CSS rim for 26 inch heavyweight tourer - any still available?

[RobD]

Does anyone know of a bike shop that might still have some of the strong 26 inch CSS (carbide super sonic) rims left in stock (ie suitable for a heavy tourer like a Mk1 or 2 Thorn Nomad) ?
SJS don't have them anymore (they only have the lighter Grizzly type that they themselves state is unsuitable for a heavy tourer) and I think Ryde stopped making the heavier gauge ones years ago.
Nothing comes up on the Interweb that seems to fit the bill, hence the question.
Thanks

[Danneaux]

Rob,

There's a couple sites who claim to either have the Rigida/Ryde Andra 30CSS rims in 26in/32 hole, though I don't know if they have Rohloff-specific drilling.

One source accepting inquiries is ROTOR in Lipzig, Germany, but the listed price is dear at 129,00€ each including local VAT...
https://www.rotorbikes.com/produkt/ryde-andra-30-css-26-36-loch/

The other source is the always handy BikeStation in Finland, though their site currently has problems loading. You may wish to contact them by phone or mail at...
Bike Station Finland
Asemantie 5, 31640 Humppila, Finland
+358 44 3244010
I don't have an email for them and fear they may no longer be in business....
=====
Standard Ryde Andra 30s are still available from a number sources and can provide satisfactory braking in most conditions and last a long time when used with Kool-Stop Salmon brake pads. I've been very pleased with this combo on three of my bikes.

Best, Dan.

[RobD]

Thanks Dan. I think I'll end up going for an SJS wheel build using the standard Ryde Andra 30. Useful to know you recommend the salmon kool-stop pads with those. Thanks

[in4]

Thanks Dan. I think I'll end up going for an SJS wheel build using the standard Ryde Andra 30. Useful to know you recommend the salmon kool-stop pads with those. Thanks

For a css rim you'll need these pads:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brake-blocks/swissstop-blue-brake-pads-for-deore-lx-xt-xtr-brakes-inc-pins-for-ceramic-carbide-css-rims/

Thinking outloud I was wonderfing if at some point I might have to fit a rear disc to my MK2 Nomad CSS rear rim. Logic would suggest that if CSS rims become unavailable then CSS brake blocks will too, perhaps with a bit of a time lag allowing for stocks to reduce.

[RobD]

Thanks yes - have already got those swissstop blue ones for my current front CSS rim.

I want a Son dyno hub front wheel build now - and was hoping to have another CSS rim for that build - but it looks like it is now more practical to get standard braking surface on a new rim (and hence standard brake pads)

[in4]

Thanks yes - have already got those swissstop blue ones for my current front CSS rim.

I want a Son dyno hub front wheel build now - and was hoping to have another CSS rim for that build - but it looks like it is now more practical to get standard braking surface on a new rim (and hence standard brake pads)

I use one with a sinewave USB Revolution. Works well for me. Particularly like being able to charge my Garmin GPS direct from it.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/dynamos/sinewave-cycles-revolution-usb-dynamo-powered-charging-device/

[UKTony]

I use these brake pads on the standard front wheels on my Mk2 Nomad and Mk2 Mercury and the rim wear is minimal.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brake-blocks/swissstop-rx-plus-black-cartridge-brake-inserts/


On the Nomad I converted to disc at the back after the rim needed replacing but since discovering these SwissStop pads I’ve been contemplating going back to the V brake for ease of maintenance. Not tried the KoolStop Salmon ones that Dan recommends but might have a go sometime.

[mickeg]

I use the Koolstop Salmon pads on a couple different bikes with normal rims but not on my CSS rims on my Nomad Mk II.

Very happy with the Salmon pads.

[il padrone]

On the Nomad I converted to disc at the back after the rim needed replacing but since discovering these SwissStop pads I’ve been contemplating going back to the V brake for ease of maintenance. Not tried the KoolStop Salmon ones that Dan recommends but might have a go sometime.

I am still running the 13-year old CSS Andra 30 rims. I converted to disc brakes about 4 years ago and I would never go back. I had to with the front brake for as couple of months due to fork issues, but I have found the hydraulic discs to be SO much more powerful and easier to run with. The maintenance has been minimal. I have only had to change the brake pads once at each end. I would never willingly change back to rim brakes.

[mickeg]

...
Thinking outloud I was wonderfing if at some point I might have to fit a rear disc to my MK2 Nomad CSS rear rim. Logic would suggest that if CSS rims become unavailable then CSS brake blocks will too, perhaps with a bit of a time lag allowing for stocks to reduce.

I think the logic is that after you have worn out one set of CSS brake pads, that your rims are smooth enough that you can then safely run different pads.

When I bought my CSS rims a decade ago, SJS did not have the blue pads in stock, only the Koolstop CSS pads.  I think I have one set of Koolstop pads on the shelf so I can change pads on one wheel which is my plan. 

My other wheel would get normal pads.  Not sure which wheel would get a second set of CSS pads and which would get normal pads, but that is a few years away so not going to think about that now.

If that does not work out or becomes a problem, then I would probably put on different rims, since I have wished I had wider rims on my Nomad Mk II.

[geocycle]

I’m pretty sure I have one new pair and one used pair of the blue pads for CSS rims in my spares box.  Drop me a message if they are of use to anyone.