My new 1890s Sterling Tandem
08-03-07, 09:57 PM
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My new 1890s Sterling Tandem
Hello everyone,
I am the proud new owner of a (supposed) 1890s Sterling steer from the rear tandem. I recently bought it on ebay for too much money.
I've wanted a steer from the rear for so long. This will be a complete ground up restoration. It should be pretty straight forward. I have most of the parts, they are in good shape, and the mechanics are extremely simple.
My only real concern is in the wheels... this thing probably came with 28" wood wheels. It now has 26" New Departure wheels on it, supposedly from the teens. They are not in very good shape. I want to keep it relatively original, so would like to use 28" wheels of some vintage sort.
-Know anyone that still makes wood wheels?
-If not, know anywhere that sells 28" steel rims and tires?
-Any one know about early New Departure hubs, and where I can find more information about them?
I am about to embark down a long and expensive journey. Any random thoughts or words of wisdom... ?
I'm sure I'll have my share of questions soon,
Cassidy
I am the proud new owner of a (supposed) 1890s Sterling steer from the rear tandem. I recently bought it on ebay for too much money.
I've wanted a steer from the rear for so long. This will be a complete ground up restoration. It should be pretty straight forward. I have most of the parts, they are in good shape, and the mechanics are extremely simple.
My only real concern is in the wheels... this thing probably came with 28" wood wheels. It now has 26" New Departure wheels on it, supposedly from the teens. They are not in very good shape. I want to keep it relatively original, so would like to use 28" wheels of some vintage sort.
-Know anyone that still makes wood wheels?
-If not, know anywhere that sells 28" steel rims and tires?
-Any one know about early New Departure hubs, and where I can find more information about them?
I am about to embark down a long and expensive journey. Any random thoughts or words of wisdom... ?
I'm sure I'll have my share of questions soon,
Cassidy
08-03-07, 10:03 PM
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Raleigh DL-1's came with 28" wheels. I'm not sure how late they made these, but I'm pretty sure it was at least through the 1970's.
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Last edited by USAZorro; 08-04-07 at 06:09 AM.
08-03-07, 10:36 PM
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You can use any 700c wheel, as long as its wide, just get the widest one you can find, like 700x45c, I have a set off these on my bike that had 28 inchers on it orig 
08-03-07, 10:54 PM
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ANY color you'd like, with meticulous prep first.
PM me. We'll "do lunch" and dicuss details.
Just know this, I'm leavin' the wrechin' & ridin' up to YOU!
08-04-07, 06:54 AM
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28" steel rims were made in the teens and can at times be found on ebay---you would still have to use the single tube tires at about $100 each.
The "English" 28" rims can be had and found in 36 spoke holes too but you gotta look for them ---yellowjersey night have them
Canadian bikes(CCM) used a 700 rim made in england and 36 holes--I'd look for these
Original Anerican wood rims were 700 size.
If your 26" wheels have tubes they are not from the teens.I guess you have a model D new departure hub---
a fixed or single freewheel would be proper---if freewheeled you would need a brake?I'd try and find a New Departure model A hub(coaster brake hub)
The real important part is the stearing and cranks(which you have)all else is avalable---sam
The "English" 28" rims can be had and found in 36 spoke holes too but you gotta look for them ---yellowjersey night have them
Canadian bikes(CCM) used a 700 rim made in england and 36 holes--I'd look for these
Original Anerican wood rims were 700 size.
If your 26" wheels have tubes they are not from the teens.I guess you have a model D new departure hub---
a fixed or single freewheel would be proper---if freewheeled you would need a brake?I'd try and find a New Departure model A hub(coaster brake hub)
The real important part is the stearing and cranks(which you have)all else is avalable---sam
