Early Hetchins and 27 inch wheels

[Tomianson]

Hello All.

right here is my conundrum I am hoping someone can help with. I have a 1953 Hetchins Magnum Opus (Striaght Stay) frame i want to build up. I really want to run as modern components as possible, ideally the Campagnolo Potenza 11 but i want to run it on 27inch wheels, I don't want to put on long reach callipers.

So my question is in a few parts, all linked.

Where can i get good, modern 27inch wheels, or failing that does anyone have good 27inch period wheels they're willing to part with.
Can i put an 11 speed cassette on them?

If not, can i get Campagnolo 7 or 8 speed on a 27 inch wheel instead, id happily go for 90's record on the Hetchins.

Thoughts, ideas, help and guidance much appreciated.
Thanks
Tom

 

[roadking]

Re:

I have a Hetchins and it runs 27s. However, I use period rims and hubs, there should be no problems apart from the width between the rear dropouts (for the modern hub) and then finding hubs to match rims.

If I were doing this (I wouldn't) I'd suggest an 8 speed setup not more.

I know of no manufacturer still making 27s*, so your best bet is good used or NoS. I've collected quite a few NoS sets over the years to keep me going. It is unlikely you'll buy a wheelset, not saying you won't, but more likely you'll have to get them built.

Rk.

*happy to be enlightened.

 

[Martin Rattler]

Re:

I would suggest that you reconsider 700c wheels if only that it will allow a much better choice of tyres. Decent 27" tyres narrower than 11/4" are quite difficult to obtain and there are few choices for 11/4". I would agree with roadking and go for a 7 or 8 speed, I doubt that an 11 speed could be fitted without wrecking the frame. I run a 1958 Experto Crede on 700c as a 10 speed (2x5) and it's a beautiful bike to ride.

 

[legrandefromage]

I run a 1952 Hill Special with indexed Ultegra. Much nicer than trying to source 1950's components.

 

[Jingle Jangle]

Re:

I have looked into this issue many times.

I believe both Alex and Velocity produce 27" Rims, which any decent bike shop could make into suitable wheels for you.

 

[Jonny69]

Ebay users singlespeedcomponents, mattempleton and bankrupt_bike_parts do new 27" polished alloy rim wheels. Baldwins Cycles do some but they have a modern-looking satin silver finish. The only hitch with new wheels is if you're fussy about spoke count - old wheels were 40/32 spokes rear/front, while new ones are almost always 36/36.

 

[NeilM]

I run a 1952 Hill Special with indexed Ultegra. Much nicer than trying to source 1950's components.

Band on indexed shifter.

Please tell me more.