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'47 Model 18 Tyres - Recommendations?

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Whilst at the MOT last week the, the MOT tester said that both front and rear tyres on my Model 18 needed 'refereshing' (both are about about knackered).

Currently I have:

Front:

Avon SM MK11 3.25 S19

Rear:

Avon SM MK11 3.25/3.50 S19

On the front are roadholder forks and being a Model 18, the rear is rigid.

I'm looking to get some 'modern sticky rubber' fitted. Has anyone got any experience/advice on this?

Also, the MOT tester said that the rear wheel was (slightly) buckled (nothing too serious, but if you keep your eyese pinned on the line painting on the rear wheel you can see a slight fluctuaution). It passed the MOT though. Are tyre fitters liklely to be able to redress this by spoke tightening?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael

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In my opinion, the best looking tyres on a 1940s / 50s bike are the Dunlop K70s. They are now made in modern compounds and have very 'neutral' characteristics.

If 'modern sticky' is the most important factor then Avon Roadriders are available in 3.25x19 but they even look a bit modern on Commandos.

I have Indian Dunlop 'Extra Grips' on my 16H as I wanted something a bit more off-road looking and have no complaints.

I don't think that a tyre fitter will be prepared to touch spoke tension. It certainly needs investigating for looseness and alignment. Don't rely on the painted centres though. The alternative is that you go to a wheelbuilder. Most of them supply tyres as well.

 


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