I'm in the same boat as you, John, unless you flew over (well, I came over in 1956, when flying was still a luxury). When I bought a lightweight (Japanese) bike again in the 1970s, it had 27" wheels with 36 spokes, as did another one I bought my wife in the 1980s. It was only later that I did some research on spoke counts and remembered I had 40x32 in the old days. Maybe the switch to 36 spokes coincided with the move to 700C, except 27" wheels were still quite common and 27" tires were more commonly available around the world for a long time, so those rims were drilled with 36 holes to match the hubs. Maybe 36x36 was simpler for automatic wheel building machines. However, I still think 40x32 makes more sense when you consider loading and drive stresses.
crumpy6204@aol.com wrote:
> Having left the Uk in 1957 I did not keep track? of theswitch in Brit land from the old hub rim spoke count 40x32 to the Continental 36x36 style count. I do know that even in the late 40s and 50s 36x36 was been used by some Brits. BUT WHEN did they all switch and WHY? THEY STILL DRIVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD! Cheers John Crump OldneverdidswitchBrit. Parker Co USA
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John Betmanis Woodstock, Ontario Canada