Tire size question: For the wife's

[CRASH]

I bought a Schwinn 5-speed for the wife. Came with 26x1-3/8's that need to be replaced. I'm wondering if I should mod the frame and go with something fatter? To you think she would prefer the ride of a fatter tire, or will the stock middle weights be fine?

 

[CCR]

My wife prefers here 700c bike to any others, a high psi tire and small contact point is going to roll easier with less effort. You will feel every rock and crack you roll over though. If you want to make it "easier" for her to ride I would replace the tires myself. Go for fatter tires if she likes the looks better and doesn't mind going slower or pedaling a little harder. Just my opinion though.

 

[CRASH]

The tires have to be replaced regardless. It has none. But I can't get fatter tires onto the 1-3/8 rims can I? It's not like 1.75" rims where there are a number of width options.

Please correct me if I'm wrong on that. I've never seen any tire other than 1-3/8" for those sized rims.

 

[CCR]

Nope you have to stick to the same size as what was on it. There's also a difference between English 1-3/8 (Raleigh and Sears for example used non schwinn 1-3/8) and Schwinn (S-5 or S-6) 1-3/8 tires too. If you plan on using any other tire size and you'll be replacing the wheels too. I find a lot of good older 3 speed bikes get thrown away just because people can't figure the tire thing out though and get frustrated. Most make for great riders if they're in working order.

 

[CRASH]

Forgot about that size difference. Ugh. I might be better off switching the rim to 26x1.75 when I rebuild the wheel. I was seeing some all white Duros, but now I'll bet they won't fit because it's a Schwinn wheel.

 

[Wildcat]

I saw some 26 x 1 3/8 knobbies before, but they were just as skinny. I've converted many of those bikes to the standard wheel 26", but they are smaller in diameter, so I found the handbrakes wouldn't reach, and the bike was 1/2" lower. Coaster or Hub brakes are the way to go. I have been able to fit 2.125 tires, but mostly 1.75. You can get some good high pressure 1.75 that roll very well on pavement, as good or better than the 1 3/8". There are plenty to choose from, I've even seen 1.50 that go on the standard rims.

 

[mikeeebikey]

If you have the Sears, non s-7 type rim I believe Kenda made a 26x 1 3/4 semi knobbie center ridge tire, but this was years ago so, check the supplier for exact fitments. But it was listed as a 26x1 3/8ths replacement.

 

[clamdigger]

Lets start with the rims first,and go from there. Are they Schwinn scripted? What is the S number on the rim? What are the other numbers on the sidewall of the tires besides 26x 1 3/8?

 

[outskirtscustoms]

If you do swap rims I would recommend the 26 x 2.125 Kenda smooth tread tires. I run them on my Diamondback mountain bike and they are fat enough to provide a smooth ride, skinny enough not to have any fitment issues for most frames, the price won't break the bank, and at 40 PSI they are smooth and effortless to roll on all day long.

 

[Bicycle808]

Save some money. 2 of these = $25.
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/kenda-s-6-26-x-1-3-8-x-1-1-4-black-steel-tire

Gumwall sunlites are even cheaper.
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/sunlite-street-s-6-tire-irc-26-x-1-3-8-black-tread-gum-wall