The split "ring" wheel is OK to use as long as everything is in good shape. There's a couple of different style of split ring wheels but it's obvious what kind of wheel it is. Some have a three piece wheel and some only are two piece. Rust is the biggest threat to these wheels. If the split is in the center of the actual wheel itself, then you'll be hard pressed to find someone willing to work on it. Even I won't mess with such a poorly designed and old wheel as the "widow maker".
Scott
