I am looking for a new front for my '46 VH500.
Am I correct in thinking the Ensign is the only option in a 3.00 - 20 size?
Avons being a thing of the past.... Mitas not available in a 20.... Any other options?
tyre (lack of) options
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nevhunter
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Competition Bikes wore a 21' inch front rim. or go for a 350-19. Nev
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tony.barnett
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Vintage Tyres sell Ensign in 20". I doubt you'll find any other options. Better an Ensign that nowt.
KOBI
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
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nevhunter
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Change your rim size and you have More choice in Tires ever after..Nev
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tony.barnett
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Is the best advice - in fact you could probably find a complete 19" wheel. That's what I did for my 52 VH which has a 20" front currently.nevhunter wrote: Mon May 04, 2026 9:58 am Change your rim size and you have More choice in Tires ever after..Nev
KOBI
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
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Alan G
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
That is a very good idea.... looking on line I am seeing new stainless steel 19 rims for roughly the same price as a 20 Inch ensign tyre.
I would need to get the rim painted to match the rear, and could swap the hub over with new spokes, but buying a complete wheel would let me keep the 20 as for use in the future - should the need arise...
What complete wheel option do I need to keep an eye out for - for example will a BSA one fit straight in with the same spindle? Are there any that could retain the original Ariel brakes? Any 'gotchas' when doing a swap.
I would need to get the rim painted to match the rear, and could swap the hub over with new spokes, but buying a complete wheel would let me keep the 20 as for use in the future - should the need arise...
What complete wheel option do I need to keep an eye out for - for example will a BSA one fit straight in with the same spindle? Are there any that could retain the original Ariel brakes? Any 'gotchas' when doing a swap.
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