New wheel set for vintage ladies bicycle - advice needed

540mm? What's written on the tyres?

erm, I believe the tyres say 540x43mm and the rims say 540x20mm. It's a 19" frame so is very small as she's only 5' 2".

Personally I would keep things period-ish and simply true or re-built the wheels with new spokes. Maybe put a cassette hub at the back or simply take the gear cable off the Sturmey Archer.

Also I start a new job the week after next and really don't have time (or the knowledge) to rebuild the wheels. I just wanted to buy some with normal hubs and have it single speed. The rear wheel is extremely heavy and both wheels hardly spin at all.

I've also taken a fair few bits off (just cos the bike weighs a TON).

Ta

Paul.