Bicycle Mechanics - Some questions

Hello!
Im new into the world of bicycle-reparation, and I got some questions.
Last summer i bought a used Helkama Flying Finn (it is a roadracer) for about 35$ on the Norwegian used-market.
It was a wreck when i bought it, and it almost didnt work. The gear was unusable etc. It is a Finnish roadracer from the 70s i guess. Since last summer I have lacquered it and oiled the crank and that stuff you will do when you fix a bike.
Now I see that I need new tires, and I thaught about these (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/veloflex-master-22-clincher-folding-road-tyre/), in black, but I find it a bit expensive. Any ideas to some cheaper variants?

My last question is: How much will it cost if I want to change the whole thing into fixed gear, and where is it smart to buy the parts?

Sorry for my bad English, im Norwegian..

Thanks!

That is a pretty fancy tire. I'm cheap so usually go with something like Panaracer Pasela or Stradius, Vittoria Zaffiro, Michelin Dynamic, etc.

Have you determined that the rims take 700c tires? Check current tires carefully. They could be 27" or even other sizes.

Roadster is a class of bikes kinda like the Raleigh Sports, which often take one of the 26" tire sizes (there are several different 26" sizes, so careful there). Road race bike is more like Tour de France bikes. Got pics of your bike?

I have nothing specific to say about those tires, but if you're on a budget you shouldn't be looking for folders.

If you want cheap, look here: (http://biltema.no/no/Fritid/Sykler/Reservedeler/Dekk-og-slange/Sykkeldekk-og-passende-slange-27110/)

Least expensive way to turn it into a fixie is to "suicide" it. This means you simply unscrew the freewheel(which you most likely have) and just put a sprocket on there instead. Use a bottom bracket lockring and red loctite to hold it in place. Not advisable if you plan to rely on back-pressure braking, but is OK for forward pedalling and rim brakes.

Otherwise get one of these (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/halo-aero-rage-rear-track-bike-wheel/#more) fore example.
Or get a flip-flop hub and have it built into your current rim (if it's doing OK), or into a new rim.

After looking at google search results for Helkama Flying Finn, I'd say chances are good that it takes ISO 590 tyres. Look for a number on the tires like 28-590, 23-622, something like that to confirm.

Here's a decent budget 590 tire (if that's what your bike takes):

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hutchinson-hutchinson-junior-tyre-black-skinwall-650-x-28a-(28-590)-prod26398/

I will check it up today and put up some pictures. Thanks for extremely good advise!

This is my bike (you dont see anything of the logo etc, because i have lacquered it):

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/6888318610_869d51a0f0_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vidvei/6888318610/)

The bolded tract is exactly what the tire says:


Inflate to 550 kPa (kiloPascal - a unit of pressure) (5,5 kp / cm2) (kp may also refer to kiloPascal, says Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kp)) ILMANPAINE

28-622 (28 x 10/8 + 1/8) (the size) - After googling a bit I understand this is the same as 700 x 28C - tires..?

NOKIA rollspeed (this is the name of the tire)

MADE IN FINLAND


I have more pictures og the tire if you click on the upper one, and even more if you ask me to upload some more (I took a lot of pictures).


Thanks for help!

I think this means it is a 28" tire. In case Michelin Dynamic Sport looks great. What do you think? Have any other ideas?

It means it's a 28mm wide tyre. The 622 = 700c.

Most of us in the States would refer to that as a 700c tire. (28" = 622 = 700c)

I think this means it is a 28" tire. In case Michelin Dynamic Sport looks great. What do you think? Have any other ideas?

Yes, ISO 622 = 700c = 28".

The Dynamic is not exactly great, but it gets the job done. Wiggle has the Vittoria Zaffiro which is on par with the Michelin, if you want to stay @ Wiggle.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/vittoria-zaffiro-clincher-tyre/

For a bit more money...

Panaracer Stradius Sport is a bit grippier IME, and a little lighter: I like the 26mm size:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/panaracer-stradius-sport-folding-road-tyre/

Panaracer Pasela has a thicker tread so takes the abuse of rough roads a bit better, but with a bit of weight penalty over the Stradius.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/panaracer-pasela-tg-city-tyre/

28" is a demented nomenclature cause it makes you think it must be larger than 27". Which it ain't.

At least 700c tells you it's a different system... it's just bizzare.

Rim dimensions: 622, 27"

(Irrelevant) tyre dimensions: (nominal) 700c/28", NA for 27" (27" rim tyres are just called 27", amirite?)

Relevant tyre dimensions: width, and what size rim they're for. Who gives a rat's bum about fictional outside diameters, but I guess we're stuck with it all now.

Hardly anyone calls 'em 28" anymore. I don't think anyone ever really did here in the US. I always thought of it as a Euro thing primarily. It should disappear someday. I have some sewups that say 28". And some Conti CX tires that say 28", and they pretty much are 28" ;)

I have found Finnish made Nokian tires particularly long wearing.
they offer a full range of sizes..
I toured for 6 months on an A10 pair, no perceptible tread wear.



622 etro is in French system:700c.
27" it's a 630, that is the rim's bead seat diameter.
the number tire and rim manufacturers agree that they will meet on
to make their stuff compatible.


that setof brackets on the rear seat stays is for a Lock mount, It is No Race Bike ,
it is a commuter with 700c wheels .

looks like It had center pull calipers like Mafac Racers or Weinmann or Dia Compe etc.

they all bolt on the center hole above the tire.

I just bought 2 of Panaracer Pasela TG (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=53957) from chainreactioncycles.com. I think it was the best model for me, and the tire had good reviews.


As you maybe see on the picture I posted earlier this day, I need a new saddle. Is Brooks as good as peoople says it is, or should I go for something else? If you think it is that good, which model could fit for my use? Tour-cycling and training/road.


Thanks!


PS: We dont use 28" when we talk about tires in Norway. We usally uses 28-622.

Brooks vs anything else is like Mac vs PC, or taking your whiskey straight or with a dash of water, or...well, anything hotly debated.
Basically some swear by them, some swear at them and others can't figure out what the fuss is all about.
What's reasonably agreed on is that they're kinda pricey, somewhat heavy, and may take damage from rain.

But you're sending a mixed message here. First you're asking for "cheaper tires", but now you're volunteering to buy a Brooks.
You've talked about turning it into a fixie, but you want a saddle for "Tour-cycling and training/road."
Not many people do that on fixies.
And it's not a particularly special bike to start with, watch out so that you don't end up polishing a turd.