We build a lot of polished hubs and rims for the retro crowd. Rebuilds on Campag and Shimano are frequent, but occasionally we get the request to build a modern interpretation of the oldschool wheelset.
Les bought a new Focus road bike recently, but was dismayed to see that the nice polished groupset just did not match the all black Fulcrum wheelset it came with. And, they started breaking spokes pretty quickly. He gave us a call.
The bumpy and rolling roads of his Southern Highlands vicinity meant that a durable and stiff wheelset made sense, and 11s compatibility was required for the modern groupset.
We recommended the Hplusson Archetype in a polished finish, matched with our own XLR8 hubset – silver, US made Enduro bearings, and 11s ready. Of course, Sapim Race double butted spokes and brass nipples are the logical choice for a reliable wheel, at reasonable weight.
All up, just over 1600g, affordable and they look great too! They last better than your factory built wheelset as well. A great outcome.