1976 Schwinn Suburban

[T-Man]

I'd like to inquire on the rim type and tires- are these S5 or S6 rims and if so, what type of tire is that?

Sorry, I have no idea if they are 'S5' or 'S6'. This is my first Schwinn, so I'm not a Schwinn connoisseur. All I know is they are original to the '76 Suburban. They have the 'knurled' bead down the center, Schwinn stamped in the Chrome, and 'Schwinn Approved Made In America' stamped on the hub.

As far as the tires, from what I can tell of what's left (cause they're basically completely rotted away)..they are Sunlite Hybrid V-Track Tires, Black/Gum, 27" x 1.375". I found them on Amazon, and they look exactly like what's left on the wheels!

 

[GTs58]

I'd like to inquire on the rim type and tires- are these S5 or S6 rims and if so, what type of tire is that?

The Suburban replaced all the previous Varsity, Continental Tourist models at the beginning, and it is equipped with 27" S-6 tubular rims.

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

I had one heck of a challenging time putting any tire note specific for an S5 or S6 rim. I had to cut a incompatible tire off after wrestling with it and having found only one tire type available from Kenda that went on as it should (see images below). I would be very interested in your progress if you continue to share it. In the articles on this site and others- the tries available for S-5 & S-6 Rims are far and few between. One of the great reads: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/lets-talk-schwinn-steel-tubular-welded-rims.220492/

And another which leads me to believe you may have S2 rims... https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/schwinn-and-tires.95601/

The tires you found were exactly what I was looking to do with the project below but plan b is new rims, same drivetrain and new tires. Any other info or specs you can share would be welcomed.'

BTW: In paying it forward, the one tube and incorrect tire (pictured on the blue worktable) are free- I'll USPS them to any reader that will use it and not resell it.

 

[GTs58]

I had one heck of a challenging time putting any tire note specific for an S5 or S6 rim. I had to cut a incompatible tire off after wrestling with it and having found only one tire type available from Kenda that went on as it should (see images below). I would be very interested in your progress if you continue to share it. In the articles on this site and others- the tries available for S-5 & S-6 Rims are far and few between. One of the great reads: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/lets-talk-schwinn-steel-tubular-welded-rims.220492/

And another which leads me to believe you may have S2 rims... https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/schwinn-and-tires.95601/

The tires you found were exactly what I was looking to do with the project below but plan b is new rims, same drivetrain and new tires. Any other info or specs you can share would be welcomed.'

BTW: In paying it forward, the one tube and incorrect tire (pictured on the blue worktable) are free- I'll USPS them to any reader that will use it and not resell it.

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There has never been an issue with any tire that I know of that is made in the 27" size. There are two sizes made for the 26" size lightweight rims. Schwinns Tubular rims use the tires with the 597 ISO, not the 590 ISO. For the least expensive lightweight tires I prefer the CST's over Kenda.

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

There has never been an issue with any tire that I know of that is made in the 27" size. There are two sizes made for the 26" size lightweight rims. Schwinns Tubular rims use the tires with the 597 ISO, not the 590 ISO. For the least expensive lightweight tires I prefer the CST's over Kenda.

Never mind, forgive me, I just re-read... key being 27" rims. I missed that in the first read. Cheers.
Thank you GT & T.


So limited to the street tread only, correct and a tire specific to an s5 or S6 rim?

Kenda K23 S-6 Schwinn 26" Tire 26x1 3/8x1 1/4(37-597)

Replacement tire for older 3 speed Schwinn bicycles. Straight road tread. 26x1 3/8x1 1/4 ISO: 37-597) 65 PSI Max.

www.biketiresdirect.com

Would you be so kind as to show me other that would or might be more gravel and rail trail friendly for an S5/6 rim? I really would love to keep the stock rims (rebuilt entirely except for the freewheel) with a better tire for gravel.

 

[SirMike1983]

Right now, the K23 street tread is the only new tire commonly available in the US for 26 inch S5 and S6 rims. There is a narrower street tire available in England on a limited basis, but that's not much help. Other than that, you'd have to find old stock tires with a more aggressive tread. The tires offered in this rim size are pretty limited.

Tires: 26 x 1 3/8 Schwinn "S5" "S6" (ISO 597MM)

A blog devoted to vintage bicycle repair and cycling in general.

bikeshedva.blogspot.com

 

[GTs58]

Knowing what size tire you need when buying is one thing and a seller that knows what size tire he is selling is another thing. What rim takes a tire with a 9001 ISO?

 

[T-Man]

Oh good... for a minute there I was scared to buy tires! Cool, back to the scrubbing.

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

Yeah and thank you- I didn't mean to hijack you thread! For a second, I was hopeful there were other options for S5 S6 x 26 rims. Alas, all part of the learning curve and thanks for your sharing. Thank U's to all who replied- all very helpful information for a foundation in building or rebuilding off of old Schwinn's. From another forum, this image was very helpful...

 

[T-Man]

Head badge question:
I went to remove the head badge from the bike because it was rusty and fading, and then I noticed these numbers stamped on it! From what I have found online, the #2326 stamped alongside the 'SCHWINN' lettering means the 232nd day of 1976, which means the bike was assembled on August 19th, 1976...is that correct?

I'm asking because at first I wanted to replace it, but I noticed there are a a lot of 'Schwinn Approved' head badges online...with no numbers. And if this one is unique to the bike, I'd rather "tidy it up", and put it back on with some new screws!