Tyre information

[steveda]

I’ve had my 1929 2 speed super squirrel for about 6 months now and the bike so far has been pretty faultless, but, just recently, I’ve had two flat tyres front and rear. The front one was caused by the valve pulling out of the tube (a 19″ tube on a 300-20 rim), the back tyre seems to have a small nail in it. I’ve managed to get 21″ tubes from Lambrook tyres who I’ve discovered are the same company as Vintage tyre supplies of Beaulieu.
My front tyre, a Firestone is in good shape with plenty of tread, the rear also a 300-20 is an Avon and looks a bit more worn. I asked lambrook about replacements and the current situation is Avon no longer produce 300-20 sizes, Coker tyres of the USA do them but, they are not readily available. Waymaster who are VTS’ own brand can produce them but the demand, (30-40 per year), meant they ceased production. However, Chris at VTS/Lambrook said they will probably produce some this year due to the lack of alternatives. He also suggested trying a 350-20 Avon, but, I’ve no idea if this would fit my machine. Anyone had any experience of this size on a 2 speeder?

[lewis onions]

I’ve recently had problems sourcing 20 inch tyres too. I emailed Coker last October and was informed that some of their 3.00 x 20 blocked-tread tyres would be put on the next shipment to their UK stockists (North Hants Tyres -I think) with whom they had a sole distribution agreement. The reply was quick and helpful and suggested that an alternative would be to order via a US address for onward shipping to the UK.

I put an order in for 4 and was originally quoted December delivery. In subsequent telephone calls HT have merely informed me that the tyres have not arived and that my order is on file. I haven’t been able to chase them recently.

As with anything a larger order is likely to cause more interest (which is partly why I was ordering 4 tyres, having joined my requirement with that of a friend). My mother-in-law is in the States soon and will be able to provide the US address that Coker suggested could be used. I am prepared to accept and coordinate orders to add to mine if anyone else is interested. I am not fully aware of the costs as yet ,but those interested may let me have details on a non-obligatory basis and I will report back.

[Paul W]

Hi, i’ve found the following tyres on the web this evening: I have used Longstone to buy a 300×20 in the past…….

300×20 Coker Block Tread – http://www.vintage tyre.com (£91.00 ex VAT)

300×20 Coker Rear Tyre – http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk (£69.50 ex VAT)

Hope that helps

Regards,

Paul

[steveda]

Update to original post: First of all thank you for the two replies. I’ve been in touch with Avon tyres through their local agent and managed to obtain a ribbed front 300-20 tyre so, could put the relatively new front Firestone block tyre on the rear. As an aside, my 1929 flying squirrel tourer has this set-up with the same size wheels. Alternatively, the agent can get 300-20-50 block tyres. The 50 part is the aspect ratio. The standard tyre is a 3″ wall depth so I’m not sure how expressing the wall depth as an aspect ratio compares does anyone know the formula for converting a tyre aspect ratio into the depth as this might be a possible solution to the problem?

[chstorm]

A 3.00-20-50 is probably a modern low-profile tyre, and not very suitable. A 50% aspect ratio tyre is flattish and low. The original tyres were from 80% to 100% aspect ratio. I can recommend Coker tyres – I have used them for years on other historic vehicles. Although you may have to import them directly from the U.S., they can compete very favourably pricewise.

Cheers!

Carl

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