Yip812

I just picked this up off freecycle. I need to get it "running" but I can't find the year it was made or the serial number. I have never fixed an old bike, and my goal is to be able to commute with this.

It seems quite small...

I need tires, but I don't know what size these are. Can anyone tell me what size I need to get? I can get any more info or pictures if you need them.

It says it was made in taiwan, if that makes a difference.

Thanks!
Dawn

wahoonc

Dawn,
I suspect that it is one of the Giant built Collegiates. Tire size on the ones I have/had are standard 26x1-3/8" (EA3) which IS NOT the same as the Schwinn S6 size. It should have a Shimano 3 speed on it. Great little bikes.

Aaron

Yip812

Okay, thanks! That doesn't happen to be a tire I can get at walmart does it?

bbattle

Schwinn 26" lightweight wheels are 597mm bead diameter, the S6 size.

Wahoonc has the 590mm bead diamter, EA-3 size. Both are also called 26" 1 x 3/8.

I have a mid-80's Schwinn Collegiate that did take the Schwinn S6 size. Go figure. My 70's Raleigh 3-speed took the EA-3 size.
It has the 3-speed hub and rides great.


Tire sizes are just plain messed up.

bbattle

Probably not but worth a shot. They'll most likely only have mountain bike tires or 700c tires.

Try harriscyclery.net or your local LBS who can order them from QBP.

Yip812

Okay now I'm confused (I know next to nothing about bikes). Does it need the S6 or the EA3?

I really appreciate this!
Dawn

King of Kadence

It's looking 24" to me. Dawn/Yip, could you go read the tires and see what size it says it is?

Yip812

I think I remember seeing a tire that said 26" 1 3/8 at walmart (I was planning on looking for a fixer upper). Budget is an issue right now. So if I get one of those at walmart, and try it on this bike, will it be blatantly obvious that it will or wont work? Walmart will let you return anything, so is this worth a try?

Might have just been the tubes I saw.

Dawn

Yip812

Tire is too old, I can't read anything off it

Yip812

Okay, you're right, it's 24"

wahoonc

bbattle,
Yours has the S-A hub...mine was Shimano, which I suspect has something to do with it, that was about the time that Schwinn was shutting down US production and shipping it all overseas.

Dawn, if you clean up the rims you might find the size stamped on them. Use some 0000 steel wool and WD-40.

The picture below is of one I had about 4 months ago, it has gone on to a friend to use as her city bike.

Aaron

pastorbobnlnh 

Dawn, since the tires are 24", you might want to be safe a let an LBS size the new tires for you. If you look at this link, you can see that there are about 5 different 24" sized tires. Unless you can read more information off the current tires, we might not be able to guide you towards the correct size.

https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires...tml#lesscommon

Looks like you could use a new saddle. I have several I'll be glad to give to you. Looks as if your bike is an '85 or an '86. Here's the catalogue page from Tom Findley. At the bottom of the page is the mention of the 24" wheel version.

Yip812

I'm starting to wonder if I should bother with fixing this one or just get another. It just seems too small. I am 5'8".

pastorbobnlnh 

At 5'8" you are too tall for a 24" wheeled bike. East Hill rides a 24" wheeled bike and she is about 5'. What part of the country do you live in? The C&V Red Cross can certainly come to your aid!

Yip812

Yeah, that's what I was thinking

I just need a good usable bike to get me to work for a month or two until I can buy a new one. I get paid thursday, I'll pick up a cheapie at goodwill.

Anyone want this bike? I'm in central Washington state.

Dawn