I inherited a Gitane Interclub, circa 1970s, from my father in law and I am trying to replace the tires as a step 1 to a restore. But I’m having trouble finding the correct tire. The wheel measures 650 mm diameter and the tire has Continental Triathlon 290g 22mm printed on it (see image). I see lots of 700s on the web along with ETRTO 28 x 22 and such but how do I know what will fit? Thanks!
by couch_couch_couch
3 Comments
I might be able to help. I have several tubulars that were used but are still in great shape. If you want you can have them for the cost of shipping. I’m in the Chicago area. Just send me a PM.
That may be a 27inch wheel rather than 700c. It should have some numbers by the valve hole, if it is 27×1 or 630x something, good luck. If the numbers are 622x something, that is a 700c wheel and modern tubulars will fit. 27 inch tubulars will be very hard to come by.
The only rims that work with tubulars are tubular rims. 700c rims (622mm bead seat diameter) are for clincher tires, NOT interchangeable with tubulars. These look like tubulars to me. All tubulars are the same diameter, come in a few different widths, all of them narrow. Tubulars are sometimes known as sew-ups. I bought an Interclub new in 1971 or ‘72, and tubulars were the type of rim/tire this bike came with. Rode them in all kinds of conditions for almost 10 years, a royal pain in the ass. This is a completely different type of tire than clinchers, not interchangeable between the two. The tire is actually sewn shut, the stitching is covered with tape and they’re glued to the rim. Tubulars are still available, but unless you want this to be a true to original restoration, I recommend you either replace these wheels with 700c, or build new wheels using the old hubs with new rims. This bike has rear dropout spacing of 120mm, not many modern (last 30 years) rear hubs are 120, but you could fit a 126mm hub by spreading the frame. The original rear hub is French threaded, I’m not sure anyone makes a French threaded 5-speed freewheel (NOT a modern freehub).