Tires: 26 x 1 3/8 British (ISO 590mm)

 

 Every so often I like to review some of the options available for British "Sports" or "light roadster" type three speed bikes. I've got several bikes that take such a tire size, and each has different types of tires. I don't endorse any one brand or type of tire, but instead use what I think will work for my needs.

Let us start with general rules. First: the proper tire size for this discussion is 26 x 1 3/8 British size, that is to say 650A or ISO 590mm tires. Familiarize yourself with that size. Do not confuse these tires with "26 x 1 3/8 Schwinn" or "26 x 1 3/8 S5/S6" or "26 x 1 3/8 x  1 1/4" or "ISO 597MM" or "26 x 1.375". Those tires sound the same, but are totally different from the tires for a British 3 speed "Sports" light roadster. The standard "Sports" rims have a bead seat diameter of 590mm and the continental size is called "650A".

The second rule here is that tires fitting the British "Sports" type three speed bikes come in different widths, even though the sidewall generally says the same thing. Some tires are a little thicker to provide more cushion, while others are a little thinner to provide less resistance or to save money. No one tire is "right", assuming it fits the wheel, but instead you should pick a tire for your particular needs.

Here are my recommendations, based on the need of each rider.

1. "I need a thick tire because the roads I ride on are bumpy. I want the most cushion and the plushest ride I can get. The color of the tire is not overly important, and tan wall is OK".

Answer: I recommend the Panaracer Col de La Vie tire. These tires fit the British Sports three speed rims, but are much fatter than the originals. They have soft, tan sidewalls, and a simple street tread. They run at a somewhat lower pressure than a typical three speed tire, but can be run up to normal pressures if you prefer. They are very cushy without adding too much rolling resistance. The fit under the fenders will be very tight, but I have found they just barely fit under most three speed fenders. I suppose on some bikes, the fenders won't have enough clearance, but I have always gotten them to just fit inside the fenders.

 

 

2. "I want a cheap tire. As long as it doesn't blow the first time I ride, it's fine. I only ride shorter distances on relatively smooth road. I want to spend as little as possible."

Answer: Kenda makes an acceptable line of budget tires, in a variety of colors. Most are black wall or tan wall. They will work and are not overly expensive. The caveat here is that you're somewhat missing out by going with budget tires instead of something a little bit better. 

3. "I want tire with some extra cushion, but something still kind of sporty. I don't care about original tread appearance, but I want something practical and durable, preferably in a variety of colors. I am willing to pay a little more than budget tires but don't want to break the bank either."

Answer: The Schwalbe Delta Cruiser is a good, all-rounder tire. It doesn't have a truly vintage tread pattern, but it is reasonably well made and comes in a variety of colors, and the tread isn't offensive to vintage sensibilities either. They will outlast budget tires and have a little more bite in the treat than the Col de La Vie. They will also use up most clearance under the fenders, but should still fit. They're a little smaller than the Panaracers, but certainly bigger than the old time stock tires.

 

 

4. "I want a tire with a vintage appearance and fairly close to the original tire sizes. I want to choose from traditional appearances - tan wall, black wall, or white wall. I want something better than a budget tire but I don't want to break the bank in doing this."

Answer: The Michelin World Tour tire is an excellent choice for something better than a budget Kenda tire, but not as large as the Schwalbe or the Panaracer. It's also a good choice if you want to approximate vintage tires. Below is a photo of a new Michelin next to an original Dunlop Nylon Sprite.

 

 5. "Why would I need anything more than cheap tires. Aren't they all the same?" 

Answer: No, budget tires will have somewhat more rolling resistance and have a clunkier, dead feel to them. They will not cushion bumps as well and will feel kind of "slow" when you pedal. However, some budget tires, like the Kenda types, will give acceptable service if you don't want to spend much money. But be warned that you gain a lot in ride quality by going up a step to the Michelin or Schwalbe or Panaracer.   

6. "What Other Tires Have You Tried?"

Answer: I've used original tires in various conditions from scary to new-old-stock, Duro tires from Thailand, and no-name tires from who-knows-where. My experience is that as they originally came from the factory, the old Dunlop tires were second-to-none in this size. Too bad they don't make those tires anymore. But there are some decent alternatives made today, as described above. I would not hesitate to rider the Schwalbes, Panaracers, or Michelins. The Kendas are also acceptable from a budget tire standpoint, but you certainly notice a better feel when you move up to a better tire. The Duros were another budget tire, but I experienced quality control issues with them. I had one set of Duros last quite a long time and another set that disintegrated in under 4 years. They rode about the same as the Kendas but it was the luck of the draw as to whether they lasted or not.