Finding a replacement for that uncommon 26 X 1 3/8 (37-590) tire can feel like a wild goose chase when standard 26-inch mountain bike tires (559mm) simply won’t lace up. Getting the wrong bead seat diameter means a wobbly ride at best and a dangerous blowout at worst, especially on vintage roadsters, three-speeds, and modern city commuters that rely on this specific ETRTO standard.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I have analyzed hundreds of hours of technical datasheets, cross-referenced ETRTO fitments, and synthesized real user feedback to pin down which 37-590 offerings actually deliver on grip, rolling resistance, and puncture defense without the guesswork.
Whether you ride a classic cruiser or a daily urban runner, this guide isolates the best 26 x 1 3/8 bike tire options backed by hardened rubber compounds and proven bead constructions.
How To Choose The Best 26 X 1 3/8 Bike Tire
Because the 26 X 1 3/8 size is a niche standard for vintage and city bikes, choosing the wrong tire means wasted money and a dangerous mismatch. Focus on these three factors to get the right fit and performance.
Confirm Your ETRTO: 37-590 vs. 37-559
The biggest mistake buyers make is assuming any “26-inch” tire fits. The 26 X 1 3/8 tire uses a bead seat diameter of 590mm, while standard 26-inch mountain bike tires use 559mm. Installing a 559mm tire on a 590mm rim will leave the bead loose, causing the tire to slip off under cornering or braking. Always check the tire sidewall for the ETRTO number (37-590) before ordering.
Tread Pattern and Rolling Resistance
Because these tires are almost exclusively ridden on paved roads and bike paths, a slick or semi-slick tread pattern minimizes rolling resistance and road noise. Some vintage-style symmetrical treads add a touch of retro aesthetics while still providing adequate grip in the wet. Knobby treads are overkill for city use and will slow you down considerably.
Bead Construction: Folding vs. Wire
Traditional 26 X 1 3/8 tires often have a wire bead that is stiff and heavy but holds its shape well on the rim. Modern folding tires use a carbon steel or Kevlar bead that lets the tire fold for easy storage in a saddlebag. Folding beads are lighter and easier to install, but they can feel floppy out of the package; a short settling period is normal.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwalbe Marathon | Premium | Flat-proof touring | 5mm SmartGuard layer | Amazon |
| YUNSCM 26×1 3/8 | Mid-Range | Complete kit value | 65 PSI, butyl tubes | Amazon |
| Hycline 26X1 3/8 | Mid-Range | Skinwall style + grip | Knobby skinwall tread | Amazon |
| MOHEGIA 26×1 3/8 | Mid-Range | Retro symmetrical tread | 65 PSI, 2.5mm depth | Amazon |
| Lowrider Duro HF-156A | Mid-Range | White-wall style | 60 PSI, semi-slick | Amazon |
| SIMEIQI 26X1 3/8 | Budget | Low-cost pair | Slick tread, levers | Amazon |
| MAKELEN 26×1 3/8 | Budget | Vintage city speed | 60 PSI, foldable bead | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Schwalbe Marathon 26 x 1 3/8 – 37-590
The Schwalbe Marathon stands as the benchmark in puncture resistance for the 37-590 format. Its 5-millimeter SmartGuard layer stops thumbtacks and glass shards dead, making it the go-to tire for riders who treat flats as an unacceptable interruption rather than a minor inconvenience. The Black/Reflective sidewall adds visibility without looking out of place on a vintage frame.
This tire’s anti-aging sidewall compound resists cracking from low-pressure overloads, a common failure point on lesser rubber. While it comes as a single tire rather than a pair, the longevity and flat protection more than justify the premium positioning. Riders report the bead seats firmly on 590mm rims with standard tire levers.
Be aware that this tire measures slightly larger than some generic 26 X 1 3/8 offerings; verify your frame clearance if you are running tight tolerances at the chainstays or fork. It pairs naturally with Schwalbe’s own AV13 inner tubes for a matched system.
Why it’s great
- 5mm SmartGuard puncture belt stops debris cold.
- Reflective sidewall improves low-light safety.
- Premium rubber compound resists aging and sidewall cracks.
Good to know
- Sold as a single tire, not a pair.
- Heavier than folding-bead alternatives.
2. YUNSCM 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Road Bike Tires
YUNSCM delivers a complete refresh package: two folding tires, two butyl inner tubes with AV32mm Schrader valves, and two rim strips. The tires use a high-content butyl rubber formula that minimizes odor while maximizing wear resistance — a small but appreciated upgrade in the mid-range. The slick tread pattern is optimized for flat city roads where rolling resistance trumps aggressive cornering.
The folding carbon steel bead makes these easy to stash as spares on long tours. Initial stiffness out of the fold is normal; a 24-hour settling period on the rim ensures proper roundness. At 65 PSI maximum, these support a load rating of 70 kilograms per tire, sufficient for most urban commuters.
Some users noted the included tire lever’s spoke-clip feature was unusable, so keep a quality metal lever handy. The rim strips are functional but thin; upgrading to a thicker rubber strip adds an extra layer of spoke-hole protection.
Why it’s great
- Includes tires, tubes, and rim strips in one box.
- High butyl content resists wear better than budget rubber.
- Folding bead simplifies storage and carrying.
Good to know
- Included tire lever’s spoke hook is non-functional.
- Folding bead requires settling time on the rim.
3. Hycline 26X1 3/8 Bike Tire Set
Hycline’s offering stands apart with its skinwall sidewalls and knobby diamond tread — a rare combination in the 37-590 category. The skinwall gives vintage bikes a classic cream-tan aesthetic while the knobby pattern provides genuine grip on loose gravel or damp pavement. The open stripe arrangement sheds mud effectively, a bonus for riders who occasionally stray onto dirt paths.
The set ships with two tires, two Schrader-valve tubes, and two tire levers. The butyl inner tubes are thick enough to dampen vibration from rough asphalt. After five months of casual riding, one reviewer reported the tread showed minimal wear and the air retention was excellent, which speaks to the nylon cord reinforcement in the casing.
Note that the tires arrive folded; they look asymmetrical initially but conform to the rim after a brief settling period. The plastic tire levers included are best used as backups — carry a metal set for roadside repairs.
Why it’s great
- Skinwall sidewall adds classic cruiser style.
- Knobby tread grips loose surfaces and sheds mud.
- Thick butyl tubes reduce road vibration.
Good to know
- Plastic levers are flimsy; bring metal tools.
- Needs settling time to round out after folding.
4. MOHEGIA 26×1 3/8 Inch Bike Tires
MOHEGIA’s symmetrical geometric retro tread is a direct nod to the classic tires found on vintage Raleigh and Schwinn three-speeds. The 2.5-millimeter tread depth strikes a balance between grip on city streets and low rolling noise. The folding soft steel bead construction makes these easy to pack as spares without risking wire-bead fatigue.
The kit pairs the tires with AV32mm Schrader valve inner tubes. At 65 PSI, the ride is firm enough to avoid pinch flats while remaining supple over brick roads. One reviewer noted the tires required a 24-hour unfolding period before installation — a common trait with folding beads that buyers should anticipate.
A small subset of users reported fit issues on vintage Schwinn S5 and S6 rims, which have a slightly different rim profile. Measure your rim’s internal width (typically 22-25mm) and compare to the tire’s recommended rim width range before purchase.
Why it’s great
- Retro symmetrical tread complements classic frames.
- Folding bead stores compactly for touring.
- Includes matched inner tubes in the kit.
Good to know
- May not fit vintage Schwinn S5/S6 rims.
- Needs 24-hour settling after unfolding.
5. Lowrider Duro HF-156A 26 X 1 3/8
The Duro HF-156A from Lowrider is one of the few white-wall tires available in the 26 X 1 3/8 size, making it the natural choice for vintage Euro cruisers, Choppers, and classic Raleighs that demand a period-correct look. The semi-slick tread keeps rolling resistance low on pavement while still offering enough edge grip for gentle cornering.
At 60 PSI maximum, the tire runs at a slightly lower pressure than the 65 PSI competitors, which translates to a marginally plusher ride over rough city roads. The 34-millimeter width matches the original tire dimensions on many 1970s three-speeds. Buyers report the white wall is wide and vibrant, though stubborn black scuffs from packaging can require a magic eraser to clean fully.
This tire uses a wire bead — not folding — so installation requires a bit more muscle. The tight fit is typical for the Duro brand; proper tire levers and a bead jack are recommended. Note the manufacturer explicitly states these do not work on Schwinn wheels, so verify your rim manufacturer.
Why it’s great
- Genuine white sidewall for classic show-quality look.
- Semi-slick tread balances speed and cornering grip.
- 34mm width matches original vintage tire dimensions.
Good to know
- Wire bead makes installation stiff; requires good levers.
- Not compatible with Schwinn wheels.
6. SIMEIQI 26X1 3/8 Road Bike Tires
The SIMEIQI two-pack offers the lowest per-tire cost in this roundup, making it an easy entry point for budget restorations or spare tire storage. The slick tread pattern minimizes rolling resistance on pavement, delivering a smooth and fast ride on city streets. Carbon steel folding beads let you pack these without the bulk of a wire-bead tire.
The set includes plastic tire levers, which are functional for initial installation but far from rugged for repeated use. The rubber compound is solid rather than premium — reviewers note good fit on standard 590mm rims and directional mounting arrows that simplify alignment. Several e-bike riders reported these held up well under the extra weight and torque of an electric conversion.
The main limitation is the lack of any dedicated puncture protection layer. Riders commuting through glass-laden bike lanes should pair these with a puncture-resistant tube or tire liner for added peace of mind.
Why it’s great
- Lowest cost option per tire of the group.
- Slick tread delivers low drag on pavement.
- Folding bead stores easily.
Good to know
- No puncture protection layer beneath the tread.
- Plastic levers are adequate but not durable.
7. MAKELEN 26×1 3/8 Bike Tire with Tubes
MAKELEN positions this kit as a direct replacement for vintage city bikes, pairing two tires with two tubes in a single box. The mixed tread pattern strikes a pragmatic middle ground — enough texture for confident cornering on wet pavement without the drag of a full knobby. The foldable carbon steel bead keeps storage compact.
The tires feature a protective layer beneath the tread that the manufacturer claims provides 30% more puncture resistance than a standard casing. While not as robust as Schwalbe’s SmartGuard, this layer does offer some defense against small glass and thorns for urban riding. The maximum inflation of 60 PSI delivers a compliant ride on older steel frames that lack modern suspension.
Note that the kit does not include rim liners. If your rims have exposed spoke holes, you will need to purchase separate rim tape or liners to prevent tube abrasion. The tubes themselves are standard butyl rubber; upgrading to thorn-resistant tubes is advisable for aggressive commuting.
Why it’s great
- Complete two-tire and two-tube kit for a full overhaul.
- Protective under-tread layer adds puncture resistance.
- Foldable bead simplifies storage.
Good to know
- Rim liners must be purchased separately.
- Mixed tread adds slight rolling resistance vs. full slick.
FAQ
Will a 26 X 1 3/8 tire fit my standard 26-inch mountain bike rim?
Does the Schwalbe Marathon 26 X 1 3/8 come with inner tubes?
Why do some folding 26 X 1 3/8 tires look wrinkled out of the package?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the 26 x 1 3/8 bike tire winner is the Schwalbe Marathon because its 5mm SmartGuard layer eliminates the constant worry of debris flats on long commutes and tours. If you want a complete kit with tubes and rim strips at a great mid-range price, grab the YUNSCM set. And for classic style with a skinwall sidewall that turns heads, nothing beats the Hycline 26X1 3/8.