20" wheels for a Dawes Kingpin.

[Ming the Merciless]

I had some 451 wheels made for mine using the above rims

A friend has ridden 200km audaxes on a Kingpin. More capable bike than people think.

 

[FrankCrank]

I do wonder about these being ok to use in single speed kingpin or such

One concern would be would the braking be better than steel rims and the lack of being able to dish the wheel if required and is the rear oln the same?

https://www.facebook.com/share/1B1g9UPpES/

I expect you could get these to work on a KP, seen several examples on Raleigh type shoppers.
Not sure why dishing required for a single speed?
If the OLD is a little out, a steel frame can easily be cold set to accommodate

 

[biggs682]

Not sure why dishing required for a single speed?
If the OLD is a little out, a steel frame can easily be cold set to accommodate

Dishing might be required to keep the drive line straight and the rim In the centre of the frame

 

[FrankCrank]

Dishing might be required to keep the drive line straight and the rim In the centre of the frame

See what you mean now. Guessing can be achieved with additional washers on one side or the other to get centred.
Like I said, have seen several examples online of mag-wheeled Twentys etc, so should be doable
Think there's a safe upper limit on how much air pressure to run mag wheels at, but again guessing that 40psi or thereabouts is OK.

 

[biggs682]

See what you mean now. Guessing can be achieved with additional washers on one side or the other to get centred.
Like I said, have seen several examples online of mag-wheeled Twentys etc, so should be doable
Think there's a safe upper limit on how much air pressure to run mag wheels at, but again guessing that 40psi or thereabouts is OK.

Doing a bit more reading earlier and the mag wheels get quite a slating due to being very flexible so not sure how good they might actually be

@FrankCrank how far away are you from Bangkok?

 

[FrankCrank]

Doing a bit more reading earlier and the mag wheels get quite a slating due to being very flexible so not sure how good they might actually be

@FrankCrank how far away are you from Bangkok?

We're about 70k north-west of BKK.

 

[biggs682]

We're about 70k north-west of BKK.

Ok thanks I am trying to find someone who lives in Bangkok to ask advice on a decent bike shop in a certain area of Bangkok to help my son source a bike

 

[FrankCrank]

Ok thanks I am trying to find someone who lives in Bangkok to ask advice on a decent bike shop in a certain area of Bangkok to help my son source a bike

Several Decathlon stores round BKK, worth checking out if buying new. They're a lot cheaper than UK stores.

 

[Lynsey2006]

Your instinct is right—finding new 500A tires is nearly impossible because they simply aren't made anymore. The good news is you've got workable options. If those wheels you have are structurally sound, a wheel builder can respoke them with modern spokes for £60–150 per wheel, which is cheaper than a full replacement. Alternatively, many Kingpin owners have upgraded to 451mm wheels (sometimes called ISO 407), which opens up dozens of tire choices from proper manufacturers. Fair warning: you'd need full new rims and hubs, not just tires, since the bead seat diameters don't match. Either way, I'd start hunting for spare 500A tires secondhand while they're still kicking about—eBay and Gumtree sometimes have NOS stock tucked away. I put together a more detailed write-up here: https://answerlode.com/hobbies-leisure/dawes-kingpin-500a-wheel-replacement-guide/

 

[Rhythm Thief]

A friend has ridden 200km audaxes on a Kingpin. More capable bike than people think.

Indeed. I was amazed how comfortable mine is over distance.

 

[EltonFrog]

Your instinct is right—finding new 500A tires is nearly impossible because they simply aren't made anymore. The good news is you've got workable options. If those wheels you have are structurally sound, a wheel builder can respoke them with modern spokes for £60–150 per wheel, which is cheaper than a full replacement. Alternatively, many Kingpin owners have upgraded to 451mm wheels (sometimes called ISO 407), which opens up dozens of tire choices from proper manufacturers. Fair warning: you'd need full new rims and hubs, not just tires, since the bead seat diameters don't match. Either way, I'd start hunting for spare 500A tires secondhand while they're still kicking about—eBay and Gumtree sometimes have NOS stock tucked away. I put together a more detailed write-up here: https://answerlode.com/hobbies-leisure/dawes-kingpin-500a-wheel-replacement-guide/

If you’re replying to the OP, (me) you’re about thirteen years too late. And as for your assertion that 500A tyres are no longer made, the available evidence suggests you are mistaken.

 

[rogerzilla]

The cost effective route is to convert to BMX size 406. If you obsess with originality, you end up painting yourself into a corner.
You'll be chasing obscure sizes, and end up with heavy steel rims, very poor braking, and riding on low volume tyres is not comfy.
But each to their own, and you can't put a price on a hobby

406 wheels give huge brake reach problems. The only brakes that reach tend to be Dia-Compe 100mm sidepulls, and you'd stop quicker by putting a foot on the road.

I solved this on a R20 with a new BMX long steerer fork (V brake bosses) and a rear coaster brake.