Help me "resto-mod" this 1940 BFG

[David Newton]

First post! Thanks in advance.
I bought a 1940 BFG girl's frame 'cause I''m having difficulty swinging my leg over my Italian racing frame.
I'm not a fan of balloon tires, and the wheels on this BFG are toast, so I'm going to have to get a new wheelset, with coaster brake.

I'm trying to figure out which modern wheel, with narrow tires, is close to the same diameter as the 26 x 2.125 with balloon tires.

I've mounted 700c rims with 32mm tires for now, but they are a bit much in diameter, though they do fit the fork.
I think the two options are 26" iso 559 mountain bike wheels, and 26 x 1-3/8 english iso 590.
Which one will do it best?

 

[AS-1]

First post! Thanks in advance.
I bought a 1940 BFG girl's frame 'cause I''m having difficulty swinging my leg over my Italian racing frame.
I'm not a fan of balloon tires, and the wheels on this BFG are toast, so I'm going to have to get a new wheelset, with coaster brake.

I'm trying to figure out which modern wheel, with narrow tires, is close to the same diameter as the 26 x 2.125 with balloon tires.

I've mounted 700c rims with 32mm tires for now, but they are a bit much in diameter, though they do fit the fork.
I think the two options are 26" iso 559 mountain bike wheels, and 26 x 1-3/8 english iso 590.
Which one will do it best?

Welcome. Please let me recommend a 2-speed yellow band Schwinn middleweight coaster brake wheelset with 26 x 2 x 1.75 brick pattern tires.

 

[billyjones]

26" iso 559 all the way bro cephus

 

[AS-1]

Yo!

 

[GTs58]

The 590 rims would be the best for a lightweight.

 

[David Newton]

Great to see everyone agrees on what should be my choice!
Is there a recommendation on a wheel set vendor?

 

[fattyre]

I vote 599 because of the wide selection of quality hook beaded tires and alloy rims.

650B aka 584 iso could also be an option, but it’s not necessarily budget friendly. Most tires & rims and mid to high end and fit is always a gamble.

One other thing to consider. The increased height of a larger diameter wheel will be the same for the cranks as well. Basically your pedals are higher off the ground and you may need to actually lower the saddle so you can be seated with a foot on the ground.

 

[AS-1]

Is there a recommendation on a wheel set vendor?

Used sets are all over Ebay...

 

[David Newton]

I vote 599 because of the wide selection of quality hook beaded tires and alloy rims.

650B aka 584 iso could also be an option, but it’s not necessarily budget friendly. Most tires & rims and mid to high end and fit is always a gamble.

One other thing to consider. The increased height of a larger diameter wheel will be the same for the cranks as well. Basically your pedals are higher off the ground and you may need to actually lower the saddle so you can be seated with a foot on the ground.

Thank you fattyre, for your post.
I'm going to assume you vote 559, not 599.
I was aware 650B was a high cost option, so steering clear.
Your 3rd consideration is exactly why I'm doing the mod, to get the bottom bracket closer to the ground, thus my feet also.
At this point, the 559 is my choice.

 

[GTs58]

Here's a 47 Continental with a 559 rim