wheels for gents three speed???

[GarryG]

Does anyone know if I could fit 700c(622x19) alloy wheels with a coaster brake to a hercules/Raleigh gents three speed bike?

Would they fit?

 

[Tony Raynor]

Simple answer is more than likely but definitely not straight forward.

3 main problems that can be overcome.

1 spacing at front and rear, both will need to be adjusted to fit newer hubs.
2 axel diameter is smaller on old 3 speeds so you will need to dremmel the front and rear to get a new size axle in
3 brake drop

That said I did it on my old humber so I kniw it can be done

 

[TheDoctor]

With a ribble winter frame at under £100, why go to the bother?
It'll look ridiculous, even if you get the wheels in, which is going to be a struggle....

 

[GarryG]

Thanks for the comments, If the original wheels don't clean up, I will probably replace them with like for like, with single speed, thinking about going for a path racer style.

 

[mickle]

Get a set of 26x1 3/8" speedway wheels innit. New cables and synthetic blocks will upgrade the original brakes just about enough to meet modern expectations. Raleigh whitewalls are still available or Schwalbe Runners for high performance - or speedway tyres for a giggle.

 

[GarryG]

quite like the schwalbe delta cruisers in cream - decisions , decisions!

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

650B's would be more suitable with fat tyres - IMHO.

 

[raleighnut]

I've just dropped off the old 3 speed SA hub to have a 700c rim laced onto it for my Raleigh 'Courier', the change from 26" to 700c just needs shorter drop calipers fitting (I mocked it all up beforehand) and I just happen to have a set of Weinmann short reach in the shed but that was the hub that came with the bike. As for tyres I don't think anything over about 32mm will go in and leave adequate clearance at the BB end of the chain stays (mine seem quite narrow)

 

[mjr]

Why change? While not as common as 700c, it's still possible to buy 650a rims and wheels.

 

[raleighnut]

Why change? While not as common as 700c, it's still possible to buy 650a rims and wheels.

Better tyre choice, by far

 

[Tony Raynor]

I've got 700 x 32c on mine and they are fine. I just drilled the holes for recessed Allen key brake calipers to give it a full modern upgrade

 

[further]

MY Raleigh Routier with 700c wheels

 

[raleighnut]

MY Raleigh Routier with 700c wheels

Funny looking HUB gears on that.

 

[GarryG]

Got me thinking now, if I go for 700c, I wonder if the calipers from the raleigh record sprint would fit?

 

[further]

Funny looking HUB gears on that.

Ha,I was just pointing out that 700c wheels fit ok in old Raleigh frames