ndian22 if you have the tire and its unserviceable for normal use I think it might well serve another purpose. If you're willing to send it I promise you I'll make it up to you. If you decide to do it let me know and you can send it to him directly or me and I can get it to him. I would have to imagine you wouldn't see it again though. I think it would get sent to Thailand for mold validation.

I believed that the Coker was an exact replica and Ricks validation proves it.
Unfortunately, I don't count. I believe our enterprising tire baron needs to see it for himself. Personally I don't blame him. I need to see stuff for myself as well. I would imagine a tire mold is something you want perfect upfront.

As far as getting it DOT certified, according to the federal regs you have to test exactly 1 tire to validate performance. Even then the test looks like it will only take a day or so with probably another day of admin work for the test lab. I'm sure the engineers will charge a pretty penny for it though. the hardest part of the DOT qualification actually appeared to be listing all of the "factory" wheels that the tire would fit. You have to list what all acceptable rims for the tire to perform at spec.

About the dated regulation comment, if memory serves me right, anything made before 1962 or something isn't required to have seat belts. Since the DOT reg didn't exist before them they are probably exempt.

So I rode over there and talked to him. He is a very nice guy and has been around motorcycles in one way or another his whole life.

I told him about the market for the tires was there with a period correct pattern. He said he had considered it but the cost to create a mold with the vintage pattern was an additional expense. He said he was feeling the market out but was moving slowly. He said he kind of fell backward into this so I understand his timing.  


He said he'd like to get his hands on an original simplex tire to make the mold off of if he was going to make the treads ribbed. I asked "why not get a coker". He said he didn't believe they were period correct. If anyone has an old simplex tire laying around they'd like to give up for the cause, it might be worth it.

I asked about the DOT rating and the answer was basically, the current market I'm servicing doesn't require it, it's an added expense that wouldn't benefit me at this point. Hard to argue with that. That being said, I think the tire would pass whatever qualifications were needed to get DOT approved. He said in pedicab service they were lasting 500% longer than the Maxxis Hookworm. The tires are legitimate. He also developed a stronger tube to run in the tires. It's got a really thick outer circumference and a thinner inner circumference. He said they hold up well under New Orleans streets.

He has the same tire in a 2.125 size if anyone is interested.Oh yea, he said he was considering doing the same tire in a 3.0 inch as well. We talked for about an hour and I'm sure there's something I've left out.

Jason

I think I'll be chatting with the owner in the next few weeks. He invited me to come by his shop. He said he has "some interesting things" to look at.

The way we got on the subject of Simplex's was kind of funny. I called and asked if they sold worksman wheels. I was going to buy local if I could. I told the guy I was talking to "I want them for a simplex". The guy said "simplex, huh". I then heard a voice that said "let me talk to that guy".

I'll let you guys know what I find out when I visit his shop and chat with him. I think he might be the only person selling this particular tire. He makes them in runs of 500 or so. It's not a continuous batch so there may be a chance to get a tread change, but that's just my opinion.

Here is a link for anyone interested in the Tire that Rick was talking about.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vee-Rubber-26-x-2-50-NOLA-Ultra-Duty-Mountain-Bike-Pedi-Taxi-Bicycle-Tire-/251696011612?hash=item3a9a40595c:g:aa8AAOSwQJ5UT~d3

I have what I believe to be a 40's H model frame and gas tank. I am going to put non original stuff on it but I think that the fenders Handlebars, Handlebar riser and Seat pan are needed to keep the mostly original look.

So, that's what I'm looking to buy:

Seat Pan
Handlebars
Handlebar riser
Front Fender
Rear Fender

If you have one you would be willing to part with or you know of a good source, I'd appreciate it.

Jason

Thanks for the info and thanks for the warning as well. I'm just getting started on planning my build. I purchased a frame from KartJockey and am getting my ducks in a row. I'm a measure 4 times cut once kind of guy. That being said, I need all the help I can get.

I'm planning on going with a belt drive and I'm weighing the options for wheels. I like the idea of a front disc brake but I have to make sure it works out for my build. Your info is a great help.

Jason

I've only posted one other time so Hi everyone!

I think I've read every post on the site and one thing that keeps coming up is a good supply for tires acceptable for use. I know Coker makes one but they are a bit spendy.

In planning for my build (Which currently consists of a frame forks included) I've been thinking about my wheels. I want something that will withstand New Orleans famous potholes. That leads me away from the standard bicycle solution. I feel that any change in tire size will negatively effect the looks of the cycle.

After much reading I found out that simplex and older scooter/moped tires are sized based on the outside diameter of the tire. At some point they changed this because current tires are sized based on the dimension of the inside diameter or tire bead.

With that in mind I started looking for similarities. It turns out that a 21" motorcycle rim has a fairly large selection of tires available. These are a large number DOT approved as well. I'm pretty sure it's the chosen size for narrow Harley type "Chopper" wheels.

Honda makes a 21" 36 spoke rim but I'm not sure what it was originally on. If that were mated to a 50cc honda dirt bike drum brake/hub it might make a nice set up for a simplex. I think both parts are easily obtained. I'm not sure about the spokes but I think that could be managed.

Just a though, but has anyone else explored this?

Thanks!

Still have the other frame left?