bcbb_ben

So, first ride of the year last night. Just a bit of a "testing the waters" type ride with the boys to the bar and back...

My vintage (read: original) tires on my Univega are now too rotten to hold a tube in. I have a small cut in the sidewall where the tube is pushing its way out right next to the rim.

So, it's now time for new tires. Does anyone have any recommendations on replacement tires for my 26" rims that would be on the fast end but still cushy enough to handle our mostly broken streets here in town? I also intend on doing some distance riding (I would actually say that a majority of my riding is road sight-seeing type stuff over commuting, but I've set a strong commute goal for myself this year so my comfort there is priority) so lighter and slimmer can be considered a preference but the size of my rims seems to be an obstacle.

Cost is a bit of a concern, but I'm willing to put down some money for quality.

wisaunders

I'm a big fan of my Country Rocks. After putting them on my bike, I've added them to my wife's bike as well as her sister's. My brother rides them too. They have held up very well and are very inexpensive. Perfect for riding around town.
https://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesom.../1976/5705?g=1

bcbb_ben

Thanks for the response!

Looks like the tread on those is super grippy!

Do you know if I would have any difficulty getting tires that size on my rim? The tires are currently 26x1 3/8, and I've not been able to really determine if I can use modern sized 26" tires on these rims.

Just want to make sure I'm not out of luck with using the rims as-is.

wisaunders

I'd say it's worth a shot.

LeeG

26x1 3/8 is NOT the same rim that a 26"x1.75 tire goes onto. Look up 26 x 1 3/8" tires. Since you said it's a Univega I'm assuming the BSD of the tire and rim are 590mm. Decimal 26" wheels/tires are 559mm.


https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-siz...ractiondecimal

dwilbur3

On my wife's bike we've got Schwalbe Kojaks (26 x 1.35). I love them/she loves them. I just wish they had reflective sidewalls.

Oops I just realized you need 590s (I can't tell from your post) not 559s, Schwalbe doesn't make Kojaks in those sizes. They make Marathons in that size, but they appear to be out of stock.

I did find these online:https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...city-ride-tire

bcbb_ben

This is where my fears have come from. This truly limits my options. I thank you for the resounding clarification.

EDIT: So, I will be shopping for fractional tires. Is 650B a feasible option as well? I understand that there is a 6mm difference, looking to learn too.

Andy_K 

Not just fractional -- you need 26x1-3/8" tires (and the right 26x1-3/8) at that. Alternatively, you could shop for some new wheels. Depending on your brake setup you can probably make a standard size 26" wheel work.

Chris_in_Miami

There are several good options for 590 wheels (also known as 650A.) My favorite on the cheap end are Kenda's with the "Nimbus" tread. They're a bit wider than some 650A tires, and the ride is pretty nice.

There are nicer tires available from Schwalbe and Panaracer if you want to splurge...

Out of curiosity, which model is your Univega? I didn't realize they offered a bike with that wheel size.

LeeG

No, you want 26x 1 3/8" tires, most likely it says (EA3) , you cannot put a 584mm tire on a 590mm rim anymore than you can put a 590mm tire on a 559mm rim.


https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/590.html lots of choices, just google around

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=42216

bcbb_ben

The model is Gran Sport. I'll look for a model number tonight. It was a rusty ten speed I salvaged and rattle-canned, but I remember one of the decals before I stripped it said Gran Sport (I think).

Thanks for the input guys, I've been a bit confused on tire sizing for a while and it has been helpful to get some definite plain worded answers.

Now I suppose it's just down to pulling the trigger!

bcbb_ben

Caliper brakes front and back, not sure on reach off the top of my head.

sonatageek

Here are a few options:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=422295

I have a set of these on a bike and like them a lot compared to the typical low end tires in this size:
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=706701

Andy_K 

That's what I expected. You can get long reach calipers, but maybe not long enough. Worst case, you can rig up an extension. Of course, this might be a bit much effort and expense to sink into a bike that came with 26x1-3/8" wheels.

Kojak

Schwalbe currently offers a Delta Cruiser in the size that you need. There is a new Marathon coming out in that size but it doesn't appear to be available yet.

Delta Cruiser
https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_ti..._cruiser_hs392

Marathon
https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_ti...s/marathon_420

sillygolem

I have Kenda Nimbus tires on my 3-speed. They're a blocky retro-ish tread that works great on pavement and dirt, but I damaged the rear tire after a year of riding on really terrible dirt and "paved" roads. You should be able to ride a lot longer.

Panasonic Col de la Vie Randonneurs (sometimes called just "Col de Vies" or "Randonneurs") are generally regarded as the best 26 1 3/8" tire, but they're pricey, as are the Schwalbes. These run a little larger and can interfere with stock fenders.

bcbb_ben

Thanks again to all for the input on this matter. I have decided to pull the trigger on a set of the Michelin World Tour tires after stopping into my LBS and not finding anything intriguing.

I'll give a report back with my experience once they're here.

Cheers!