Hi again,
First, many thanks to the list members (esp. Neil and Peter) who provided info on dating the frame. So, assuming the frame is early 1950s - what would be your recommendations on building it up? I would like to keep it period correct as much as possible - but without sacrificing ride-ability (I really like the frame and want to build it into a bike that's nice and fun to ride). As I like fixed gear riding, my thinking is to go with a fixed gear for the RRA - or perhaps a flip-flop with a fixed on one side and a single-speed freewheel on the other. But definitely no front or rear derailleurs/SA hubs, which I guess makes the build easier. So the decisions come down to:
1. What wheels? From what I've seen in Raleigh catalog scans from that period (http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/RRA_48Catalog2.jpg), one could choose different wheel sizes - 26" or 27". I am assuming that those sizes refer to BSD 630mm (27") and BSD 597mm (26"), is that correct? If so, I would prefer to go with the smaller wheel size but am not sure I've ever seen any BSD 597mm rims/tires (new or used) available... maybe just go with the 700c rims? That won't be period correct (or were there 700c wheels in 1950 already?) but at least it'll be practical - and for wheels especially, I'm inclined to give priority to practicality. What do you think?
2. Chainset. From what I've seen, it looks like cottered cranks would be correct but maybe I'm wrong and cotterless/square taper cranks were already available in 1950 (if so, which models)? And, I think for a fixed/single speed 1950 bike, 1/8 chain is the right choice correct?
2. Brakes. What brakes would be suitable for this build?
That's it with the questions for now I guess. Your thoughts/advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.
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Cheers,
Dmitry Yaitskov,
Toronto, Canada.