Cycling UK Forum

Thanks Brucey - I think you must be right about the 26 x 1-1/4 with a 597 BSD. I am working up to buying some second hand rims and getting someone to build me the wheels I need. I think the Weinmann 500s will have to go - but getting a longer drop on the brakes shouldn't be a problem. I reckon this was a 'Clubman' bike in Sheldon Browne's jargon. I've not seen any Bates bikes with sprints and tubs... Not keen to go that way! It would be nice to try the 590BSD 26 x 1-3/4 because they might be easier to find.

Thanks for the help!
Best
Tim

I want to find the correct wheel size for my old Bates bike (frame number 16664, cantiflex tubing, diadrant forks, Nervex bottom bracket) that I reckon dates from the early 1950s. It has 700c Maurice Woodrup wheels from the late 1970s that are great... but there is not enough clearance for the mudguards (the ones in the picture are cut out around the brakes...). So the wheels need to be a little smaller than 700cm standard road wheels. The Weinmann brakes aren't original and work fine on the 700c wheels - I want to get the wheels right before I start spending money on other gear.