Re: [CR]Re: rims for 50s British bikes to the Great Change Over

(Example: Framebuilding:Restoration)

From: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net>
To: <CMontgo945@aol.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <80.b5472f0.2dcf3cad@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Re: rims for 50s British bikes to the Great Change Over
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 09:29:57 -0400


The transition from 26 x 1 1/4" to 27 1 1/4":

Raleigh changed from 26 to 27" on the Clubman in 1950 and on the Lentons the following year. The last stock Raleigh with 26" was the Lenton Tourist which was out of production by 1951. The RRA offered a choice of both sizes. I am not sure how many "off the shelf" bike had 26 x 1 1/4" past this point as the Dunlop HP 27" rims seem to have found their way on everything.

By the way, there is nothing wrong with 26 x 1 1/4" rims.. my '49 Clubman has Dunlop alloys in this size and she is as fast and frankly more nible than the '51 Clubman with steel rims not alloy.

By the way: did you know that Sheldon Brown now stocks the best tyre on the market in 26 x 1 1/4"... Schwalbes. I have these on my '48 Lenton Clubman but got mine direct from the UK.

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA