The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Frame => Topic started by: 44T on 13.03. 2025 06:41

Title: Stainless or chrome
Post by: 44T on 13.03. 2025 06:41

Hi all. I'm in the throws of an A10 g/f re comission. The wheels are very rusty, and have to be completly rebuilt. Are there any recommendations for rim quality or ones to avoid ? If I go the chrome route I'd like to know they'll not flake and rust after two months   :!, are the polished, and less polished s/steel ones worth considering  ? Any experiences or advise much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Stainless or chrome
Post by: orabanda on 13.03. 2025 07:03

Stainless solves the problem.
I have quite a collection of rusty chrome rims in the shed, which have been replaced with SS.
Some have been painted in the centre, and pinstriped. None have a dent; all are serviceable except for the shitty deterioration of the chrome.

If you spend a small amount more for stainless, they will outlive you (and me).
Cheers,
Richard

Title: Re: Stainless or chrome
Post by: MikPowl on 13.03. 2025 08:21

It sort of depends on what your plans for the bike are. If you're rebuilding it for yourself to enjoy a period piece of machinery that can be used and enjoyed without constant attention or fear of the climate stepping in to ruin things, then stainless rims/spokes/fasteners are the way to go. Stainless steel won't give you the ultimate glitter of fine chrome, but the modern stuff is really very good. (Or go down the alloy rim route - like the 60's ton-up boys.)  On the other hand, if you're worried about the rivet-counters whispering behind your back that originality has been compromised, then it has to be chrome, but you'll need to source old rims with the Dunlop/Jones stamp and get them replated as the modern stuff is obviously, well, 'modern'. 

Title: Re: Stainless or chrome
Post by: Rex on 13.03. 2025 09:18

CWC (for one) do good quality chrome rims if chrome is what you want, but you'll be very lucky to get old rims properly replated these days.
For stainless rims Devon Rims do "Roll Tru" which are polished and pretty much indistinguishable from chrome.

Title: Re: Stainless or chrome
Post by: Billybream on 13.03. 2025 12:32

Another vote for stainless, hardly tell the difference from chrome, fit and forget.

Title: Re: Stainless or chrome
Post by: 44T on 13.03. 2025 13:10

Thanks for all the responses. I'll be going for stainless I reckon.  Didn’t really want the bike to be all shiny, but the frame is now gloss black, it has new shocks and various s/steel fixings. So I guess it's going to be shiny in places anyway. Cheers all