It has nearly perfect red lines, full and bright. I have mounted and put 25lbs air in. It has held air and looked very good. When deflated, it shows age cracks.
This came to me (among other NOS CHOPPER bits) with a receipt from a Boston area shop dated 1993.
is a highly coveted, exceptionally rare grail item for vintage bicycle collectors. Unlike modern reproduction tires manufactured by CST, these original Dutch-manufactured tires are prized for their authentic ribbed tread, distinct wax-like factory preservation feel, and true-to-period sprayed redline detailing.
Key Specifications & Identification
Size: 16" x 2.00" (ETRTO 54-305), specific to the front wheel of Mk1 and Mk2 Raleigh Choppers.
Origin Markings: Stamped explicitly with "Made in Holland" on the sidewall.
The Red Line: Features a distinct, sometimes slightly oversprayed factory red stripe rather than the sharply defined, vulcanized solid rubber lines seen on modern reproductions.
Texture: Authentic NOS Dutch tires typically retain a waxy or chalky protective film from the factory, which preserves the rubber and prevents sidewall cracking over decades of storage.
Collector Value and Market Context
Because standard rubber degrades, finding a mint-condition tire with no sidewall cracking is incredibly difficult. While modern reproduction redline front tires sell for roughly £30 ($40 USD) for riders, an authentic, period-correct Dutch NOS tire is considered a "show bike" component. They are typically sourced through specialized vintage auction platforms like WorthPoint or dedicated classic bicycle forums.
Are you looking to buy or sell this specific tire? If you have one, sharing its current physical condition (such as any checking or stiff rubber) can help determine its exact value.