I have a 1955 Le Chemineau with tubular tires and wing nuts. The front wing nuts have been replaced with some alloy ones that don't quite cover the axle. In other words, not enough thread on the axle to appear safe. There is thread left over inside the wing nut on either side of the axle when tightened. The axle is 133mm, and the fork spacing is 93mm. These are the same measurements as my 1951 Le Chemineau, but on the '51, the wing nuts have threads that are closer to the fork, so when tightened the ends of the axle are flush with the wing nuts.
Do I need to search for different wing nuts, perhaps steel ones? Maybe a longer axle, if such a thing could be found.
My other question regards the tubular tires. I purchased Vittoria Competion Rally 23 Kevlar 3D Compound tires. After only a few miles the front one went flat. It has a tiny hole in it, presumably due to running over some glass. I thought the Kevlar would be tougher than that. I have very little experience with tubulars, and am having much difficulty trying to get another tire on the rim, so I will be reluctant to ride the bike very far once I get it back on the road.
I have found four Wolber Strada Butyl tires that appear new. Would they be likely to hold up better?
If I can find the parts, I plan to build up some appropriate clinchers for the bike.
David Lester
West Hartford, Connecticut, USA
http://www.wooljersey.com/