Raleigh twenty as project/problems

Bit off topic.. But it is a sngle speed :-p

Having just recently fished the rebuild of my Raleigh twenty-esque cycle. I've encountered some problems.

I bought a new set of bmx alloy wheels for it, which I thought were the same size as the originals.

After fitting them the reach on the calipers doesn't seem anywhere near long enough. The front looks to be about 95-100mm and the rear is over 105mm.

Is there Any way to cure this or any extra long callipers I can get to remedy it?

Pics here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81843726@N03/7558173538

No answer am afraid, thinking it'd ne nice to have this as an ongoing Raleigh 20 projects thread maybe? Got one starting soon.

P.s. Unicycle & Pool Table? Could make for an interesting game...

I built a Dahon Fixed many moons again and fitted BMX brakes as they are longer

very nice - looks like you've put a lot into it so far. I'd suggest you bite the bullet and find some nice 451 dia wheels.
I think some Twenties were sold with 406 (BMX size) wheels from new (in other countries?). Not sure how the brake setup differed, but I think the larger size looks much better anyway.

(edit to add - the 451 size is sometimes called 'bmx race' if you're looking. eg.http://www.winstanleysbmx.com/product/15757/Alienation_Ankle_Biter_Rim )

Hha yeah that sounds challenging!

Any idea where I could get a set of 451 wheels? Only seen standard bmx wheels when I've been looking around so far. Done a bit of googling and the longest brakes I can find are weinmann 1080 calipers, but they're about 50-80 quid a set.. But the reach is 108mm. Bit expensive!

Also if I got the slightly larger rims would I have to get another set of new tyres as well? When I put the white walls on they seemed kinda loose.. But when inflated they're Alfie.

bmx 20" wheels are 406 ISO/ERD as the old 20" wheels are 451 ISO/ERD

some twentys in america were sold with bmx type wheels
all european twentys have the old 20" wheel with a 451ERD

sjs used to have loads of components for small wheel bikes.
twentys as old raleighs have their own proprietary threading 26 TPI

check this thread http://www.lfgss.com/thread1201.html

What about rebuilding the rear with a coaster and then brakeless.

Hmm that's apossibility. Probably be cheaper to get a old 3 speed hub with coaster off eBay with new spokes tbf.

Or even a drum brake hub. Never even thought of that till now.

I'm restoring a Twenty just now and encountered the same problem, I got a very deep (90mm) drop BMX brake for the front and I'm making a bracket for the rear a la Sheldon.

http://www.lfgss.com/thread1201.html