1964Supersport

As I restore my 1964 Supersport I continue to learn things. A while back I decided to start riding again as a Health benefit since I'm 67 years old. My bike has been in storage for quite a few years. Last time I took it in a bikeshop was 1983 when I moved to Florida. They replaced the tires and handlebar wrap. About a month ago I had to replace a rear tube so the tire would hold air. Now that I've tested my back and found it will tolerate riding I'm fixing my bike up. While reading about tires I learned about the 4 digit manufacturing code. To my surprise the bike shop installed tires that were 10 years old. The date was June 1973, they installed the tires the summer of 1983. I will be getting new tires this week.

KerryIrons

It's called NOS (new old stock). The only tires they had that fit had probably been on the shelf for a long time. And I'm pretty sure that your bike has to take Schwinn tires made to fit an S-6 rim, which was incompatible with other tires on the market in the mid-60s.

tkamd73 

The 1964 Schwinn Superport had 27in rims that took a standard 27 x 1 1/4” tire, the S6 was a designation for their 26” rims used on the Collegiate, and numerous other models.
Tim

1964Supersport

My brain wasn't working earlier, my tires are 49 years old not 50. The local bikeshop told me about a month ago I need 27 1/4 gumwall tires. They have them and quoted me $80.00 for 2 new tires installed. I could probably do it but I think I will let them and be done with it.

1964Supersport

You are correct. The local bikeshop quoted me $80.00 for two new tires installed.

sovende

Seems a bit “spendy” to me but the times, they are a changin’! The local Walmart would have suitable tires for ~$40/pair. Mounting tires isn’t a difficult task.
It wasn’t mentioned if new tubes were also included. If so and there are “time, tools & talent” issues, having the LBS do the job makes some sense.

phtomita

It would be a good practice to replace tires yourself, so you will be better prepared when flat happens....

bikemig 

So a '64 Schwinn SuperSport is a very cool bike to ride particularly since you are the original owner. Looks like it came with alloy wheels which is no surprise since this was a higher end bike BITD:

"First year for this model. It replaced the Superior from 1963. 10 speed, down tube shifters. 38 to 96 gear range. Sprint (39/50) chain set (I saw s/n M3064(12/63) with the old Huret chain set on it). 14"-1"6-20-24-28 freewheel. Sprint derailleurs. 4130 chrome-moly fillet-brazed main frame with 1020 carbon steel rear stays. Huret forged rear dropouts. Full chrome fork, but the stays were not chrome tipped like the Superior it replaced. Round "S" head badge. Brooks B15 saddle. There is no seat tube "panel" decal unlike the other models. Handlebar is alloy and has a sleeve in the center section that says "Sport" on either side of the clamp area. The stem is steel, made by Titan, and says "Super" on the top. Weinmann (K2?) alloy rims. Weinmann center pull brakes with "red button" quick release levers. 27 x 1Ľ tires. colors were Terra Cotta, Sky Blue, Radiant Coppertone and Violet. Frame sizes were 22" and 24". $96.50"

https://www.schwinnbikeforum.com/SLD..._6064.htm#1964

If these are the original wheels, the rims are likely hookless. That means that you want wired clincher tires (not folding) and you won't want to pump it up much over say 75 PSI or so which is plenty.

Get some good tires. Panaracer Pasela 27 x 1 and 1/4 is likely your best bet plus the tire comes with brown side walls which will look right.

You know that your bike needs an overhaul, right? Grease doesn't get better with age. Plus you'll likely need new cables and new brake shoes (or at least take a file on the old ones to get a better surface for braking). Kool stop continentals are fine brake shoes and that's what I'd get.

terrymorse 

Photo of the Schwinn Super Sport from the 1964 catalog:




I worked in my parents' bike shop at the time, and I hated the hookless rims of those Schwinn bikes. They were a hassle to seat properly, and my ears were assaulted by the the occasional BANG when inflating.

bikemig 

Oh yeah, that's why the OP needs to get wired on clinchers and not run the pressure much above 70-75 PSI. I have a '73 Schwinn Sports Tourer. It's heavy for a "lightweight" with that built in kickstand and straight gauge chrome moly but that bike is built like a tank and rides nice.

1964Supersport

Here are my 49 year old HP Sport Schwinn tires. I think I probably will order and install the tires myself.I really hate paying labor , I would rather spend that money on product.

CheGiantForLife

How would this skill help unless he carried a spare tire in his backpack

rydabent

Has the older set noticed that bike tires cost the same or more than car tires did in 1960???

SkinGriz

If they’ve been out of the sun and away from electric motors while in storage, I’d just ride them.

Ironfish653

When you’re just trying to get the bike rideable, yes, ride the old rubber; but with the caveat that don’t ride any farther than you’re willing to walk home, or any faster than you’re willing to crash.

Kabuki12

I would not ride tires that old . Blow outs happen and never when you expect it. Tires age better when not in the sun, but they still age and the rubber continues to break down . I agree that you should get used to putting tires on yourself and get used to doing most of the minor maintenance so you will feel more confident when you are out and about. It also helps you understand the bike better so you can spot possible issues that may come up.

GeezyRider 

I'm interested to know the process you use to remove and repair/replace a tube and also inspect the inside of a tire that has flatted. Some kind of "removeless tire repair" similar to paintless dent repair?

1964Supersport

They are coming up for $68.30 instead of $51.00