Tyres and hub for a 1931 Gazelle

[miss_emma_jade]

I read that tyres for my bicycle should be 26 x 1,5. the rear rim is 640mm over the flanges, the front one is completely different, and I don't think its original. (it is 655mm and has a tyre marked 28 x 1 3/8. it is also a different colour. )

I don't think the rear one is original either, as it has a coaster brake hub. the rim is ok though, so it might be the piece to start to make new wheels from. it has 36 spokes.

I would like to make this bike original as possible, I do tend to be a little fussy with my restorations. so I thought to start with a Sturmey Archer hub and this rim to make up a new wheel. in time I might be able to machine up a new hub for the front and find a matching rim.

So, can someone tell me if tyres are still made to fit these rims, and also what model hub might have been fitted to Gazelle Bicycles?

many thanks.

Emma

[asterduc]

hello Emma,

the wheels on your bike are supposed to be 28 x 1 1/2 (approx 650 over the flanges).
The wheel that measures 635 is wrong, that is a sport bike wheel, also 28" but slightly smaller and more narrow.

Tyres in this size and without reflection aren't that easy to find in the 28x1 1/2 size, but they exist. Full black will be easier.

Wheels were black or optional with Nickel plating.

As for the hub, Gazelle delivered the bike with Gazelle hubs. Optional you could order a 2speed Torpedo (gents model only) or 3speed with or without coaster brake. I don't know the brand.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ed.

[miss_emma_jade]

hello Emma,

the wheels on your bike are supposed to be 28 x 1 1/2 (approx 650 over the flanges).
The wheel that measures 635 is wrong, that is a sport bike wheel, also 28" but slightly smaller and more narrow.

Tyres in this size and without reflection aren't that easy to find in the 28x1 1/2 size, but they exist. Full black will be easier.

Wheels were black or optional with Nickel plating.

As for the hub, Gazelle delivered the bike with Gazelle hubs. Optional you could order a 2speed Torpedo (gents model only) or 3speed with or without coaster brake. I don't know the brand.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ed.

many thanks Ed. appreciate your reply. I am slowly learning so much!

[miss_emma_jade]

hello Emma,


As for the hub, Gazelle delivered the bike with Gazelle hubs. Optional you could order a 2speed Torpedo (gents model only) or 3speed with or without coaster brake. I don't know the brand.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ed.

I wonder if Gazelle hubs are alloy or steel? can someone tell me? also how many spokes did they have? ive been counting on pictures without much luck. does anyone know?

[RVester]

The Schwalbe Delta Cruiser is available in tan, without reflection, in 40-635 (also called 28x 1 1/2)
http://www.schwalbe.com/nl/tour-reader/ ... uiser.html
The thread is quite modern-looking though.

[miss_emma_jade]

starting with the front Hub, I believe it should be alloy, and as such shouldnt be hard to replicate. I do need some measurements though, maybe someone would be kind enough to help?

I believe this should look like this
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gori_asam/4378983028/

I need some sort of drawing with the flange diameters, outside diameters and the central smallest diameter. can someone help?
would very much be appreciated.

also can someone please confirm that they are indeed alloy or if they might be made of steel?

many thanks again, Emma.

[maartenB]

They are steel, not alloy.
I have one here, nickeled. I can take the size and pics, maybe even sell it. But the chromed ones were still used in het fifties so someone has that one for you? Original is better, not?
Rear hub depends on what you make of the bike.
You know now how it looked originally?

Those original 1931 brakes will be hard to obtain. So maybe it will be better to transform it into a bicycle with rear hub brake.
So then you need an old 1930. Brake hub.
Write us what you need, maybe we can find it and send it to you, it would be better than re-making them.

I also have the rims and tires if you need.
You can mail me: info (at) bokslag dot com

[miss_emma_jade]

Many thanks Maarten, you are indeed a star.

YES original would be much better. and if they are still the same in the 1950's then that makes the task much easier. I do not know what this bike would have originally, both wheels have been changed out. the rear one has a torpedo Hub from 1940 , and the front is odd size with a pressed steel hub. email on way.

many thanks and hope you can help.