Originally Posted by
hat and beard
Thanks for the info everyone. Unfortunately I'm not able to measure the frame because it is on the Yahoo Auction Japan website. I'll try to ask the seller to measure again. I'm fairly confident that 650A or B is the correct size, though. Lots of Japanese touring bikes from the sixties on were made for that size, especially by Kawamura. Several (smaller) such frames have passed through my hands in the past.
Have a gander at the numbers on this Kawamura below, for instance. I admit the frame I'm interested in does like kind of look like a mountain bike, though, especially at the chain stays.
So, assuming the frame is 650 b-ish it will be a bit of a stretch for cantis on a 26 inch fork?
How about, still assuming the frame is 650b, i use 26 inch wheels front and rear? Is it likely cantis would hit the rear tire or I would have to angle them down at a bad angle? Should I just give up on this and wait until I happen upon a suitable fork?
Oh, it's in Japan. That's a bit of a bombshell, isn't it...
(I guess I should have noticed your location) I believe it could be 650A now since that size is still popular there. I still vote not likely on 650B, though I think the 650b revival has been going on longer there than here.
Anyhow, IMO just get a 26 x 1 3/8 fork for it (3 speed/650A size), as they are relatively common. You're unlikely to find one with canti bosses - though apparently they exist in Canada.
I don't think you'll be able to fit 559 26" wheels on there. It's like an inch of difference, despite being nominally 26.