120 oln questions

[t47b]

I have a project bike which is from 1948-1952 it has 120 rear dropouts (year facing dropouts and mudguard fittings!) and I think it had 27 inch (630) wheels, single speed freewheel, I need to find some wheels, this is a heavy old bike so possibly needs steel wheels of a generous width...

That is my total knowledge on the subject of wheels

I need some advice on what options I have, I don’t have any brakes (rim brake model) yet so drop can be altered.

Please excuse my wheel ignorance

 

[Jonny69]

The bike would have used either 27 x 1-1/4" wheels or 27" sprints (same as a modern tubular).

40 spokes at the back, 32 at the front.

27 x 1-1/4" rims would have been something like Dunlop Special Lightweight or an early Weinmann.

Sprint rims something like Fiamme.

Hubs: Airlite, Normandy, FB etc.

There were also 26 x 1-3/8" rims on roadster style town bikes generally with mudguards.

There is an article on Classiclightweights about what wheels were used back in the day, but I've found a lot of conflicting information in terms of what hub and rim combinations are appropriate and what was used with or without guards.

 

[t47b]

Re:

So any suggestions where can I buy 27x1 1/2 120 oln rear 100 front chrome rim wheelsets?

(With Delivery to Portugal)

BTW did I mention how sunny it is at the moment?

 

[Jonny69]

For modern ones, Singlespeed Components or Mattempleton on eBay do some nice ones with polished rims. I think SJS Cycles might stock some too. Most modern 27" wheelsets have satin finish anodised rims which look out of place on an old bike, however.

For originals, you need to keep an eye on the classifieds and eBay. Be prepared to have to pay a lot of money for good or rebuilt originals, or buy the components separately and build them up yourself.

 

[t47b]

Re:

Cheer! I’ll take a look

 

[bm0p700f]

Re:

Kinlin make the adhn which come in 40h drilling and is shallow classic looking in a polished finish.

I actually have a pair of Normandy hubs nos stock and can get more. I need to clean them up

 

[Midlife]

Something cheap and cheerful might get you on the road to start with.....

https://www.bankruptbikeparts.co.uk/27x ... ption=true

 

[t47b]

Re:

Sooo...I took the 27 wheel I had with the frame when I bought it and put it in the frame for the first time...it didn’t fit

Never assume if a wheel is in the same box that it belongs there!

So I now have a pair of 26x1 1/2 on their way to me, steel rim narrow shoulder hubs, rear fork ends are 116mm so these have a 110 hub, on their way to me now from Spain. Sorted.

See, I said I knew very little about wheels :facepalm:

Thanks for your help, you should just ignore me in future