What is a comparable modern-day rim to these "fir el 201" rims? I believe they came stock on a 1996 Bianchi Eros.
I need to replace the rims, and I am trying to gauge the quality that I am used to in order to set a baseline in my search.
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1Well, it's a 622x13.6 rim. Count the spokes. Doesn't appear to be a particularly "deep" rim, so any standard rim of the same size (+/- 2mm or so width) and drilling should work. – Daniel R Hicks Sep 13 '12 at 1:45
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@DanielRHicks I am not so much concerned with finding something "compatible". I may replace the spokes. But I am trying to get an idea of the price range I would be looking at for rims that are comparable in terms of performance and durability. – Mike Eng Sep 13 '12 at 1:52
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1@MikeEng, this isn't really the sort of place for shopping. There are going to be hundreds of viable options and while a rim might cost you $30-$100, the actual rebuild will probably cost more than the components. If you don't have experience, however, it'll be worth it having the wheel rebuilt. – WTHarper Sep 13 '12 at 1:58
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1@MikeEng, what I was saying is that these are pretty generic rims and that there are very many rims that you'd do well by purchasing. Generally, StackExchange avoids questions like, "what is the best 622x13 rim" or "what is your favorite road rim". If you include more information about what sort of riding you're doing and where you're doing it, you will generally garner more response. – WTHarper Sep 13 '12 at 2:39
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1The thing is excellent quality rims are not expensive. Mavic Open Pro's are < $100 US, velocity makes nice rims too for not a lot of money (both of these are going to be "better" than what you have). It is the whole wheel with the hub, spokes and labor that kicks up the cost. If you're going to replace the rim and do it yourself, you might as well get really high quality for a few extra bucks. Why merely match the original quality? – Angelo Sep 13 '12 at 12:57
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According to BikePedia, these did not come stock on the Bianchi Eros in either 1996 or 1997. Since this bike came stock with Mirage level components, you're probably looking at a low - mid level quality OEM rim. Fir is/was a good brand, as is Ambrosio (which came stock on this bike). Finding a rim from Velocity or Alex Rims or Mavic just to name a few common manufacturers will provide you with a quality alternative that is affordable and readily available today.
To match the style, you are going to want to get a low profile or "box" style rim as opposed to a deep profile or "aero" rim. All of these companies and more have a style of rim like this.
You will definitely need to purchase new spokes and nipples for this, so make sure you know how to purchase the proper size.
