Rigid frame tire size
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,096
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Stock frames a 130 for me is it, I've shoe horned 150's in on aftermarket frames but don't run an o-ring chain or some tire profiles will rub the sidewall.
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: California
I never thought picking tires would be so difficult.
Heres what it boils down to for me on this build.
I want as fat as possible on a stock width rigid frame with hydraulic brake, I don’t mind massaging things to achieve this.
I want vintage looks, this is important to me.
I want a quality non chinese tire, this is important to me.
All the tires I’ve found that fit this criteria are 130 or around 5 inches.
Any suggestions on a specific brand that fits the criteria above?
Heres what it boils down to for me on this build.
I want as fat as possible on a stock width rigid frame with hydraulic brake, I don’t mind massaging things to achieve this.
I want vintage looks, this is important to me.
I want a quality non chinese tire, this is important to me.
All the tires I’ve found that fit this criteria are 130 or around 5 inches.
Any suggestions on a specific brand that fits the criteria above?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,054
Likes: 8,077
From: Canada
I never thought picking tires would be so difficult.
Heres what it boils down to for me on this build.
I want as fat as possible on a stock width rigid frame with hydraulic brake, I don’t mind massaging things to achieve this.
I want vintage looks, this is important to me.
I want a quality non chinese tire, this is important to me.
All the tires I’ve found that fit this criteria are 130 or around 5 inches.
Any suggestions on a specific brand that fits the criteria above?
Heres what it boils down to for me on this build.
I want as fat as possible on a stock width rigid frame with hydraulic brake, I don’t mind massaging things to achieve this.
I want vintage looks, this is important to me.
I want a quality non chinese tire, this is important to me.
All the tires I’ve found that fit this criteria are 130 or around 5 inches.
Any suggestions on a specific brand that fits the criteria above?
I get that you want what you want but a fat tire looks out of place on a rigid bike thats trying to be a vintage build. You cant get a fat vintage tire unless you go (gasp) with a car tire like some of the Japanese builds do. Ive seen them with Hoosiers on the back which means they went to a 15" rim to make it work and a drag slick is less than ideal (but they do look cool)
The newer fad builds did the fat look and it didn't age well. The wider the rear tire the worse it'll steer because it'll want to stay upright like a twinkie fatboy - one of the worst bikes I've ever ridden only to be outdone by a CVO V-Rod.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,096
Likes: 51,358
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Avon's my meats of choice. Not real crazy about that 21" ribbed tread, they tend to track rain grooves and don't like tar snakes at all.
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Oct 10, 2022 at 04:51 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 62
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From: California
Picking these tires has been an exercise in compromise, there are a few things set in stone.
They have to be 16 and 21.
They have to be the same brand.
They have to be vintage looking.
They can’t be Chinese.
All of the above have seriously limited the selection, I haven’t bought anything yet (took TwiZteds advice) I’ll probably order the Avon tomorrow unless someone can enlighten me to a better option.
Thanks all that took the time to give opinions and advice.
They have to be 16 and 21.
They have to be the same brand.
They have to be vintage looking.
They can’t be Chinese.
All of the above have seriously limited the selection, I haven’t bought anything yet (took TwiZteds advice) I’ll probably order the Avon tomorrow unless someone can enlighten me to a better option.
Thanks all that took the time to give opinions and advice.
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 62
Likes: 14
From: California
I’m trying to get all the big stuff together that I’m sure want, it’s going to be probably next summer before I’ll really get going on it I’m finishing up a pretty wild full fender 1931 Model A that I’ve been building for 3+ years.
I’ll definitely post pictures once I get going on it.
Here’s what I have:
A complete 80ci Flathead motor less the crank assembly and carb.
Both wheels
Fat bob gas tanks
Here’s what I have on order:
Truett & Osborn flywheel assembly with rods
BDL belt drive with their matching clutch.
Paughco no stretch 30 degree straight tube rigid frame
Paughco stock length gloss black springer forks
Baker no ear 6 speed
I’ll definitely post pictures once I get going on it.
Here’s what I have:
A complete 80ci Flathead motor less the crank assembly and carb.
Both wheels
Fat bob gas tanks
Here’s what I have on order:
Truett & Osborn flywheel assembly with rods
BDL belt drive with their matching clutch.
Paughco no stretch 30 degree straight tube rigid frame
Paughco stock length gloss black springer forks
Baker no ear 6 speed
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