Speedster Tires

[chris crew]

I picked up a 1976 speedster this week that is in pretty good shape. It has 26 x 1 3/8 tires that were REALLY hard to get off of the rims. Are these the correct tires, or should it have 26X 1.75's?

Will other 26" tires (something like a 26 X 1.95) fit this rim?

Fact is, I'm not sure these are the original rims--no markings on the front; the rear is a shimano coaster brake hub.

 

[Talewinds]

Chances are the 26 x 1-3/8 are correct. A photo of the rim would more or less confirm.
It's easy and cheap to find replacement 26 x 1-3/8 tires.

 

[Mybluevw]

If the rims are the originals they are either S5 or S6 schwinn rims. They require a special tire with a bead seat diameter that is different than a standard 26 x 1-3/8" tire.
Somebody probably stretched a pair of the smaller tires on the rims.
Niagara Cycles stocks replacement tires ...Kendas I think.

 

[Talewinds]

Ok, yes, thanks for clarifying on this one BlueVW. At Niagara's site there are plenty of 26 x 1-3/8 tires, but there are only a few that are listed in specs as being designed for the Schwinn S5-S6 rims, these are the ones you need!
Kenda was the OEM supplier for Schwinn lightweight tires for a long time.

Here's the poop:
Standard 26 x 1-3/8 tires have a technical dimension of 37-590 (this is listed on the tire)
The Schwinn specific 26 x 1-3/8 is 37-597.

I made the mistake of fitting the 37-590 tires onto an S5 rim. I got the tire on there, technically, but there's no way the tire could even approach seating to the bead, AND, my thumbs hurt for 2 weeks afterwards.

 

[island schwinn]

i've never seen an S5 rim with a shimano rear coaster? i guess anything's possible.

 

[chris crew]

Thanks, Lads, I knew I could count on you.

I'll go look at the number codes. I highly suspect that I have an S-6 set of rims. The tires that came off were both Kenda's.

As to the shimano hub--it could just be a shimano arm. I'll let you know when I have a chance to tear into it. I work in Emergency Management, so Irene has me at her beck and call right now.

 

[chris crew]

ok, here's what I found--

the mounted tires were in fact 37-590's NOT the correct 37-597's

the front hub is marked EXCEL INC 0 C81
the rear hub SHIMANO D TYPE JAPAN

anyone think either of these rims would be the originals on a 1976 speedster?