Pre war wheel size

mattsccm · Oct 20, 2013

I have a pre war Dawes. (ish)
clip headset and it came with Resilion cantis which are totally U/S. New forks mean I can chose my brakes so what would be a suitable size wheel. I have a 700c rear in with a 32mm CX tyre which leave about 3mm clearance at the chain stays.
suggestions.
700c would be practical but would old 26" be more period?
I assume 650b would not be correct being French.

OldTel · Oct 20, 2013

Its down to usage, I have a 1942 claud which is my fixed ride, and use it quite a bit, so I have 700c rims as tyres and inner tubes are easy to get and I have a choice. If you are using it occasionally, maybe the odd vintage bike run, do it period. Terry

lae · Oct 20, 2013

There are three (or maybe more) 26" sizes. 26 x 1 1/4" (or 597mm) was popular with old British club bikes. Good luck finding anything in that size though! There is also 26 x 1 3/8 (590mm - 3-speeds) or 26 x X.X (559mm - mountain bike).

If you find 700c gives too little clearance, then either 26 x 1 3/8 or 650b (584mm) are reasonably close, and good rims and tyres are available for both (especially 650b e.g. Grand Bois Cypres/Hetre).

Pre war wheel size

mattsccm

Senior Retro Guru

OldTel

lae

Retro Guru

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