Any info on weight of steel rims compared to alloy?

stickman

I would like to know this for the 26x1 3/8 size, or, if not, the same thing for another size to get a general idea of the sort of difference.

Dustine

Not sure on the rim weights (not like me to forget to weight the rims separately when i respoked the wheels) but I can give you some wheel weights for 26x 1 1/4" wheels (32/597):
1930's front, 36h- 1405g
1930's rear, 36h - 1610g
1970's front, 32h- 1230g
1970's rear, 40h- 1505g
Thats without wheel nuts, freewheels, tyres and tubes etc. So, pretty heavy compared with modern alloy rims and hubs. Although the rims are single wall, no eyelets, so possibly arent THAT heavy; maybe 600g or so??

stickman

That's great!
Rims or rimmed wheels, either is fine, it's more about getting a general idea of things. Thanks.

Dustine

Actually, it occurs to me why i didnt weight the rims and hubs separately; to make sure i followed the same spokings to avoid weakening the hub flanges, i left the hub attached by a few of the old spokes while i replaced all the others. So the hubs and rims were never totally separated!! :-)
Anyway, gives you a general idea!!!

geoff_ss

The advantages of alloy over steel isn't just weight reduction. It's better braking and truer running too. Though perhaps my experience is coloured by the poor quality steel rims fitted to bikes in the 70s but braking in the wet on steel rims is marginal to say the least.

Geoff

Monty Dog

I agree, memories of steel-rimmed wheels, squealing brakes and failing to stop at junctions without putting your feet on the floor! I remember the difference the first pair of alloy wheels made to the handling and braking of a bike.

Dustine

Both my steel-rimmed bikes are dry weather steeds; they also weight so much I dont get them up to those kinds of dangerous-to-stop-from speeds anyhow...