Tyres for old hookless rims..

[wafter]

My new beater / shopper is a 1987 Raleigh Routier with hookless "622x28" (21mm internal width) steel rims.

I've recently discovered that not all tyres of the correct size will fit hookless rims (the 25c road item I tried to fit stated "only for hooked rims" on the side). So far it appears that there's no strict differentiation between available tyres for hookless and non-hookless rims, but that those requiring higher pressures are out so larger, lower-pressure offerings are the order of the day (fine by me).

So, in my quest for tyres am I simply looking at all fatter / lower pressure tyres or are dedicated hookless-compatable tyres something I'm going to have to seek out from a specialist supplier of vintage gear?

 

[raleighnut]

My new beater / shopper is a 1987 Raleigh Routier with hookless "622x28" (21mm internal width) steel rims.

I've recently discovered that not all tyres of the correct size will fit hookless rims (the 25c road item I tried to fit stated "only for hooked rims" on the side). So far it appears that there's no strict differentiation between available tyres for hookless and non-hookless rims, but that those requiring higher pressures are out so larger, lower-pressure offerings are the order of the day (fine by me).

So, in my quest for tyres am I simply looking at all fatter / lower pressure tyres or are dedicated hookless-compatable tyres something I'm going to have to seek out from a specialist supplier of vintage gear?

No just lower pressure on wider tyres and they must be steel beaded (no folding Kevlar ones)

 

[TheDoctor]

The general rule of thumb is that the tyre should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the rim width. You're therefore looking for a 32mm - 53mm tyre, which won't need very high pressure anyhow.

 

[wafter]

Thanks guys - that's a great help

Steel belts shouldn't be a problem since these seem to occupy the cheaper end of the market (where I'll inevitably be shopping) while I'd prefer fatter tyres in any case for all the usual reasons. 32mm shouldn't be an issue but I'll have to have a good look at the clearances on the frame and guards as I certainly won't get as large as 53mm without fouling something.

Somewhat interestingly the existing tyre(s) are 28mm; not sure if these were original though.. from the state of them it wouldn't surprise me!

 

[raleighnut]

Thanks guys - that's a great help

Steel belts shouldn't be a problem since these seem to occupy the cheaper end of the market (where I'll inevitably be shopping) while I'd prefer fatter tyres in any case for all the usual reasons. 32mm shouldn't be an issue but I'll have to have a good look at the clearances on the frame and guards as I certainly won't get as large as 53mm without fouling something.

Somewhat interestingly the existing tyre(s) are 28mm; not sure if these were original though.. from the state of them it wouldn't surprise me!

28mm would be the equivalent of 1 1/8 tyres, normal for racing bikes. I've run a 27 x 7/8ths on my Carlton with hookless rims in fact there's still one on the front.

 

[wafter]

28mm would be the equivalent of 1 1/8 tyres, normal for racing bikes. I've run a 27 x 7/8ths on my Carlton with hookless rims in fact there's still one on the front.

Thanks - that's reassuring as a lower limit. I'll aim for something fatter though on the grounds of comfort and versatility; plus if I get something half decent they can be used on my Genesis should it all go south with the Raleigh.

Once again I find myself plunged back into the bowels of tyre-selection hell...

 

[wafter]

After some more frantic googling I'm currently torn between another set of 35c Conti Sport Contact IIs from Planet X (£11.50ea plus £7 postage) or a pair of 40c Schwalbe Land Cruisers from the local Halfords at £12ea..

I already have the Contis on my CdF, am generally impressed barring the odd puncture and I suspect they'd get a much easier life on the Raleigh than they've had on the Genesis in terms of terrain. That said the Schwalbes would give be an opportunity to try something a bit more off-road capable (I fear the slick Contis might come unstuck in the winter months off-road) while their slightly lower cost and immediate availability appeal.. Unfortunately however Halfords seem to be lacking in any suitably-sized innertubes

 

[raleighnut]

After some more frantic googling I'm currently torn between another set of 35c Conti Sport Contact IIs from Planet X (£11.50ea plus £7 postage) or a pair of 40c Schwalbe Land Cruisers from the local Halfords at £12ea..

I already have the Contis on my CdF, am generally impressed barring the odd puncture and I suspect they'd get a much easier life on the Raleigh than they've had on the Genesis in terms of terrain. That said the Schwalbes would give be an opportunity to try something a bit more off-road capable (I fear the slick Contis might come unstuck in the winter months off-road) while their slightly lower cost and immediate availability appeal.. Unfortunately however Halfords seem to be lacking in any suitably-sized innertubes

Will you get 40s through those brake calipers ?

 

[wafter]

Will you get 40s through those brake calipers ?

Evidently not as at the tightest point appears to be at the rear guard, with around 35mm between the rim's OD and internal guard face.

I'm currently looking at some £8 700x32c Decathlon gravel efforts which have reasonable reviews. Got there too late earlier so that's probably tomorrow's job..