Originally Posted by
LondonBridge
I recently got this exact bike, but in even worse condition. My LBS had the right size tires. I don't think they're hard to find. I believe the size was stamped on the spoke-side of the rims. They were a little tricky to put on, so be patient.
The biggest issue with mine is that the shifter is gone (though the cable is still there). Also, one of the struts that holds the fender is gone. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Fender brackets are available. For example:
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4645430
It may not match the original exactly, but I'd guess what's important is functionality and a decent appearance, not originality. Big problem is that you buy a fender bracket here and tires there and some shifter cables to boot and before you know it your cheap bike isn't so cheap anymore. I recently bought a Raleigh Sports for $30. Spent more than the whole bike just for the new spokes.
Put Schwalbe tires on it and they were a very tight fit. Are all 650a (26 1-3/8) tires that tight? What did you do about tubes. I'm going to try tubes for 650b (iso 584mm) tires. About the same width as the 650a but with presta valves. The only tubes designated for the 650a I can find are Shrader valves.