Topic: Borrani rims on the 550

[Flood]

Hi all,

I just got a good deal for a complete Borrani rear wheel for the 550, complete with brake and tire on eBay.

Although I know the name I don't know much about those rims and would like to know your opinions about them. I guess I won't be able to fit modern sport tires like the BT45 on those? What are good tires for those rims?

Any comments will be appreciated.

Cheers, Remi

[alfabeast]

They're italian rims that were fitted to a lot of machines in the sixties and seventies, even some sixties Ferarris had them, most rims I've seen were valanced and are similar to spanish rims like Akront and Morad, they're collectable because they're not made anymore.

I like the Dunlop 501 tyre but that's just me.

I wanted Borranis on my 69 Cafe for the period touch but went with the still available Akront.

[Bob Wessner]

most rims I've seen were valanced

I've seen references to "valanced" rims before. What exactly are they? How do they differ from non-valanced rims? 

[Flood]

I guess "valanced rim" means "Hochschulterfelge" in german, a word I couldn't possibly translate - a literal translation would be "high-shoulder-rim"

I'll link to a pic of the Borrani to illustrate. This "valance" is why I'm asking about modern tires.

AFAIK this higher rim should provide stability at high speeds, but as I said, I don't know much about it.

Cheers, Remi

[Bob Wessner]

Thanks for helping to continue my education. 

Hochschulterfelge = High shoulder rim, according to translators, so it is certianly as you described and pictured.

[Flood]

Hochschulterfelge = High shoulder rim, according to translators, so it is certianly as you described and pictured.

Yes, but this still doesn't prove that it's the same thing that alfabeast means by "valanced". I'm still looking for an online translator that can handle composite german nouns

However, the seller will be so nice as to deliver the wheel to me today so hopefully I'll know more by the end of the day.

Cheers, Remi

[alfabeast]

Yep, valanced is high shouldered and that's what you have in your picture.

Here's a link to rims profiles, this is where I buy my rims. The Morad is like an Akront/Borrani rim

http://www.central-wheel.co.uk/cwc/morad_rim/morad_rim.html

[Bob Wessner]

If by "composite" you mean the word in question, I used;

http://babelfish.altavista.com/

[Flood]

Thanks for the link, alfabeast. That clears it up:

"Known as a valanced rim because of the shoulder running around the edge, the S rim offers classic styling for classic bikes."


http://www.srm-engineering.com/ has the following info:

"Alloy rims have been available as optional extras for many classic bikes since the early 1960’s. The “valanced” or “flanged” alloy rim is similar to the original 1960’s ‘Dunlop’ and ‘Borrani’ rims. This rim is of “W” section and features a highly polished edge.The “non-valanced”or “flangeless” rim is similar to the standard rim profile but with flat sides."

No one says anything about modern tires, though. I guess they'll fit and ask my tire dealer (who, most probably won't have a clue)

Thanks for the input!

[mcpuffett]

hi remi, i have akront alloy rims on my 750 f1 and i use the dunlop tt100 tyres and have no problems    mick.

[bryanj]

Put whatever make/style of tyre you want on there the style of rim has NO effect on what you run BUT you will have to fit a tube NO MATTER WHAT TYPE THE TYRE IS ---- BUT thats the same for any spoked rim.

[Flood]

Thanks a lot, Brian; that's what I thought.

That's what the the seller told me too, he just delivered the wheel which is in nice condition (but needs a good buffing of course).

Some strange person actually fitted a Midas Cross tire on the wheel- that must have been a badass looking (and undrivable) 550.

Cheers, Remi