Penny farthing tire repair

Does anyone have experience repairing penny farthing tires? Recently my front tire has started to spit. I think I just need to tighten it some how but I am not sure how to go about doing so. If anyone has any experience with this sort of thing please let me know. I have still been riding it but I am reluctant to do so for more than a few miles from the house. I would love to get this thing in better shape for bike events this summer.

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Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on June 22, 2011 at 6:26pm

No idea, but I know that Worksman Cycles in New York still makes them, so someone there would probably know. Post how to do it when you find out- I'd love to know.

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on June 22, 2011 at 6:31pm

I found this link which may be of some use to you- it shows how the tire is installed, but maybe it can help in figuring out how to repair the one you have. They also sell the tires for penny farthings. Good Luck!

http://www.hiwheel.com/tire_install.htm

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on June 22, 2011 at 8:26pm

Maybe someone at one of the LBS's will know who to ask who then, in turn, might just know who maybe does this kind of work and be able to eventually hook you up with them. Either that or ask on bikeforums where someone might have a few hints or tricks.

I'm a pretty handy home mechanic who isn't afraid of getting his feet wet with new stuff but this is so far beyond anything I've ever had experience with. I know in theory how it is done but It looks really difficult even on a new tire -repairing an older one might be an order of magnitude more difficult and there may be pitfalls and hidden damage/issues so that a person with experience doing this kind of repair is your best bet. There has to be someone around here who does it. I see more Pf's around the Chicago area than just about anywhere else.

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Permalink Reply by steve rulz on June 22, 2011 at 8:57pm

Thanks for the responses. The link to hiwheel.com is helpful but makes me think that this is going to be a pain in the ass. I know cycle smithy has a penny farthing in the shop. I might stop by there and see what they think. Otherwise I have heard of people visiting wheel chair repair shops for this type of thing. Hopefully it will be less of an ordeal than I think it might.