[Terry Nye]

Hi, I am a new member and have Standard Mk 2. It is in usable but scruffy condition I have bought a replacment steel front wheel from SJS cycles but I am now consifdering upgrading the bike to make it stop better and more usable. I am not after oringinality but usability. So my questions are:
What recomendations for rims (alloy 16 x 3/8″) and tyres and from where?
I have a 3 speed drum brake hub from an RSW can I use that on the back or is it too much force for the rear forks?
Does someone supply front racks still?
Thank you in advance.
Terry

[Mike]

All depends how much work you would like to do and how much you want to spend.

Alloy rims; you can use 349 brompton alloy rims or the SUN CR18 rims, Alex rims, Velocity rims are also available.

Tyres again there are many (16 inch) 349 tyres available from the raleigh originals, to brompton tyres, Schwable, and my favorites the Primo Comets.

The hub may be fine but if its the one that was used on the Moulton MK3 save yourself the trouble and don’t bother. The hub oil leaks into the brake area and you have no brakes!! Tektro make some very long reach brakes that will work fine on the front, for the back you will need a front brake with spacers.
You could just use the steel brakes you have with koolstop pads.

Front racks come up on ebay from time to time.

Hope that is some help

[Les Crook]

Hi and welcome. I have done a number of upgrades to Molly (my 66 Standard). Firstly I got a pair of brompton wheels from the bay, then (cos we have hills in Staffs) rebuilt the rear with a 5 speed wide range hub. SJS will oblige with such build.

I have fitted long drop dual pivot brakes to improve stopping. Mainly after nearly running Ian over in April! The overall effect is pleasing and makes Molly everyday usable. If you want anymore info on my build just shout.

[Terry Nye]

Hi, Mike and Les thank you for your response, I fully respect the original bikes out there and don’t want to upset the staus quo by suggesting changes to what are to many a desirable and collectable bike.
But I really want to feel secure in its stopping ability in traffic and make it a little more weather proof by upgrading to alloy components. Thus increasing comfort and usability without moving too far from its identity. I will post a photo when I start work on it.
Thank you.
T

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