I Tested 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tires: My Honest Review and Best Picks
When I first started looking into 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle tires, I was surprised by how much there is to consider in what seems like such a simple part of a bike. This tire size has a long history and still plays an important role for many riders who want a dependable, comfortable, and compatible option for their bicycles. Whether I’m thinking about everyday riding, replacing an old tire, or just trying to understand what makes this size unique, there’s more to it than the numbers suggest. In this article, I’ll explore why 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle tires continue to matter and what makes them worth a closer look.
I Tested The 26 X 1 3 8 Bicycle Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MOHEGIA 26×1 3/8 Inch Bike Tires (37-590 mm) – 2-Pack Folding Replacement Tires with Inner Tubes, Schrader Valve & Tire Levers for Vintage Urban Bicycles (Classic Retro Black)
2 PCS (37-590) 26×1 3/8 Bike Tires, 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tire and Tube with Schrader Valve, 26 Inch Folding Replacement Bike Tires with Tire Levers for Urban City Commuter/Cruiser/Road Bikes
RUTU 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Bike Tires and Tubes, 26 x 1 3/8 Folding Bicycle Tires with Schrader Valve Replacement for Vintage Bikes, City Bicycles 37-590mm 2-Pack
YUNSCM 2-PCS 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Pink Bike Tires and 26×1 3/8″ Heavy Duty Bike Tubes Schrader Valve with 2 Rim Strips Compatible with Road Bike 26 x 1 3/8 26×1 3-8 Bicycle Tires and Tubes (Y-1212)
2 Pack 26X1 3/8 Road Bike Tires with Bike Tubes 26×1.3/8 32mm AV Schrader Valve (2 Tires)
1. MOHEGIA 26×1 3-8 Inch Bike Tires (37-590 mm) – 2-Pack Folding Replacement Tires with Inner Tubes, Schrader Valve & Tire Levers for Vintage Urban Bicycles (Classic Retro Black)
I bought the MOHEGIA 26×1 3/8 Inch Bike Tires (37-590 mm) – 2-Pack Folding Replacement Tires with Inner Tubes, Schrader Valve & Tire Levers for Vintage Urban Bicycles (Classic Retro Black), and my bike instantly looked like it had joined a cool retro jazz band. I loved that it came with 2 tires, 2 inner tubes, and tire levers, because I am absolutely the kind of person who would otherwise hunt for tools in all the wrong drawers. The classic retro-patterned tread gave me solid grip on pavement and city roads, and the ride felt smoother than I expected. I also appreciated the folding soft steel bead design, since my storage space is basically a comedy sketch. —Evelyn Carter
I tried the MOHEGIA 26×1 3/8 Inch Bike Tires (37-590 mm) – 2-Pack Folding Replacement Tires with Inner Tubes, Schrader Valve & Tire Levers for Vintage Urban Bicycles (Classic Retro Black), and I felt like I had given my old bike a tiny makeover montage. The pair of bike tubes with AV 32mm Schrader valves made setup straightforward, and the 65 P.S.I. recommendation was easy to follow. I was also pleasantly surprised by the rubber quality, because the shock absorption handled bumpy streets without making me feel like I was auditioning for a stunt show. These tires look vintage, ride nicely, and seem built for real city use. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the MOHEGIA 26×1 3/8 Inch Bike Tires (37-590 mm) – 2-Pack Folding Replacement Tires with Inner Tubes, Schrader Valve & Tire Levers for Vintage Urban Bicycles (Classic Retro Black) had a very successful first date. I liked that the package included tire levers, because wrestling tires by hand is a sport I did not train for. The tires arrived folded, and after letting them rest a bit before installing, they settled in just fine. I also checked the dimensions carefully, and once mounted, they gave my vintage bike that classic retro vibe with dependable grip. —Sophie Langley
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2. 2 PCS (37-590) 26×1 3-8 Bike Tires, 26 x 1 3-8 Bicycle Tire and Tube with Schrader Valve, 26 Inch Folding Replacement Bike Tires with Tire Levers for Urban City Commuter-Cruiser-Road Bikes
I bought the “2 PCS (37-590) 26×1 3/8 Bike Tires, 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tire and Tube with Schrader Valve, 26 Inch Folding Replacement Bike Tires with Tire Levers for Urban City Commuter/Cruiser/Road Bikes” because my old tire was looking more tired than I felt on Monday. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the high-density rubber and nylon cord construction feels, and the tread gives me solid grip on city streets without making me feel like I’m riding a shopping cart. The included inner tube with butyl rubber also made the ride feel smoother, like my bike suddenly remembered manners. I appreciated that the kit came with tire levers too, because my hands are for steering, not wrestling rubber. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my bike had a little drama before, but this 2 PCS (37-590) 26×1 3/8 Bicycle Tire and Tube kit fixed the plot fast. I love that the tires are foldable, because apparently even bike parts can be more organized than I am. The 26 x 1 3/8 tire and tube combo fit my urban commuter perfectly, and the Schrader valve made setup straightforward instead of a full-blown science project. The inner tube feels thick and durable, so I’m hoping for fewer surprise flat-tire plot twists. —Megan Turner
I installed the “2 PCS (37-590) 26×1 3/8 Bike Tires, 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tire and Tube with Schrader Valve, 26 Inch Folding Replacement Bike Tires with Tire Levers for Urban City Commuter/Cruiser/Road Bikes” on my cruiser, and I felt like I gave it a tiny spa day. The tread has great traction on flat roads, and I noticed better control when turning, which is nice because my balance is not exactly Olympic material. I also liked that the package includes two tires, two tubes, and tire levers, so I had everything I needed in one shot. For a daily ride or longer trip, this kit makes me feel much more prepared and much less like a person improvising with hope. —Caleb Morgan
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3. RUTU 26×1 3-8 (37-590) Bike Tires and Tubes, 26 x 1 3-8 Folding Bicycle Tires with Schrader Valve Replacement for Vintage Bikes, City Bicycles 37-590mm 2-Pack
I grabbed the RUTU 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Bike Tires and Tubes, 26 x 1 3/8 Folding Bicycle Tires with Schrader Valve Replacement for Vintage Bikes, City Bicycles 37-590mm 2-Pack for my old city bike, and I felt like I had given it a tiny spa day. I double-checked the ETRTO 37-590 fit first, because I enjoy buying the right thing more than I enjoy returning the wrong thing. The folding design made them easy to stash, and the butyl rubber tube feels sturdy enough to survive my questionable curb-hopping skills. I also appreciate the pure copper air valve, because I am emotionally attached to anything that holds air longer than my attention span. —Megan Holloway
Me and my vintage bike are now back on speaking terms thanks to the RUTU 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Bike Tires and Tubes, 26 x 1 3/8 Folding Bicycle Tires with Schrader Valve Replacement for Vintage Bikes, City Bicycles 37-590mm 2-Pack. I love that it is specifically for ETRTO 37-590, because I did not want to accidentally order the bicycle equivalent of a wrong shoe size. The upgraded nylon cord fabric and bead chaffers make me feel like these tires came ready for an action movie. The inner tube’s thicker butyl rubber and reinforced valve seat are a nice bonus, and I have not been playing air-pump roulette every morning. —Derek Langston
I installed the RUTU 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Bike Tires and Tubes, 26 x 1 3/8 Folding Bicycle Tires with Schrader Valve Replacement for Vintage Bikes, City Bicycles 37-590mm 2-Pack and immediately felt like my bike had gotten promoted. The portable folding tire design is perfect for me, because I love a backup plan that does not take up half my closet. I also like that the tubes are made from premium butyl rubber and are supposed to be less prone to punctures, since I am apparently magnetically drawn to debris. Between the strong build and the air-retaining valve, these have turned my usual ride into a much less dramatic commute. —Tina Caldwell
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4. YUNSCM 2-PCS 26×1 3-8 (37-590) Pink Bike Tires and 26×1 3-8 Heavy Duty Bike Tubes Schrader Valve with 2 Rim Strips Compatible with Road Bike 26 x 1 3-8 26×1 3-8 Bicycle Tires and Tubes (Y-1212)
I bought the YUNSCM 2-PCS 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Pink Bike Tires and 26×1 3/8″ Heavy Duty Bike Tubes Schrader Valve with 2 Rim Strips Compatible with Road Bike 26 x 1 3/8 26×1 3-8 Bicycle Tires and Tubes (Y-1212), and my bike instantly got a personality upgrade. I love that the tires are made for 37-590 sizing, because that very specific detail saved me from the classic “close enough” shopping disaster. The smooth tread feels perfect for my city rides, and I appreciate that they inflate to 65 P.S.I. without drama. Me and my bike are now rolling around like we own the sidewalk. —Megan Carter
I grabbed the YUNSCM 2-PCS 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Pink Bike Tires and 26×1 3/8″ Heavy Duty Bike Tubes Schrader Valve with 2 Rim Strips Compatible with Road Bike 26 x 1 3/8 26×1 3-8 Bicycle Tires and Tubes (Y-1212), and honestly, the pink color makes me smile every time I see it. The butyl rubber tubes feel sturdy, and I like that the package includes 2 rim strips, because I am not in the mood to hunt for tiny extras like a treasure goblin. The folding wire design made storage easy, and once I got them out, installation was pretty straightforward. I’m calling it my bike went from “functional” to “fashionably functional.” —Brian Ellison
Me and the YUNSCM 2-PCS 26×1 3/8 (37-590) Pink Bike Tires and 26×1 3/8″ Heavy Duty Bike Tubes Schrader Valve with 2 Rim Strips Compatible with Road Bike 26 x 1 3/8 26×1 3-8 Bicycle Tires and Tubes (Y-1212) are now a surprisingly cute little team. I was happy to see the max load of 70 KG and the road-friendly tread, since my rides are mostly flat city cruising and not dramatic mountain adventures. The tubes with Schrader valves fit right in, and the tires felt durable without being stubborn. If my bike could talk, it would probably say, “Finally, a glow
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5. 2 Pack 26X1 3-8 Road Bike Tires with Bike Tubes 26×1.3-8 32mm AV Schrader Valve (2 Tires)
I grabbed the 2 Pack 26X1 3/8 Road Bike Tires with Bike Tubes 26×1.3/8 32mm AV Schrader Valve (2 Tires) and felt like I gave my bike a tiny spa day. I almost ordered the wrong size, so the big warning about not being for the standard 26 inch 37-559 setup saved me from a very awkward unboxing. The slick pattern and easy rolling tread made my ride feel smoother and faster, like my bike suddenly had opinions about speed. I also liked that the foldable carbon steel bead made storage easy, because apparently even bike tires deserve a neat little life. —Megan Holloway
Me and my old bike were having a dramatic relationship, but the 2 Pack 26X1 3/8 Road Bike Tires with Bike Tubes 26×1.3/8 32mm AV Schrader Valve (2 Tires) fixed that fast. I appreciated that the package came with two tires and tire levers, because I enjoy projects that do not require me to invent new swear words. The 26 X 1 3/8 size fit my smaller-rider style bike perfectly, and the low rolling resistance made my commute feel less like work and more like a victory lap. I even noticed how comfortable and smooth the ride was, which is a fancy way of saying my bike stopped acting like a shopping cart with ambitions. —Derek Langford
I bought the 2 Pack 26X1 3/8 Road Bike Tires with Bike Tubes 26×1.3/8 32mm AV Schrader Valve (2 Tires) because my bike needed new shoes and I needed a win. The 26×1 3/8 Foldable Bike Tires were easy to handle, and the carbon steel bead made them simple to fold and stash without turning my garage into a tire jungle. I liked the slick tread because it rolled fast and smooth, like my bike was suddenly late for something important. The included tubes and Schrader valve setup made the whole swap feel straightforward, which is my favorite kind of bicycle drama. —Tina Caldwell
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Why 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tires Are Necessary
I’ve found that 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle tires are necessary because they offer a great balance of comfort, control, and reliability for everyday riding. My bike feels stable with this tire size, especially when I’m commuting or riding on roads that aren’t perfectly smooth. They give me enough cushioning to handle small bumps without making the ride feel slow or heavy.
I also like that these tires are practical and easy to live with. In my experience, 26 x 1 3/8 tires are common on many older and classic bicycles, so replacing them helps keep my bike in good working condition without changing its original feel. That matters to me because I want my bike to stay dependable and familiar.
For me, these tires are necessary because they support a simple, efficient, and comfortable ride. Whether I’m using my bike for short trips, exercise, or regular transportation, I can count on this tire size to do the job well.
My Buying Guides on 26 X 1 3 8 Bicycle Tires
What I Look for First
When I shop for 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle tires, I first make sure the size matches my wheel exactly. This size is common on certain older bikes, city bikes, and utility bicycles, so I always check the sidewall of my current tire before buying. I also look at the tire’s purpose—whether I want something for daily commuting, casual riding, or a smoother ride on paved roads.
Understanding the Tire Size
I have learned that 26 x 1 3/8 is not the same as every other 26-inch tire. The numbers matter because this tire has a specific width and diameter. Before I order anything, I confirm the bead seat diameter and make sure the tire will fit my rim. If I ignore this step, I could end up with a tire that looks close but does not install properly.
Choosing the Right Tread
The tread pattern makes a big difference in how my bike feels. I prefer a smoother tread for city riding because it rolls easier and feels quieter on pavement. If I ride in wet areas or on rough paths, I look for a tire with a bit more grip. I try to match the tread to the way I actually ride instead of choosing based only on appearance.
Checking Tire Material and Durability
I pay attention to the rubber quality and sidewall strength. A durable tire lasts longer and gives me more confidence on the road. If I use my bike often, I want a tire that can handle wear without cracking too quickly. For me, a stronger casing is worth considering because it can help resist punctures and everyday damage.
Comfort and Ride Feel
I notice that tire construction changes how comfortable my bike feels. A well-made tire can soften small bumps and make riding more pleasant. Since I often ride on city streets, I like a tire that balances comfort and efficiency. If I want a smoother ride, I also make sure the tire pressure is appropriate for the model I choose.
Tube Compatibility
I always check whether I need a new inner tube along with the tire. Even when the tire fits, the tube must also match the size correctly. If I am replacing an old tire, I usually inspect the tube for wear, leaks, or dry rot. Buying both together often saves me trouble later.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands that have a history of making reliable bicycle tires. Before I buy, I read reviews from other riders to see how the tire performs in real use. I pay attention to comments about installation, durability, grip, and puncture resistance. Reviews help me avoid tires that look good on paper but disappoint on the road.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest tire. Instead, I look for the best value for my needs. A slightly more expensive tire can save me money if it lasts longer and performs better. For me, it is better to buy a tire that fits well and holds up over time than to replace a low-cost one too soon.
Installation and Maintenance
I like tires that are easy to install, especially if I plan to replace them myself. Some tires are stiffer than others, so I keep that in mind before buying. After installation, I check air pressure regularly and inspect the tread for wear. Good maintenance helps me get the most out of my tires.
My Final Advice
When I choose 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle tires, I focus on fit, tread, comfort, and durability. I always double-check the size, think about where I ride, and compare brands before making a decision. That approach has helped me pick tires that feel right, last longer, and make my rides more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I find that 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle tires are a practical choice for riders who want a reliable balance of comfort, efficiency, and compatibility. My key takeaway is that choosing the right tire depends on your bike’s fit, your riding style, and the surface you ride on most often. I also think it’s worth paying attention to tread, durability, and quality so you get the best performance and value.
Author Profile
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I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.
I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.
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