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Rear tyre for a plunger ES2?

Submitted by ian_soady on Mon, 12/03/2018
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My 1952 ES2 is fitted with a 4.00 x 19 rear tyre (Mitas) which is too big in section and in danger of ripping itself to bits on the mudguard bolts. A shame as it's virtually new (fitted by previous owner but clearly not run much if at all).

I note from the Bacon book and elsewhere that the standard size for all (rigid and plunger) bikes from the year is 3.25 x 19 but that seems a bit spindly to me. It will however give me lots more clearance. 3.50 x 19 feels more suitable but maybe I've just got used to fat rear tyres.....

What do others use?

Submitted by andy_marks on Mon, 12/03/2018

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Hi Ian

I had a 3.50-19 Avon SM MK2 on my plunger ES2 and it cleared everything just fine. I've no got a Avon AM26 Roadrider on it can't remember what size but I can look if your thinking of going that route. Might not look period but it does ride better, don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the handling before but the newer tyres are an improvement.

Andy

Submitted by george_phillips on Tue, 13/03/2018

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My '55 ES2 is fitted with a 3.50" rear tyre but there is precious little clearance on the drive side when the wheels are correctly aligned but I agree that the correct 3.25" does look a bit lean. George

Submitted by ian_soady on Tue, 13/03/2018

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I like Mitas tyres and seem to remember that the 3.50 I had fitted to a G80 looked on the slender side so may investigate that.

Thanks for all replies.

 


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