largebard

Hello there: just joined and do not know where to post my question. Just picked-up a Continental w/ 27 inch s-6 tires for $50.00 at a thrift store. Bike shop says they do not make these tires any more and that I would have to buy new wheels as well. Perused the archives and the 'net and could not find a definitive answer. The old bike is a beauty. Cables and gears seem fine, and although it's a bit large for me, I want to ride it if I can so without spending a lot. If not I can take it back to the thrift store. TIA!

I-Like-To-Bike

The Schwinn S-6 tire is a 26" tire,( 26 x 1 3/8 597 mm) not a 27" tire (630mm).
https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

If your bike wheels really are 27" wheels, you should be able to get tires from lots of places as Schwinn wheels in that size took standard sized 27" tires. I'd also find another bike shop if they don't know the difference between 26" and 27" tires and wheels.

thompsonpost

The s-6 wheels were not clinchers, if my memory is accurate, which is where the problem lies. Nearly all tube tires available today require clincher wheels.

I used to have a Continental and used Continental Commuter 2 tires at 27" without a problem. I haven't a clue if you can still buy these, but they worked for me for many years.

Little Darwin

They are clincher rims, they just do not have a hooked bead. Hooked rim tires do allow for higher pressure, but this does not mean that smooth wall rims are not clinchers.

Modern tires (if the right size is found) would work just fine. Just be sure not to inflate above 60 PSI or so. Some people have had luck with some tires inflating to higher pressures...

I ride a bike with S7 tires which I think stopped being included on bikes before S6 stopped...

S6 tires are still available new, although limited manufacturers.

Here is one: https://www.bicycletires.com/pkesc6/k...winn_26/pp.htm

And if it is 27" and not S6 you have a wider selection available, because as noted, 27" fits many vintage bikes.

thompsonpost

The wheels that were on my Continental were straight walls. No bead at all. None.

jgedwa

Yup. As such they really can't be used with a high pressure tire. But they are still clinchers.

jim

thompsonpost

I ran them at 90 psi. I loved that bike. It was the full size frame. I'm 5'11" and I had the seat post at 1/2" exposure. I really want that bike again. Erg.....

DieselDan

Those tires can be found. You need to find a better bike shop that will take the time to order some from one of three vendors that I know carry that size.

tornado60

Go to www.schwinnbike.com
look in the community section for the forums page. Ask your question in the restoration forum. I doubt you will have any trouble getting all the information you need. If you do have a 26 1 3/8 schwinn tire it is still possible to get these tires.

mawtangent

Maybe someone already mentioned this but look for any markings on your tires and rims to deduce what size tire you need (I've seen rims that read "27" before, if you found a three digit mm size on your tire that would be great help)...As far as the unique size Schwinn tires, I think they are still "out there"...I accidently got a pair a few years ago when I thought I was getting '80's old-school dept-store bike tires in size 26 X 1 3/8 (there was just a few mm difference in inside diameter and I couldn't use them on my bike, "curse" the Schwinn designers for having to be "different").

Esteban32696

Re-read the 2nd post for info you need.

Bheleu

S6 Tires consist of:
24" x 1-1/4
26" x 1-3/8

Just take a visit to nagaracycle (cheaper than harriscyclery, can get two tires for what you'd pay there):
https://www.niagaracycle.com/advanced...6+Tire&x=0&y=0

The 1973 Schwinn Twinn Tandem Deluxe I have uses the 26" x 1-3/8 S6 tires (and yes they're still made, and cheap).