Since the tires on my 1909 Cycles Gladiator weren't original, in pretty bad shape and I wanted to install white tires in tradition of resemblance to originality, I went on a hunt. Seeing some tires I liked on an Argentinian Facebook page, I unbelievably found one dealer in the US selling them... for $10 a set (yes, 2 tires for $10 + shipping). They were stark white so I tore off the nipples, sanded the leftovers from the tire mold off, and brushed them good with mud. Happy with the results, I learned upon my reluctance of assumption, I missed the fact my 1909 Cycles Gladiator has 700a wheeles (ETRTO of 642 vs 622 on the common 700c).
Upon my search, I soon learned finding these tires isn't easy, and not cheap when you do. Due to a bottom bracket shell repair and too many other projects, this bike isn't going to be a rider anytime soon so I started thinking. I used to be the North American manager for CST (Cheng Shin Tire, parent company of Maxxis) so I know way too much about tire construction and since I invested a whole $10 in tires I couldn't use, I decided defeat was not an option (until I can find some proper tires for it.
*Warning, not for the purest
Here is the tire as it sat new (prior to me checking the actual size of the original tires). After seeing how stark white they were, I decided to 'age' them. The nylon used in tires today resists a lot of things like tea so I ended up heading to the back yard and using a stiff brush to grind a bit of age into them. See the following pics for results.
I started by cutting the inside of the casing close to the edge where the wire bead sits. Since the wire bead is bonded in during the curing process, I knew it wouldn't go smoothly. (the 4th bead was easier after learning from the first 3 tries).
Pulling the bead out on my first try was tricky without pulling too much meat out with it, but then it dawned on me...
A wire bead in a tire is one single piece of wire wrapped around about 5 or so times. If you grab about any tire with a bead, you'll notice a small lump. That is where the two ends of the wire are taped together before being placed in the mold. If you start there, you can then take unwrap the single wire which leaves a much cleaner cut. Worth noting, to get it started, it helps to bend the bead to make it poke up. from there you can use a small flathead and/or pliers to get it started.
After the wire is out, you have what is a really floppy folding tire. Notice, the outside bead is still fully intact but without the structure to keep it from stretching. So did it fit?
For display, it fits fine. It will only hold enough air to give it shape (maybe 10psi max), as anything more, the tube will pop out the side. (in other words, don't try to ride it).
Overall, I am pleased with the results until I find proper, suitable replacements. I also added Orange Seal tire sealant to the inside of the tubes so they will hold air MUCH longer without having to re-inflate as often.
Upon my search, I soon learned finding these tires isn't easy, and not cheap when you do. Due to a bottom bracket shell repair and too many other projects, this bike isn't going to be a rider anytime soon so I started thinking. I used to be the North American manager for CST (Cheng Shin Tire, parent company of Maxxis) so I know way too much about tire construction and since I invested a whole $10 in tires I couldn't use, I decided defeat was not an option (until I can find some proper tires for it.
*Warning, not for the purest
Here is the tire as it sat new (prior to me checking the actual size of the original tires). After seeing how stark white they were, I decided to 'age' them. The nylon used in tires today resists a lot of things like tea so I ended up heading to the back yard and using a stiff brush to grind a bit of age into them. See the following pics for results.
I started by cutting the inside of the casing close to the edge where the wire bead sits. Since the wire bead is bonded in during the curing process, I knew it wouldn't go smoothly. (the 4th bead was easier after learning from the first 3 tries).
Pulling the bead out on my first try was tricky without pulling too much meat out with it, but then it dawned on me...
A wire bead in a tire is one single piece of wire wrapped around about 5 or so times. If you grab about any tire with a bead, you'll notice a small lump. That is where the two ends of the wire are taped together before being placed in the mold. If you start there, you can then take unwrap the single wire which leaves a much cleaner cut. Worth noting, to get it started, it helps to bend the bead to make it poke up. from there you can use a small flathead and/or pliers to get it started.
After the wire is out, you have what is a really floppy folding tire. Notice, the outside bead is still fully intact but without the structure to keep it from stretching. So did it fit?
For display, it fits fine. It will only hold enough air to give it shape (maybe 10psi max), as anything more, the tube will pop out the side. (in other words, don't try to ride it).
Overall, I am pleased with the results until I find proper, suitable replacements. I also added Orange Seal tire sealant to the inside of the tubes so they will hold air MUCH longer without having to re-inflate as often.
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