Filed my rim seams!
 

In another thread it was noted that Sun rims usually had a slight overlap at the bead. It was suggested I'd have to file them smooth, and I balked for a while because of scratching. Well, there was scratching, but I went after it with some 1000 grit sandpaper. Don't know if I did it right, wondering what grit-equivalent finish these rims are machined at, but I think they turned out pretty decent.

Before and after;


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...45647eaa78.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b1b2436cf0.jpg

Wheels are going on this Allez, which is starting to look like an actual bike!

Quick query: Figuring on a black Brooks, bar tape, toe straps, and housing...should I paint the seat post flutes yellow, red, or neither?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...232f1bf00d.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ce617404a5.jpg

Brake pads "scratch" the rims. I never understood hard anodization of rims, they all go "bald" at some time, and the coefficient of friction between brake pads and anodized alumium is probably less than on bare aluminum.

Rims are the disc of the brake, and are worn in the same manner.

Nice work. I'd paint the flutes red.

Definitely paint the flutes. Not sure on color. That would be saved near the end (along with choosing straps), after I see what the saddle and tape look like.

Black always looks good. And those rim labels might look better without the m13ii part.

Enjoying your process/progress. Everyone should take a stab at wheelbuilding. :thumb:

Yes on red!

Don't worry about the scratching, brake pads should take care of that quickly.

I'd go for yellow flutes; more subtle. Some night also recommend alternating red AND yellow flutes.

That's going to be a nice looking bike when you're done :thumb:

Yes, I figured the pads would fill in the scratching, but I'm kind of persnickety so the light sanding made me feel better.

Looks like the preference is to paint the flutes. So far I've got one for yellow, two for red, and one for a mix of both. Good thing that can be close to the last thing, it'll give me plenty of time to think it over!

Flutes - either the same yellow as the lug trim, or the same orange (?) as the branding.

A file, being rigid, will leave a more level surface than sandpaper. Better IMO if the rim joint has a lip. If sandpaper is glued to a stick, that'll do the trick as well. BITD I generally didn't bother unless there was a discontinuity severe enough to cause a tick... tick... tick... tick... sound whenever the brakes were used.

AFA scratched braking surface on rims, IME it works better. I'm not sure where this fear of scratching rims has come from. I sand most rims on purpose if there are any issues whatsoever with brake squeal, typically using 220, maybe 320 grit sandpaper.

P600 scratches on aluminum are pretty fine. They'll polish right out with compound.

There is a related issue I've noticed that probably deserves a PSA. Please people, if you get grit stuck and embedded in your brake pads, dig it out! This used to be common knowledge. In the last few years, I've heard so many people's brakes making that tell tale scraping sound on descents, that I have to conclude that most people are not taught to clean brake pads any more.

Yes, the yellow lug trim is very close in color to the decals.
I think the lighting in the pics makes them look more orange than they are.

It's going to be a tough call on what color to go with, especially since it'd be a hassle to change if I don't like my choice.

I've got to admit, the alternating yellow & red is kind of intriguing.
With three flutes on each side, I could go;
Y-R-Y on both
or
R-Y-R on both
or
Y-R-Y on one side, and R-Y-R on the other side.

But...that last idea would not be symmetric, and even though no one would notice, it would likely bother me!

the ceramic coated Mavic rims were cool.
anodized rims were for team mechanics to avoid polishing them. :)

Alternate the color...nice build BTW. :thumb:
Ben

Hey! How did I miss this thread? :bike2:

I file the seams on a lot of rims, and I'll have to say that 67tony , you did a great job!

Also... I'd leave the flutes unpainted unless you can exactly match the red or yellow.

Nice project and nice sanding!

Going with full black tires or tan walls?

Bought Continental Ultra Sport II's, with the subtle yellow stripe.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3580c04530.jpg