79pmooney

My training cottons were Vittorias (usually), decently light and nice ribbed tread. Big step down from the Criterium Setas that had the "magic carpet" ride, but not shabby tires. I say Vittorias (usually) because I got them mail order from Palo Alto Cycles, the labels varied as did the tires somewhat but they were consistently good reliable tires and decent rides at a reasonable price and not hard to repair. I don't know this but the ribbed tread seemed to be a favorite, even trademark, of Vittoria and a tread that I came to love. (Never realized I loved it until the '80s when ribbed treads disappeared. Vittoria brought it back with their G+. First G+ ride and I got reminded how much I love that tread!)

For a Sunday go to church ride, I'd get a heavier Vittoria G+/G2.0 tire. Haven't ridden those in tubular but the "opens" are a great ride. When I go there (my Pacific NW required rim replacements will be to tubular) I'll go to those tires as my "best" and re-learn the always wiping the tread after glass and debris.

Edit: I say this and I've been hearing that the Veloflex (?) tires are better so we'll see.

LittleGinseng 

Jamesdak, you are not wrong.

I have the same affliction when it comes to shoeing a frame with the a proper set of wheels. Sure, there have been times when I approached a build in a completely utilitarian sense, using whatever I had on hand. The final result looks good, ok, fine, BUT! The feeling one gets when mating frame and components with the right set of wheels is extremely satisfying.

For me it's all about the wheels.

Your Opus III is a gem.

Prowler 

Peaceful thoughts, gentle music and those containers left from take out Chinese food are your friends. Like riding a bicycle - easy once you get the hang of it.

spank226

fwiw, there's an Opus III for sale in San Diego for $300

https://offerup.com/item/detail/970014723/

jamesdak 

Getting back to this project again. Wheels are ready to go other than I need to pull the rear axle again and center it. I don't know why but it's way off to one side. I only removed the locknut and cone on the non-drive side when I serviced it but wasn't paying attention to the fact they came to me off center.

Otherwise I'm back to deciding on what tubulars. I'm pretty sure I'm going Veloflex as they are well priced and have served me well on my other bikes. Tan wall for sure although I wish someone made a darker sidewall like with the GP Classic clinchers on it right now. I keep hemming and hawing between 700 x 22, 700 x 23 and 700 x 25 versions. All about the same price and I don't know if it really matters in terms of which would fit "better on the 21mm wide rims. Decisions, decisions.......

RobbieTunes

Magnum Opus III.

I'd rather be excited about 40-year old bike wheels (and use them)....
... than get excited about 40-year old skateboard wheels and break several bones.

Yes. Tan walls. 22's.

That'll be $3.50
Check, money order, or Giordana.

SJX426 

@jamesdak - Since you already ride the Veloflex, I can understand sticking with what is familiar. My new go to tire is the Vittorio G+. My first exposure was with the clincher version, which wowed me comparted to the Pro 4 that was on before. So I bought a pair of tubulars and run them on the De Rosa
P1030570 on Flickr

jamesdak 

I've got a clincher set of those just waiting to go on the Olmo once that is built up. To be honest, a bit put off by how white the sidewalls are but am excited to see how they ride.

SJX426 

Like most gum walls, I expect they will yellow!