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Gtscottie

10-02-05 10:16 AM

I found an old raliegh folder behind a body shop and as it is complete I decided to restore it. The tires were rotted off and I could not read the size so I measured across the rim. It was 18 inches. I assumed it would take a 20 inch tire. I bought a 20 inch BMX type tire and it doesn't fit. it is too small it seems. Is there an odd sized tire for these? The old tires measure about 21inches across but they may be stretched from age.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks

CaptainSpalding

10-02-05 10:54 AM

Congrats on your find.

From Sheldon Brown's page on the Raleigh Twenty:

Quote:

The stock wheels on U.S. models are either 406 mm (20 x 1.75) or 451 mm (20 x 1 3/8). Generally the folding models came with the 406 size, which is also the size used for BMX bikes. The 451 mm size is somewhat scarcer. Good rims and tires are available in both sizes, though the selection is much larger for the more common 406 mm size. The stock steel rims are very heavy and don't provide very good braking. The most valuable upgrade to these bikes is to replace the rims with lightweight aluminum ones, and to install better tires.

I don't know if that helps or not. Good luck with your restoration. Please post some pictures of the process and end result.

— Spalding

LittlePixel

10-03-05 07:57 AM

it sounds to me like yours has 20" (451) sized rims - BMX ones are 20" (406) and are - as you have found - smaller. So legend has it - most exported Raleigh Twenties have the BMX size so you've been unlucky.

Mine had 451 (being in England) but I changed them to 406 for better tyre choices and the better weight etc mentioned above. (I had new v-brake bosses brazed on and some 405 sized suspension forks upfront to cope with the different size.

If you want to get tyres that fit the 451's you already have, get some Primo Comets - the will be the best road tyres that go to the highest pressure.

Would love to see some pixs of the restoration!
Huw

James H Haury

10-03-05 05:16 PM

Raliegh also made bikes with 18 inch wheels.

icithecat

10-04-05 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gtscottie

My Canadian market 20 folder has the 451 size rims. Since many recumbants use 451 28 hole rims, we may have the last laugh.

broomhandle

10-12-05 03:23 PM

yes, there is a 18" and a 20", the 18's are more rare. i have a twenty that had no rims and i looked for a new set of BMX rims, but the axles are a smaller size. so watch out for that one.

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