I'm sure you know already . I'm sure everyone knows already . But just in case there is someone out there who would benefit from this knowledge . . .
The technology which is used for the "tiring" on all of those basic common wheelchairs , is what allows "tires" to be fitted onto ANY size rim .
The stuff is actually a rubber tube . It's a long rubber tube from a very large roll of tubing . It has a steel cable inside .
The rubber tube acts as a high-performance version of the "semi-pneumatic" tires on children's tricycles , "sidewalk-bicycles" , and "little-red-wagons" . I've put quite a few miles on a couple of modern reproduction high-wheeled , penny-farthing , ordinaries . This type of tire material is surprisingly good material !! If you have any idea just how truly unpleasant those "semi-pneumatic" tires feel , you will be absolutely amazed at how reasonably good the "wheelchair stuff" feels . And it is MUCH more durable that I ever would have guessed .
The material is cut to length . There is an amazing little machine which holds the ends of the rubber "tiring" apart , so that the machine can reach inside the rubber tube and pull the ends of the skinny steel cable REALLY tight !! The ends of the steel cable are fastened together . The ends of the rubber tube are allowed to snap shut . Amazing .
Yes , I know that Tim is looking for real pneumatic tires ( and thank you Dr. Dunlop , wherever you are , for inventing tires with air pressure inside them ! ) .
But , that wheelchair "tiring" material might get that antique bicycle ready for display , and certainly would be fine for light use .
Also , that material is available - NOTE I did NOT say it was EASY to find in every possible variation - but it is available in at least three different diameters , and in gray , white , black , and red .
Finally , I just have to add , a modern reproduction high-wheel-bicycle , with copper plating on the frame and fork , and fitted with red tires , is just plain awesome .
http://www.theoldbicycle.co.uk ( that Tim seems like a really nice guy ! )
http://www.victorybicycles.com
http://www.hiwheel.com ( affordable ! )
Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas
> Hi Group, This is strange request that I thought you all Might be able
to
> help me with.
>
> I'm Restoring a c.1891 Racing Pnuematic tyred High Bicycle for a
customer,
> The guy who owns it is about 75 and his Grand father used to ride and race
> it, Its an amazing machine, but one problem is that I need to fit new
tyres
> to it, The Front wheel is about 51"/52" in diametre, and the rear is about
> 24" in Diametre, and probably had 1.1/2 " tyres,or something like that.
> I know the guy Dugast is or was in France, just south of Paris,
The
> problem with this is I have to leave him the wheels, and Apparantly he
takes
> about 2 years to do them. Do any of you know of an alternative any where,
or
> even better a substitute material that I can use, Just so as the bike can
be
> wheel-able and look right.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Tim Gunn,
> The Old Bicycle Company,
> Cut Elms Farm,
> Aythorpe Roding, Nr Dunmow,
> Essex, England.
>
>
> http://www.theoldbicycle.co.uk