I finally finished the new wheels for my '86 Sagres restoration. The original wheels will be nearly impossible to find because they were painted to match the dark grey paint on the bike. In the mean time, I decided to buy a rim that was similar to the original and paint it myself. In order to make this happen, I had to tape off the sidewalls so they would be silver. This took some time to get it right but I'm pleased with how they turned out. The paint isn't a perfect match, but it's very close and they look great!

The wheels were built with a basic 14g stainless spoke and a set of used hubs. Tires are Panaracer Pasela 27 x 1 1/8 - the only true skinwall tires I could find in this size. Not ideal because they have more tread than the originals, but I didn't want to spend a lot on these wheels since I'm still looking for the original wheelset. They aren't 100% period-correct parts, but they will make it ridable and a close enough match to make me happy until I find the elusive originals.

I just need to pick up an old 6 speed Suntour freewheel to finish off the wheel part of the resoration. I mounted them to take some pictures and it makes me anxious to ride it! It still needs an overhaul though so I'm getting ahead of myself. It's sure starting to look good!

Next step-longer stem, fresh cables, retape the bars. Stay tuned!

Comments

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