Question about bicycle tires and wheels, 1915-`940

Submitted by portdalhousie on Wed, 10/17/2012 - 09:42

Hi,

  I have just picked up a British BSA military bicycle frame, for the WW2 Mk V bicycle, as used by Canadian soldiers during WW2.  Photos of Dieppe and Normandy beaches show this bike, although the folding paratrooper model was more common.  I have discovered that the British used 28x1 5/8 or 1 3/4 inch tires on the Mk V .  This seems wider than the normal 28 x 1 1/2 inch wheels and tires that appear on bicycles from this era. 

Has anyone ever seen tires or wheels in this wider size?  I suspect that tubes and tires in this width would not be obtainable today. 

I am in the process of restoring this bike--So far I have not been able to locate one in any Canadian museum.  This frame is quite heavy, with holes for the rod brake fittings. 

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

--David

8 Comments

Submitted by Old-Bikes on Wed, 10/17/2012 - 12:40.

700 x 38-43 tubes should fit perfectly. and for tires, I'd check in the LBS catalogues

Submitted by bikedenis on Wed, 10/17/2012 - 14:56.

Same that the tubes we use 700 X 38C

Submitted by william rudolph on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 11:22.

28x1 5/8 english tires are a lot larger than 700c a 700c tube may stretch to fit. but would recommend getting the proper size tube as for info from lbc catalogue i tried on the net and lbc is a garden supply company .maybe cycles lambert is what they ment .the english 28s are larger even than the 27 inch sizes. measure the bead circumference to be sure of getting the propper size.  i hope this is of some help.                   william rudolph                                                                                                                                         

Submitted by bikedenis on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 13:26.

 

 

I assure you that 700 c tubes are very well of tires 28 inch of any width
I assure you that 700 c tubes are very well of tires 28 inch of any width stretch or not... 
and I've never had problems or puncture non plus
and I've never had problems or flat either..

 

 

Submitted by T-Mar on Sun, 10/21/2012 - 10:23.

My rim/tire equivalency chart shows the British 28" x 1-5/8" tire  to have a 622mm bead set diameter, which maens a 700C tire should fit.  If I were the OP, I'd take it to the LBS (local bicycle shop) to see if a 700c seats properly. Most LBS  will stock up to 700 x 38C. If it fits, wider tires in 700 x 42C and 700 x 47C can be ordered. The best selection is from specialty companies like Continental and Schwalbe, though there are some cheapies out there, like the $12 CST in 700 x 42C.  The drawback is that  treads patterns won't be period correct..

Another option worth investiation while at the LBS are the relatively new 29er ATB tires. These tires have a 29" nominal diameter but use the same 622mm bead seat diameter as 700C tires. However, they're generally a least 2" wide. That, in conjunction with the 1" larger nominal diameter, may cause fender, frame and brake stirrup clearance issues.

 

 

Submitted by william rudolph on Sun, 10/21/2012 - 14:16.

we have different tire equivalency charts sutherlands bicycle handbook shows28x15/8Gas having a bead seat diameter of 365 if i am using the chart correctly. also from previous experance dealing with old british bicycles 28x1 1/2 622 tires are a lot smaller. i have been involved in the bicycle trade for over 50 years i hope this helps but will probably just confuse you more. measure your bead seat circunference to confirm an post it william rudolph

Submitted by T-Mar on Wed, 10/31/2012 - 19:39.

If you're using a Sutherland's char, .that  G suffix indicates a German tire designation. While there is a British 28 x 1-1/2" tire with the same 635 BSD, there is also a British 28 x 1-5/8" with a 622 BSD. These tires were the same BSD as the more common British 26 x 1-3/4", at least according to my charts. Since the OP also mentioned the latter tire size, the 622 BSD seemed more likely than the 635 BSD. Too bad we've never heard back form the OP.

Submitted by william rudolph on Sun, 11/11/2012 - 22:56.

635 tires are available from harris cyclery on the web.  i guess i am going to have to learn how to use the tire charts correctly  william rudolph