Guz2

I've been riding for years but I've only just begun maintaining my bikes myself, so forgive me if any of these questions seem obvious.

Basically I have a 1985 Schwinn Voyageur touring bike. When I got it the tyres were extremely old and completely useless so I decided to order a set of Schwalbe tires online to replace them. However, I realised that I would need inner tubes too. My understanding is that the inner tube goes inside the tyre and basically just holds air. However, I tried to take the old tires off the bike - I didn't manage it because I didn't have the right tools, but it looked as if the tires already on the bike were made up of just one part, i.e. there was no inner tube and outer tire, just one combined piece. Is this simply a different kind of tire, or is it possible that they're actually made up of two different parts and will come apart once they're off the wheel? Secondly, will my new tires - with their separate inner tubes - fit alright on these wheels?

The Schwinn still has its original wheels, which are Wolber Super Champion Modele 58s, 27" by 1.25".

FrenchFit 

What happens over time is the tube fuses to the original tire, making it look like they were manufactured as a unit. Your bike had separate tubes and tires, and that's what you'll need to replace them. Check the rim tape, it's probably getting a little crispy...that's the ribbon of material running inside the rim to protect the tube from the spoke holes. Replace with 27" rim tape of the correct width, it just costs a few bucks and it may save you a few flat tires.

Guz2

Ok, thanks for the help!

DMF 

Hang on, maybe he has tubulars.

Guz, there is a type of tire that is a combined tube and tire. It is called a tubular. To mount it to the rim they use glue.

Nowadays tubulars are rarely used for enthusiast bikes. The pros use them instead. It is unlikely that they were original equipment on a Schwinn Voyager, but who knows what the previous owner may have done. So don't be surprised if the old tires you take off can't be separated into tire and tube. They may have fused, but they may never have been two different parts in the first place.

However, the wheels for tubulars are different from the wheels for clinchers (the two part tire system). See this wikipedia article for pictures of the different types. You can't convert one to the other. Let us know what you find.

Keep asking questions!

Dennis

Homebrew01

That was my thought until I got to this part:

"... The Schwinn still has its original wheels, which are Wolber Super Champion Modele 58s, 27" by 1.25". ..."

A mid level touring bike is not likely to have tubulars.

Guz2

Thanks for the help. My understanding is that clincher rims have a sort of 'lip', I guess you could call it, going around the inside of the rim where the tyre sits, whereas tubular rims in most cases have a shallower groove and no 'lip'. I've just looked at my bike's rims and they look like they have this lip, so I'm assuming I need clinchers. Is all that correct?

Tim_Iowa

Yes, that's correct. You need clincher tires, in 27" diameter.

FrenchFit had it correct when he said that the old tubes and tires fused together. I've seen that when removing original tires on old bikes. You could probably pull the old tubes out of the old tires if you yanked hard enough.

With new tires, cable tension, and some chain lube, that Voyageur should be a comfy, classic ride.

ThermionicScott 

Panaracer Pasela 27"x1-1/8" or 27"x1-1/4" get my vote. Comfy, look nice, and roll well compared to the alternatives.

DMF 

Yea, missed the bit about the original wheels.

Guz, run your fingers under the lips to be sure that they are clean and no part of the old tire broke off. Clinchers are pretty difficult to screw up. Once you have mounted a pair your confidence level will have increased enormously and you'll be ready for a field fix to a flat. (Hint: Always carry a spare tube with you.)

Good riding!

Dennis