Wheelset advice (late 50’s)

[Tom79]

So I need a wheelset for a 1959 Holdsworth build. I am totally clueless on all things vintage wheels; all I know is that when it was new it was a 5 speed, thinking 5 or 6 speed but no idea what I’m looking for.

Any help or direction in what I should be looking for/what would work for that period would be much appreciated!

Size wise the shot to pieces originals were 622mm which I guess is 700c.

 

[Blacktopdisciple]

You're right, 622 is 700c. Probably 120 OLD rear. Nice pair of large flange Airlite hubs would suit with wing nuts. 40 hole rear and 32 front would suit the period. Are you planning on using tubs or clinchers? What type of riding are you planning on doing?

 

[Tom79]

Thanks - I’ll be riding relatively short rides locally, no touring, pretty casual. Plan to use clinchers too. Never actually ridden tubulars tbh!

 

[Blacktopdisciple]

Kinlin make a 40 hole rim in shiny silver, basic single wall. Looks a bit like a Weinmann rim of old.