Can you put balloon tires on a 1955 Schwinn middleweight?

[Hoffy]

I just bought a frame that I hoped to fix up as a balloon tire cruiser but I think I bought the wrong type of frame. Can I still put the larger style tires on this frame? I havent purchased the front forks yet. Any suggestions to salvage this idea or do I need to start from scratch? Thanks.

[Crassly]

You can put 2.125 (balloon) tires on the frame, but you may or may not be able to use the fenders. Sometimes you can get away with using the fenders, depending on the brand of tire - not all 2.125's are created equal.

[Hoffy]

You can put 2.125 (balloon) tires on the frame, but you may or may not be able to use the fenders. Sometimes you can get away with using the fenders, depending on the brand of tire - not all 2.125's are created equal.

Thanks, that helps alot.

[Hoffy]

You can put 2.125 (balloon) tires on the frame, but you may or may not be able to use the fenders. Sometimes you can get away with using the fenders, depending on the brand of tire - not all 2.125's are created equal.

Should I buy the middleweight style front fork? Or is there better vintage schwinn front fork option? What are the other differences on the middleweight frame from the balloon style?

[Jpromo]

Are you positive it's a Middleweight? '55 was when Schwinn introduced their middleweight (Corvette, American, and Tiger) but Jaguars, Phantoms, Wasps and Streamliners were still balloon cantilevers for that year. Good luck!

This should help narrow it if you only have a paint scheme to work with
http://www.schwinncruisers.com/schwinn-catalogs/1955-schwinn-bicycle-catalog/

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I know little-to-nothing about the nuances of Schwinn's. But, for giggles last night I put a Schwalbe Fat Frank (26 x 2.35) on a 70s Heavy-Duti fork. I think they were middleweight bikes, it fit easily. Now, as for clearance in the rear.....no clue.

Just my .02


Cheers,
Dr. T

[Wildcat]

I've put 2.125s on Schwinn lightweight forks, the rear is where you might have clearance issues.

[LowpowerD]

If your fenders are 2 3/4 to 3" you'll be able to squeeze the tires in.

[SoonerCraft1958]

My 1960 Speedster middleweight with Nirve Bad A$ $ 2.125.
Great fit!

[expjawa]

My '61 American with 2.125" square-shouldered tires:



I will note that my front fender was too bent to fit with the tire, and on the rear, the wheel has to be very true to keep from rubbing. But otherwise, the tires fill up the fenders and look great, IMHO.

[Rustinkerer]

Kenda 2.125's fit, no problem. They're almost like a 1.75 tire really. -Adam

[dougfisk]

I just bought a frame that I hoped to fix up as a balloon tire cruiser but I think I bought the wrong type of frame. Can I still put the larger style tires on this frame? I havent purchased the front forks yet.

Yes

[Hoffy]

thanks for all of the help. here is my first build, 1955 Corvette (with Felt 2.25 baloons).