Middle weight bikes definition

[75 Bronco]

General question regarding what constitutes a middle weight cruiser bike. Ive read that a 1955 Roadmaster is considered a middle weight , but is in the same classification as Schwinn Phantom, Monarks, Higgins and other bikes I thought were considered heavy weights. Any thoughts/clarification? Thank you

 

[Archie Sturmer]

26” x 1.75” middleweight tires; in the ‘middle’ between 2.125” balloon (or later super balloon) tires, and 1+3/8” lightweight tires.

(2.125 + 1.375) / 2 = 1.75

 

[GTs58]

A bikes classification is all about the tire size and it has nothing to do with the weight of a bike.

Balloon.................... 2.125 tires
Middleweight.........1.75" tires
Welterweight........... 1-1/2" tires
Lightweight............ 1-3/8",1-1/4" and smaller tires

 

[AndyA]

Welterweight? I knew there were boxers in that class, but I didn't know there were bikes. I like it!
It turns out that I have a welterweight and didn't even know it.

 

[bricycle]

also, a "Cruiser" is usually meaning a 2.125" tired Balloon cycle (aka Beach bike)

 

[srfndoc]

There definitely seems to be some overlap between the late 50's and early 60's.

 

[phantom]

A bikes classification is all about the tire size and it has nothing to do with the weight of a bike.

Balloon.................... 2.125 tires
Middleweight.........1.75" tires
Welterweight........... 1-1/2" tires
Lightweight............ 1-3/8",1-1/4" and smaller tires

Frame sizes are different though. A lot of 26" Schwinn Cruisers have Balloon tires on them but the frame has middleweight dimensions.