SturmeyArcher22

Hello,
I have a Raleigh Superbe Dawn Tourist bike made in 1948. It has its original Dunlop tires (made in England). Obviously I need new tubes, tires, and the cushion straps (I dont know what they are called) that would cover the spoke ends on the inside of the wheel. The tire size is 28" x 1.5". Can anyone recommend a tire that will fit these rims, that I can replace the old tires with. Thank you.

pfaustus

If you search "28 x 1 1/2" you will find various choices. With bike tires, 1.5 does NOT equal 1 1/2. Sunlight sells some cheap ones.

ClydeClydeson

As above, does the tire say "28 x 1.5" or "28 x 1 1/2"? Because decimal sizes are not generally compatible with fractional sizes, even if your calculator say they equal the same thing.

Here is a great article about bike tire sizes:
Tire Sizing Systems (sheldonbrown.com)

According to a chart in that article, 28 x 1 1/2 is either 622mm bead seat diameter (the most common size on modern bikes, or 635mm bead seat diameter, which is obsolete and I have never seen one. According to the linked article, you might be looking for a 635mm tire. Best of luck!

RustyJames 

Michelin World Sports would be a great choice. They have black sidewalks so they look vintage and there isn’t any garish branding.

I’m looking forward to seeing pics of the bike!

noobinsf 

In terms of covering the spoke ends to protect the tube, you'll want Velox rim tape. It's available in different widths, so just measure the width of the area that you'll need it to cover. One roll per wheel, and there is plenty per roll for any of the standard wheel sizes.

RustyJames 

Additionally…

I believe correct size is 590 ISO or tires for an EA3 rim as used on most English 3 speed bikes.

ClydeClydeson

OP said the existing tires say 28 X 1.5, which is most certainly not 590 iso (aka 26 x 1 3/8).

BFisher

@SturmeyArcher22, if your wheels are in fact 28 x 1 1/2 then the ISO designation is 635, and you may find tires listed as such (ex. 42 x 635)

On my own Raleigh Tourist that does take that size, I was able to get a pair of Continental Ride Tour tires from biketiresdirect.com, but don't see them for sale there currently. Choices are slim for this size, but the Continentals seem to be a decent tire, and I would buy them again over something like a Sunlite tire if I had the choice.

RustyJames 

My bad. I was looking at the wrong line on SB’s chart. 😬

SturmeyArcher22

Hello all. First let me thank you for all of your comments. It would appear that the 635mm tires are the ones I should be looking for according to Sheldon Brown's article. I will do a search for this size tire. If anyone has an idea as to a tire that would fit please send along. Again, I am a novice at this, and wish not to make a mistake and order the wrong parts. I do look forward to posting pics of the bike, actually bikes, as I have a mens and womens, both made in 1948. The bikes belonged to a family that spent their summers here where I live. The bikes didnt get much use, and were stored in the boathouse for many years. The younger generation apparently preferred more modern bikes, and these two bikes sat for many years, until I had the job of cleaning out the boat house and was asked to get rid of the two bikes. I thought they looked kinda cool and kept them for myself. I have had them for a few years, and just now am looking to fix up the mens bike and try riding it. Thanks again for all your help.

SturmeyArcher22

Thank you noobinsf, this is a big help

repechage

bike123.com

ask Mr Black-
he probably even has new old stock

tcs

Considering rolling resistance, flat resistance and long wearing, it's hard to do better among the limited choices in the 28" (ISO635) size than the Schwalbe Marathon Green Guard.

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews

...although the Schwalbe Delta Cruisers are available in Creme, so there's that.

SturmeyArcher22

Thank you for your thoughts. Is it assumed Sheldon Browns Size Chart would be correct in finding the modern equivalent for older tire size? My tires are 28 x 1 1/2 which translate to 632mm. When I checked the Schwalbe website, they had 40 632 for a tire number. Does this seem correct? Thanks again

clubman 

Don't translate the size. It's a 635 mm bead so don't buy anything but. SJS cycles sells the Schwalbe Marathons in this size.

SturmeyArcher22

Thank you

clubman 

To answer your question about cleaning an original finish, you're on the right path. If the finish and decals are good, many like to clean with a mild dish detergent (Dawn would be appropriate!) follow up with a Meguiares Scratch X and then wax. Don't use abrasives or your decals and pinstripes will disappear.
Keep it all in one thread if possible?

bwilli88 

I have 2 bike with 28 x 1 1/2 or 622B x 42mm or 635 x 42.
I use Schwalbe delta cruiser 635 x 42 tires on them.
I have on tire that has a hump\wobble in the tire and if I pump them up too much causes a bumpy ride.
I have 2 delta cruiser tire in cream coming and will replace that bumpy one.

JacobLee 

There’s a pair of these on ebay for $40. Schwalbe.

tcs

Check the inside of the frame for rust!

SturmeyArcher22

This strap is from a 28-1 1/2" tire rim. Can anyone suggest a proper width tape to replace it with? Also the new tape will not use the hole buckle will it?

SturmeyArcher22

Can anyone suggest the best way to clean this rust and preventative measures to slow down future rust?

SirMike1983 

Those old style bands tend to hold moisture and create a rust trap in the rim. I would swap both straps out in favor of rubber straps or rim tape.

To clean that rust without taking the wheel apart, you'll want to use a metal bristle brush (it's like a tooth brush but with metal bristles) or a metal bristle wheel on a Dremel tool. You can spray the rusty areas with WD-40 or similar, then start brushing until the rust is gone. You'll need to set aside some time to do this, wear old clothes, and have a work area where you don't mind getting some of the oil around. After the work is done, clean up with a rag and some acetone or alcohol to remove oil residue. Examine the rim for holes and check the spokes and spoke nipple washers for integrity. You may need to replace parts that are crumbling or badly eroded.

BFisher

If you have access to a product called Evaporust you can soak rags or paper towels with it, wrap them snugly into that rim channel, and then enclose the circumference in plastic wrap. Leave it overnight and then remove. I did this and it worked really well. Just went over it with a hand-held wire brush and then cleaned it after.

clubman 

Cleaning vinegar, lemon juice, deck cleaner (mild oxalic acid)...they'll all help