Hi all
According to the original specifications for the CW model when it was introduced in 1924, the standard tyres were 26" x 2.1/4" of first class make according to supplies. Later models adopted balloon tyres but these were 25" x 3" as used as standard on the follow on EW model. My 1925 machine when I purchased it had originally fitted the balloon tyres but these were on a smaller diameter rim than the earlier rims used for the 26" tyres. Research at the time established that the only tyres currently made and officially recommended to fit this rim size was the 24" x 2.1/4" and indeed one of these had been fitted. With the large mudguards of the CW, it looked ridiculous as Jonathan noticed on his machine. All other CWs of which I was aware belonging to LDMCC members had the commonly available 26" x 2.1/2" tyres fitted on the correct larger rims. I rebuilt my wheels with the larger rims and fitted the 26" x 2/1/2" tyres. . As Jonathan's rims are only approximately 20.1/2", these are clearly the rims fitted to the later machines intended to take the 25" x 3" balloon tyres. It has been a thorny problem for EW owners as to what tyres to fit as their original fitments have never been reproduced. A number of early EW restorers changed their rims to WM1 and fitted wired tyres, a good safety move in view of the quantum performance increase over its predecessors. Then opinions were offered that 26" x 3" tyres could be fitted to the smaller rims in place of the original 25" x 3" and indeed I am aware that a number of recent restorations have gone down this route. However, "experts" on the vintage tyres scene who had cheerfully given this advice in the past cannot now be persuaded to confirm their earlier opinions. Clearly "Health and Safety" issues are coming to the fore and they are now not willing to recommended 26" tyres on 25" rims as 26" tyres should be fitted on the larger rim made for them. Chris.