I hate to do this to you, but since there seems to be absolute *nothing* on the Web -- in English, French, or Dutch/Flemish -- on L'Abeille bicycles, it's the best I can do:
Sheldon Brown on Measuring Bicycle Rim Size:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
Sheldon Brown/John Allen on Tire Sizing
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
Sutherland's Handbook for Bicycle Mechanics (if the tire size can't be
found at SheldonBrown.com)
http://www.google.com/
If you're anxious to find out more about the the brand, you might be
able to get some leads by emailing Amandt Ignace (BicycleAmandt AT
hotmail.com), the Dutch Vintage Bicycle Club's (www.OudeFiets.nl)
contact person for questions about Fabrique Nationale and other
Belgian brands. Other club contacts are listed at
http://translate.google.com/
Another potential resource for industry people to contact if no one from the Dutch club has answers:
Belgian Framebuilders Directory:
http://www.fietsenmakers.be/
And finally, a consolation prize:
Dutch-language Sturmey-Archer poster from 1965 (to go with your hub)
http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/
If you discover anything interesting about your bike or its (?) oddball wheels, please share it with the group!
Good luck...
Peter Craig Martin Seattle USA
On Tue, Jul 22, 2008 at 03:00, Rob Madeo <rmadeo@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I picked up a three speed at the dump over the weekend. Though it had
> been partially repainted, the decals identify it as L'Abeille
> Bruxelles. The Sturmey-Archer hub is dated 1965. It's very clean and
> will make a great rider ---if only I can find tires. I brought one of
> the rims to two very good bike shops yesterday, and neither one could
> figure out the tire size. Anyone ever heard of this brand?
>
> Rob