[CR]Reynolds Tube Gauges

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2002)

From: "NIGEL LAND" <ndland@btinternet.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <MONKEYFOODgzW2hSsKA0000127b@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 16:23:17 +0100
Subject: [CR]Reynolds Tube Gauges

For the technical minded listers I should have noted in my last post on tube gauges that Reynolds uses Imperial Standard Gauge. I have never figured out why there was such a proliferation of gauges (probably due to specialisation) as they are all "close enough for horseshoes" as a US oil refining pal used to say. As an example, with all measurements in inches, 20 gauge is 0.036 ISG, 0.035 Birmingham Wire and Stubs, 0.0392 Birmingham Sheet and Hoop and 0.0319 Brown and Sharp (American). One occasion where Britain is clearly ahead of the US in the more and bigger stakes. Of course, we have now metricated, in theory, so have even given away that small advantage! For the non-technically minded listers you just need to know that the higher the gauge number the thinner the tube (and I am sure there is a logic to that as well, but it escapes me.) Off to the Walkington Hay Ride tomorrow, an event that involves a 20 mile stroll around that village in East Yorkshire with horses in the lead and a contingent of pre 1910 bicycles ridden by members (in period clothing) of Bygone Bykes Yorkshire Club (of which I am a member). Most are Rovers as the organisers are collectors of that marque. As my earliest mount is a Johhny-come-lately 1934 Stephens of Southgate I will sadly just be a spectator.

Nigel Land

North (hot and sunny) Lincs
UK