Classic & Vintage - Swedish Balloon Bike with 28 thumb wheels? 635mm

I'm in Sweden now and have an opportunity to bring an old Swedish cruiser bike back with me to the US that is very cool - albeit in need of some restoration.

The LBS here says this bike doesn't use 700c wheels but actually something they described as 28 thumb sized or 635mm (where as 700c are 622mm).

My question is: can I get this sized rim, tire, and tube in the states or is this a special order part?

thanks!

The 635mm size is the old british roadster size, ( 28 X 1 1/2), You can try finding an old raleigh with 28 inch wheels as a parts donor I guess, but that might be difficult. I *think* these size wheels may still be in use in the UK, or at least replacement tires are still offered, I guess you can try finding some online UK bicycle shops and try your luck. They make roadsters in india still that use these tire sizes, I remember coming across a website that sold bicycles and parts- so I wouldnt say impossible to get rims/tires for, just kinda difficult.

Alternatively if you want you can build up some 700c wheels for it, as they are pretty close size wise (the originals would be a tad bigger over 700c though, but not too much).

Alternatively if you want you can build up some 700c wheels for it, as they are pretty close size wise (the originals would be a tad bigger over 700c though, but not too much).

that's what I thought but the guy at the LBS seemed to think that wasn't possible.

What problems would I encounter doing that? None? Just smaller wheels?

Yes, Id say that would be the only difference really, then again there is a rather wide variety of 700c tires available, so you can get the widest/beefiest ones offered and there might not even really be a difference afterall.

What kind of brakes does the bicycle use? If it uses rod brakes like a lot of the old english bikes use I suppose there could be an issue there with the new rims, but I dont really know. I was just thinking having the rear wheel built with the coaster brake hub of your choice. It would just be a matter of having getting ahold of correct size spokes.

I'd say its worth a shot for a special bicycle. Being a swedish antique (I assume!) you'd have the only one there is around back home!

What kind of brakes does the bicycle use?

I'd say its worth a shot for a special bicycle. Being a swedish antique (I assume!) you'd have the only one there is around back home!

Yeah it's just a coaster brake. So I'll give it a shot. Thanks!