Black Ariel Spokes and Rims

[MGriffin]

Evening all….
Just needing to clarify rims and spokes for my 28 Model A. I’m looking to get consensus on this if I can.
On the rims, the factory parts list identifies 2 rims.
1. WM2 19” using a choice of either a 26”x3.25 or 26”x3.5 or 27”x4 Tyre, or a
2. WM1 20” using a 26”x3 Tyre.
Were rims different for different models? I think I read in the Black Ariel Book that 27 models used a choice of rim but i cant see if 28 did?

What tyres are people using these days aswell?

On the spokes I can see:
1. Front Spoke, Brake Side 7-1/4” x 10gauge,
2. Front Spoke, Flange Side 9” x 10gauge,
3. Rear Spoke, Brake Side 8-1/2” x 10gauge
4. Rear Spoke, Flange Side 9-1/8” x 10gauge.

Its not clear however which of the spokes has the 90deg bend and which of the spokes has the 62deg bend.

Any advice most welcome.

[simon.holyfield]

Regarding rim sizes, there's a clue in the 'extras' page of the sales catalogue, where the larger tyre sizes (and therefore larger rims) are listed for models upon which they are not standard fitment.

[MGriffin]

Regarding rim sizes, there's a clue in the 'extras' page of the sales catalogue, where the larger tyre sizes (and therefore larger rims) are listed for models upon which they are not standard fitment.

Thanks Simon.
That suggests WM2 19” using a 26” x 3.25 would be the standard wheel/rim then?

[simon.holyfield]

No - to me the fact that the larger tyre is on the 'extras' page suggests that the smaller one is standard...

My '30 A has original WM1 rims.

[Roger Gwynn]

As all bikes were built to order you could specify anything, so in theory you can fit anything, within period now. Simon is correct and that is how you have to work these things out. Long spokes will be 90 and short ones 60 but if you order from a reputable supplier they should supply you with the correct parts for your model. The following match requirements except where stated
27-7016 1/8 shorter
4537-51 exact
4543-32 Exact
4537-32 80 degree instead of 90, easily tweaked in the vice or built as is
All in stock at Draganfly in rustless or stainless

Sorry I am recovering from Chinese plague and in isolation, beginning to go stir crazeeeeee

[MGriffin]

As all bikes were built to order you could specify anything, so in theory you can fit anything, within period now. Simon is correct and that is how you have to work these things out. Long spokes will be 90 and short ones 60 but if you order from a reputable supplier they should supply you with the correct parts for your model. The following match requirements except where stated
27-7016 1/8 shorter
4537-51 exact
4543-32 Exact
4537-32 80 degree instead of 90, easily tweaked in the vice or built as is
All in stock at Draganfly in rustless or stainless

Thanks Roger duly noted. From my understanding of various scribings and owners feedback the WM2-19” with a 26x3.25 seems to be the ‘conventional’ wheel and tyre these days.
They all also seem to fall under a 26 or 27” rolling diameter so to fit nicely with guards i’ve ordered this outcome should be ok….i think.

Drags cant help with any spokes as of an email this week. CWC can though.
Michael.

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

WM2 by 19" it is. and I use Dunlop TT100 on my Ariel, very nice roadholding but wears a bit rapid.

reg. spokes, when did Ariel start with this 3 to 1 system? was that already in the Black Ariel era ?

[MGriffin]

Is there a suitable coating for the spokes like synthetic or such like or do people just paint everything when the wheel is assembled and hope for the best?

[Roger Gwynn]

I believe that the factory painted the spokes and rims before building using nickle plated nipples. It's OK to paint the assembled wheel until you need to adjust or replace the odd spoke. Certainly spokes sold as spares were painted but then I suppose they would be, whichever way the factory did it. I have done it both ways round but not being a skilled wheel builder and using brushing enamel I lost rather a lot of the paint off the spokes when building the wheel, a tougher, baked on coating would help and more skill of course.

Vincent, I assume you are referring to the 3-1 dimple pattern on the rims. Had a conversation with Sean at the LDR about this, the answer is I dunno, I don't think black Ariels used it, not early on anyway. The only way to find out is a survey of original un-rebuilt bikes. From my shed 26 and 30 no, 32,33 and 40 yes.

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Roger, yes , thats what I meant. Could not 'find' the word dimple for a moment.
So a 1928 would have a standard e.g. non specific Ariel dimple pattern ?
The rims I took of the '28 hubs that came with my Model C are 'standard' no 3-1 dimple pattern.
But ofcourse I dont know if these rims are the original ones.

maybe Devon rims have black spokes and nickle nipples