I had a Raleigh (Hercules) last winter and put a fair number of miles on it. I liked it, but got tired enough of cottars and Whitworth that I sold it to a friend.
Then I stumble on this basically sound Schwinn Racer. Only it's a 5 speed, not a 3 speed. and it has those funky 597 wheels. But... It actually rides as nice as the Raleigh, the ashtabula crank doesn't take special tools, the parts are either SAE or napoleonic, and there is a huge amount of clearance for fenders (which it also lacks, but it was a decent price).

The paint is lousy, but I've pulled the chainguard and BB this evening, and it's sweet. Still greased, no corrosion seen anywhere except for the rims...

So... am I mad to contemplate chucking the wretched 597's and putting on some 700C (I test fit a 27", no prob, so 700C ought to fit great), converting it to either a 3 speed or a ss w/ coaster brake?

It's gonna weigh the same as a Raleigh, it's going to ride pretty much the same... Why not?

I don't understand what about your post makes you think you are a snob...

I would consider a couple of items in making my decision if I were you.

1) brake reach... Because I like to stop.

2) hub width... it sounds like you are looking at reasonable choices, but will you need to cold set the frame?.

) tire width... I wouldn't go with a narrow 700c and expect the same ride as you are currently geting. Going with a wider 700c could help you retain the ride characteristics that you like.

It won't be period correct, but as long as you increase your joy in riding it, and it isn't a museum piece, I think different wheels are a good compromise.

I'm a snob because it's a lowly electro-forged Schwinn from Chicago, not a lugged frame from someplace "exotic" like, I dunno, Nottingham maybe?

But I forget its pedigree every time I ride it, so: bah! at least for now, and on with the Schwinn!

I don't quite understand. Raleigh and Hercules are two different British brands, although Hercules is no longer made. And there's nothing elite or snobbish about Raleigh. It's just a big British brand, like Schwinn in the U.S.

Hmmm... an issue with my understanding here... I have the unrealistic internal interpretation of snob and unless I think about it, I apply it only to people that insist on riding only the exotic things...

And, I almost corrected you... But I remember hearing a comedian once who was talking about all of the rich kids in a college town or something... and he came to the realization that he was a snob because he looked down his nose at people who looked down their noses at other people.

Even though many conversations around here are about the exotics, look below the surface, there is a love for bikes of all pedigrees here. There are some that love the electroforged Schwinns in particular! There are many discussions of old department store bikes that would be laughable in most other forums, but people here get information and help.

I do appreciate your view. I have an exotic lugged steel frame that I will ride when I lose enough weight (and another I am trading away) but once I am on one of the bikes I do ride, the pedigree is not as important as the moment spent riding.

I hope that whatever you decide on the wheels works out for you. And please share your experience if you move that direction. I don't think I will do it on this winter's project, but I did briefly toy with the idea of putting some wide 700c wheels on my old Schwinn middle weight...

It sounds like an interesting experiment. I'd expect the Schwinn to run a few pounds heavier, but feel more solid and less nimble than a Raleigh. The 700c wheels may enhance the ride.

Here is a link to someone who did some of the same things that you are talking about to a Raleigh.
https://beauty.nagog.smasher.net:81/b...te/index.shtml