Want to find alternative rim to replace Schwinn s-6; 650B or British 1 3/8 possible?

[not]

+ I'm fixing up a 77 Schwinn Collegiate as my first (relatively)
skinny tire bike in a long, long time.

I'd like to put alloy rims on it and convert to a more common tire
size.

I'm having trouble getting my head around the the whole tire
width/diameter thing.

It has at least 2.25 inches of clearance in the forks/frame; but I
want to keep the original fenders and go with a skinnier tire, as
all my other bikes are fat-tired cruisers.

Has anyone had experience with a conversion like this?

Thanks

[dusto...@mac.com]

Reference:

<http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html>

I haven't done this myself. I just sold the Schwinn <g>. That should
get you started, at least.
--D-y

[Chalo]

Fender clearances on those bikes are pretty generous. The Schwinn
26x1-3/8" size (ISO 597) is the next size down from 700c. You can
substitute 700c wheels with narrow tires, as long as you use brakes
with shorter reach. It may be necessary to shape the fenders a bit
where they pass through the brakes, to prevent interference.

For a versatile tire with an outer diameter similar to the stock
Schwinn tires, try 700x28.

Chalo

[panthercom]

Thanks for the tip; I didn't consider 700C as a possibility.

I'll be building rims with a drum brake in front and a
5 speed Sturmey Archer hub in the back so brake clearances
shouldn't be an issue.

I'm in the Pacific Northwest and I ride as long as it's above
freezing/no frost; perhaps I'd be better off with wider tires
when I get caught in the rain?

Bill

[playli...@gmail.com]

Did you go with 700 c wheels? I've got a "new" collegiate coming my way.