New Member: Murray Missile Rider

[KRayee]

Hi folks,

After more than 50 years, I have my first bicycle still. I'm 62 but received a Murray Missile for Christmas in 1967 or 1968 [I have had a few bikes since then ]. Here is a photo. I took off the aluminum rack that was on the bacK. I painted it black in the late 1970's. I sort of restored it to it's original maroon color about five years ago. I have one issue. The beads on the Kenda whitewalls are slipping off . Tire size is shown as 26 x1.75. Any ideas on how to make it rideable. Should I just re-

seat the tires or get new tires?

KRayee

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice bike. Beads slipping off the rims, (not slipping off from the rest of the tire); I have noticed this with some slippery whitewalls.
A recommendation might be to ensure the rims are clean, such as a wipe down with rubbing alcohol.
Similar for the tire beads, as there may be some slippery tire mold release substance remaining there.
If cleaning and usual care in seating tires, and patience when inflating to riding pressure does not resolve, then perhaps replacement (or swap) tires may be way to go.
Welcome to the CABE!

 

[crazyhawk]

Welcome to the CABE! Nice Murray Missile.

 

[KRayee]

Thanks for the advice. I'll clean up the wheels good and maybe rough up the tires along the bead. I can't resist sharing a photo of the other side.

 

[Phattiremike]

Welcome to the CABR, enjoy the ride!

-Mike

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Not a general fan of 1960’s space bikes; yet the only one I own is also a Murray Missile frame style (normal top tube). I believe that design was the most conservative of the space bikes, (especially when they moved the cantilevered tubes from the back/top of the down tube, to the sides of the down tube). Your bike gives a shining inspiration to the potential for old middleweight cruisers.