Ritchey Vantage Comp vs Sport

[Lhatch4]

I'm preparing to build a wheelset for my Ritchey Ultra. In 86 the bike came with Shimano Dura Ace hubs and black Araya rims. I decided to buy a set of Dura Ace hubs. Something I never thought I would do. I have a Ritchey rim in my parts stash and I thought I would find one to match. I think I have a Vantage Sport. I think the sport is single wall and the Comp is double walled. I'm sure one of you knows this information off the top of your head. Is the Sport strong enough? What are your opinions on either rim? Should I scrap the idea of using that Sport rim all together? I thought I might use the Sport rim on the front wheel and a Comp rim on the back wheel.

 

[doctor-bond]

Weren’t the Vantage rims a later innovation? For 86 I’d be looking at freewheel hubs and Araya/Ukai/Sun, etc. hoops. What’s the rear spacing on your Ultra?
One of the best wheelsets I’ve owned are Araya RM20s on Suntour Xc hubs: built in the mid 80s, still ultra smooth. Dura Ace also v nice but maybe less stout?

 

[Lhatch4]

The Vantage rims were early 90s if I remember right. There is a pair of black Araya RM20 rims on ebay for$120 plus shipping. There is a pair of RM20 rims in aluminum for $99 plus shipping. Or a Ritchey Vantage Comp for $25 plus shipping and I pair it with the Vantage Sport that I already have.

 

[Dr Dremel]

In my experience the Ritchey rims are not the strongest (mine are Comps, Experts are indeed single wall). Araya RM 20 however- I have a pair which is in use since 1988 without problems. Purely anecdotal of course and up to you if they are worth the price difference.