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)

 

[Relic Racing]

I was able to upload photos from my smart(er than me) phone. Sorry for the wait.

 

[Relic Racing]

…& this is the Miami.

 

[3-speeder]

Welcome to the CABE! Couple of cool looking bikes. I love that rear reflector on the Herc. Awesome! Good tire size info from Lamont earlier.
Generally there is a decent variety of tires to choose from in the EA3 26 x 1 3/8 size but with all the supply issues your choices may be less.

 

[gkeep]

Congratulations on a couple nice finds! They should clean up beautifully. The Hercules looks pre war with those fenders/mudguards or just after. They were still making the arch bar frame in the 1960s, not sure how early though. You might find some answers at this site. https://herculesmuseum.wordpress.com.

 

[Relic Racing]

Thanks everyone. So it’s all about the ISO number, from here. I measured tires on the bikes I own and the 1.75‘s OD is the largest that’ll fit under the front fender. I just want as much tire under me as possible as it will see time on swapmeet fields and fairgrounds. Going to hang the Miami on my garage wall. I think it’s beautiful. Hanging the previous owner’s newsboy cap, off the bars.

 

[ditchpig]

Can't see the Hercules wheel/tire size in the pics ( great shots and very cool bikes) it's likely 590 - British orphan size 26 x 1 3/8... like I've said before unless you throw a standard set of wheels on it, you're size selection is unfortunately skinny and skinnier. Looks like there's some room between the rear stays for more rubber. Thanks for sharing!

 

[bloo]

Yeah, the ISO gives you the rim size, unlike the inch sizes, which have been an unfathomable contradictory mess for decades. Not so much because they were in inches, but because they didn't tell you the rim size. ISO also gives you a second number for the tire width and you may find that useful, although some manufacturers may deliver slightly less width than they advertise. In 590 you may be stuck with the original width more or less, but at least you will know approximately how wide.

 

[Rivnut]

I’m running some ISO 559 tires on my 63 Schwinn Traveler (lightweight.) The tires are 26 x 1.75. Close but I’ve had no rubbing. I’ll have check on the 2nd number when I can shed some light on the bike.

 

[Schwinny]

Those rims aren't very rusty on the Hercules. They may be stamped what they are. Dunlop rims will have the size of 26x1-3/8" or 1-1/4" And then Either EA1 or EA3 . EA1 is 597 ISO and if the rims are original, may actually be the size considering it looks like a pre-war bike. EA3 is 590 ISO and the front tire looks like some 590's Ive had.

Interesting to note that there was an American Hercules Bike of this era made in Cleveland (considering the Miami)
This one looks to be English though.