Classic & Vintage - odd tyre size

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wobblybiker
03-15-05, 04:11 AM
Hope I'm posting this in the right forum. Recently acquired a Dawes Kingpin (non folding) in decent condition for its age. She has tyres marked 37-440 (iso sizing ?) and 500X37A (continental size ?) I can get tyres this size but they are bog standard ones with no kevlar protection. Would it be worth changing the wheels to a 37-451 - she has a very good SA AW 3 gear hub fitted which I would hate to lose. I'm a "chunky" middle aged lady who hasn't ridden a bike since I was a kid and who's looking to use the bike for town/towpath/cycle route use so performance in terms of speed is not important but avoiding flats is! Any suggestions for a novice ? (Apart from avoiding glass, thorns etc!) Thanks

PS I'm in the UK and at the moment she has French wheels and Dutch tyres!

miamijim
03-15-05, 10:37 AM
If you can find tires to fit you can always add tire liners for flat protection. That would be the most economical way versus buying new rims, tires, tubes etc.
Poguemahone
03-15-05, 03:28 PM
Try a place that specializes in wheelchairs; they often have a wider selection of weird tire sizes. I'm not kidding.

randya
03-15-05, 05:03 PM
If you can't get kevlar belted tires in the correct size(s), use Mr. tuffy tire liners. I haven't had a flat in 15 years riding with Mr. Tuffy.
wobblybiker
03-16-05, 03:39 AM
Thank you for the suggestions. Will bear in mind the wheelchair wheel idea but at the mo St John St Cycles Accessory Store (SJS) stock the size. Tyre liners sound ideal - and who could resist the opportunity to sidle into the LBS and ask for "Mr Tuffy" !