You are right in that their performance can be outshone by many modern products, it won't be long until any form of rim braking will be a quaint old thing from the past. I have seen rims both steel and alloy worn completely through by the braking action especially when I used to see courier bikes come in. But as I ride antiques (wrecks) and also have recently owned cars with rod brakes too (Austin a35 and a40) I have to preach what I practice. You do tend to ride with a very wary eye and avoid situations completely before you get there. Caution is a very good watch word, and you don't appreciate modern standards without the old to compare it too.Well said, think I should chance it? Fell sorry to discard lovely wheels, but it is extremely wet here ... and I did buy the leather backed pads, 2 sets of them.
Then I came across Sheldon's article on steel rims where he said nobody in this day and age should use them because they are dangerous, so I chickened out.
Baring in mind my max speed is 5mph maybe I worry unduly
it may be possible to wrap wire wool in the cloth and twist it round as if wringing it out? to give it some strength. Hubs are always a pain.
Is it not easier to buy the caged bearings? Or do some bikes only take the loose ones?should be bearings in both wheels or you wont get very far!
Mr Sheldon recommends changing them, they aren't expensive if your just buying the balls, be more expensive if your converting to sealed bearings.
I bought mine for my wayfarer off these people, seemed pretty cheap for good quality. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-35mm-1-...cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item1e6e3c924b
