First attempt

[adyc]

Hi, recently purchased a "oldy" to have a go at restoring and riding. Its a Raleigh olympus. In pretty good condition for its age with not too much to actually do apart from the usual :cables, tyres etc.
The tyres are causing me a few headaches though due to the size of the wheels.
They're marked as 26 x 1 1/4 ??
I've had a quick look online for tyres but not too many to choose from and not totally sure that they are even correct.
Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

Thanks

 

[midlife]

Iirc Olympus was a 26" wheel bike for youngsters who were not big enough to fit an adult bike. Is it too small for you!?

 

[DCLane]

26 x 1 1/4 makes it old. My 1950 Raleigh Sports uses that size.

The tyres will probably be the same size as 32-597. I fitted Schwalbe HS130 tyres to mine.

 

[adyc]

Iirc Olympus was a 26" wheel bike for youngsters who were not big enough to fit an adult bike. Is it too small for you!?

Its a 21 inch frame so in todays terms about 53cm... so not that small really.

 

[adyc]

26 x 1 1/4 makes it old. My 1950 Raleigh Sports uses that size.

The tyres will probably be the same size as 32-597. I fitted Schwalbe HS130 tyres to mine.

I thought it was early 70's, looking at the old advertisements and other posts I've seen.

 

[adyc]

Was hoping to find some gumwall or similar for it..... any chance ??

 

[DCLane]

I thought it was early 70's, looking at the old advertisements and other posts I've seen.

Could be 70's with this advert:

Not the most advanced design though from Raleigh; it's drawing on older Raleighs. You'll be fine with 32-597.

@adyc Try here for a tan wall tyre: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine...ge-Bicycle-White-Tan-Black-Wall-/121045793674 £9 each

 

[adyc]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221279206469

Would these fit?

 

[adyc]

Could be 70's with this advert:

View attachment 452112

Not the most advanced design though from Raleigh; it's drawing on older Raleighs. You'll be fine with 32-597.

@adyc Try here for a tan wall tyre: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine...ge-Bicycle-White-Tan-Black-Wall-/121045793674 £9 each

Thats the one !!
If I can get the tyres, then its just the jeans and shoes left to find !!

 

[biggs682]

If that size is right then sjs only offer https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-26-597/?sessionid=a08d74eb6ef58b816ddc11054087ccde16b1fb5b

 

[midlife]

Its a 21 inch frame so in todays terms about 53cm... so not that small really.

Being a bike essentlly for big children it has 26" wheels, short top tube and I sure shorter cranks It's very different from an adult 21" with 27" wheels and an adult sized frame.

Just didn't want you to spend time and money on it if you are going to be very cramped riding it

 

[Cycleops]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221279206469

Would these fit?

Yes, they're just a little fatter but what a price! Buying a pair would be more than the bike is worth. Biggsy's suggestion would be better. How do you feel about Midlife's observation?

 

[EltonFrog]

Could be 70's with this advert:

View attachment 452112

Not the most advanced design though from Raleigh; it's drawing on older Raleighs. You'll be fine with 32-597.

@adyc Try here for a tan wall tyre: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine...ge-Bicycle-White-Tan-Black-Wall-/121045793674 £9 each

I think that’s a very pretty bike, I’m sure there was someone on the Vintage Raleigh/ Vintage British bike Facebook page that was refurbishing one of those last year

 

[Bazzer]

Thats the one !!
If I can get the tyres, then its just the jeans and shoes left to find !!

You mean you already have a similar tank top?

 

[MichaelW2]

I had that tank top.

Do any other 26" wheels fit the brake position? MTB or 650 b or c?