#650a

I am a dedicated lover of the peculiar size native to old British three speeds and some other bikes now not common in North America. Known as 26″ x 1 3/8″ in English terminology, 650A in French, ISO 590 in standardized talk, and E.A.3 to people who are no longer alive, this wheel size is practically (but not exactly) the same as the much more venerated 650B. But the selection of tires is…

Some news in three speed tire/wheel news from our sister site, Society of Three Speeds. A 26″ x 1 3/8″ tire update, plus not-so-good rim news

One thing that I’ve been intensely and intently interested in over the years is the tire selection in the 26″ x 1 3/8″ size, the size most commonly found on British three speeds. 1 This tire size, also known as 650A in French sizing terminology, 590mm in ISO, and E.A.3 in Britain during the mid-twentieth century. When I started to get into these bikes about thirteen years ago, tire selection was…

Here’s a set of Avenue B custom panniers made by North St Bags here in Portland. (Ave B are no longer made, modern equivalent would be the Morrison, which goes for $190) One pannier is a convertible backpack! They’ve got all the bells and whistles like: exterior bottle pocket, exterior pump pocket, loops to hang rear light, interior organizer pocket (backpack only), handles, loops for straps, and adjustable straps. The convertible backpack is designed for left side (non drive side). Be used as either front or rear bags. This set is over seven years old and traveled with me on The Big Tour across the continent in 2011. There are obvious signs of wear and tear, fabric is a bit faded, and there are marks and stains. But in very good condition and completely functional. Asking $150 for the set.

Here’s a very esoteric Grand Bois tire, a 650Ax32. Aka 26″x 1 3/8″, ISO 590, EA3, or British Three Speed Tire size. Supple in that Grand Bois way. Folding bead. A few hundred miles of use. Narrower than your typical tire in this size. Asking $30.