New Guy/First Post, with a Hercules Rim/Tire Size Question.

[Relic Racing]

Hello everyone & thanks for having me. What a weekend! I came home from an estate sale with two beauties I’ve never seen before. I’m a vintage motorcycle guy, with a few bicycles in my collection, but nothing this cool.
I apologize if I sound like a moron on this subject, thats why I’m here. School me, masters!
I purchased a wooden-rimmed Miami & a later Hercules bike. Plans are to ready the Hercules as my swapmeet transportation. I’ve added a Stewart Warner speedo from my “stash”. Just need tubes/tires and it’s ready.
Wheels were already nice & true with nice spoke tension. My question, for now, is will 2.175/2.125 tires fit the rims? I’m aware of the s2/s7 difference on Schwinn wheels, but don't know if it’s an issue on a Hercules. The Miami, I’m not touching it. Much to learn. Thanks in advance
-Thom
ps: can’t seem to post pictures from this iPad. Full storage, something else to fix. (Today)

 

[HEMI426]

Welcome, when you get the pics uploaded you'll get all your answers.

 

[Guest2]

Welcome Thom! We'd love to see your pics, both bicycles & motorcycles 😎
Have fun here, it's a great site & some super people!

 

[Threespeedmafia]

Welcome and congrats. As previously stated, pics will help get the ball rolling.

 

[Lamont]

As to later Hercules, the answer is prob no , if you are referring to 26 inch modern or balloon tire standard ( labeled 559 iso )


likely you would want 26 x 1 3/8 590 mm iso


best guide to this complicated tire topic is :

sheldon brown

Servicing English Three Speeds

Many younger mechanics are unfamiliar with some of the idiosyncrasies of English-made 3-speed bikes of the '50's, '60's and '70's. Nevertheless, there are a great number of them still on the road, because they were built to last, and they still come in for repair. An all-around bike mechanic...

www.sheldonbrown.com

and

26 x 1 3/8 inch (590 mm) Bicycle Tires from Harris Cyclery

Harris Cyclery carries a wide selection of tires, both common and obscure sizes.

www.sheldonbrown.com

Tires ("Tyres")​

t is also important to remember that although 3-speeds usually take "26 inch" tires and tubes, they are not interchangeable with mountain-bike size 26 inch rubber. The vast majority use the English 26 X 1 3/8 size. This has a different bead-seat diameter (I.S.O.590 mm), and will only take tires marked 26 X 1 3/8. This size is also sometimes designated "E.A.3". Occasionally, you may run into a "high performance" English 3-speed that takes 26 X 1 1/4 (E.A.1, 597 mmbead seat) tires.
Older Schwinn 3-speeds used a 597 mm tire marked "26 X 1 3/8", also referred to as S-6. Schwinn 26 X 1 3/8 (S-6) tires are NOT interchangeable with English 26 X 1 3/8 (E.A.3).
Surprisingly, the Schwinn 26 X 1 3/8 (S-6) has a 597 mm bead-seat diameter, and IS interchangeable with English 26 X 1 1/4 (E.A.1)!
I also have a more detailed article about 26-inch tire sizes. There are other 26-inch sizes as well!
"28 X 1 1/2" (635 mm) tires used on some rod-brake 3-speed roadsters are a distinct size of their own, and should not be confused with 700C (622 mm) tires which are sometimes also referred to as 28 inch.




This presumes a later meaning post war to 70's Hercules 26 in wheel. Pics will tell , and you can get a quick answer from the lightweight cabers just with a pic.



If , in fact you are going to be buying british standard 1 3/8 tires , bike tires direct has a handy ( shorter guide ) , and prices/ availability vary quite a bit ........ have had good deal price on BlySkycycling, but its hit or miss, and worth comparison shopping

Good Luck!


you may want to jump to lightweight forum for the Hercules if appropriate

 

[bloo]

As mentioned, a Hercules is probably a UK bike, or it could be an Indian one made in a typical UK style. It is unlikely to take 26x2.125 tires (tyres?), because that was a US thing originated by Schwinn that snowballed here, but didn't catch on so much elsewhere in the world. It's not impossible there could have been a Hercules US-style ballooner (26x2.125) bike at some point, but it is fairly unlikely.

Pictures would help a lot. @Lamont 's post shows what would be the 2 most likely sizes, 590mm/26x1-3/8/E.A.3. or 635mm/28x1-1/2. If it has rod brakes, most likely 635. If not, probably 590.

Welcome to the CABE!

 

[ditchpig]

On a different tack...to escape the British skinny tire 590mm trap....that frame would likey accept the later everyday 26in. standard rims that you can put the modern 26in tires on that your looking for.....transforming it into a cool swapmeet rat rod of sorts....and might have to settle for a peddle back brake....this is provided the fork and chainstays have enough clearance. Must see pics! WELCOME! Come back often!
PS... pics of vintage motorbikes welcome.....

 

[Relic Racing]

I noticed today, that the rear is a Taiwan made 26 x 1 3/8”. Not the original, but probably the correct size. The front is unreadable under the crusty brush-on whitewalls. Thanks for all the replies. I’m working on the photos.

 

[Rivnut]

If you can get those tires cleaned up, look for the ISO number as mentioned above. That’s the wheel diameter in mm. Tires with the same ISO numbers cast into them will work.

 

[J-wagon]

I noticed today, that the rear is a Taiwan made 26 x 1 3/8”. Not the original, but probably the correct size

Same size as on my hercules there's no way fit 26er 559 ballooner wheel on it. Just too thick for narrow chain/seat stay frame width