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Best 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Inner Tubes for Tricycles
Two tubes fit the old-style 26 x 1 3/8 size, and the main task is not confusing it with a 26 inch mountain wheel.
Updated · 2 min read · 2 products evaluated
A 26 x 1 3/8 tire is a classic roadster and cruiser size found on older-style adult trikes, and it is not the same wheel as a modern 26 inch mountain tire. The bead seat is 590 mm, written 37-590, while a 26 inch mountain tire sits on 559 mm.
That mix-up is the one mistake that sends the wrong tube home. A tube for 559 is too small for a 590 rim, and a 590 tube is too large for 559. Two options here are made for 26 x 1 3/8, and they differ in pack size and how clearly they state the bead seat.
Short answer
The YunSCM 26 x 1 3/8 pair is the pick because it gives two tubes, a stated 37-590 size and a 32mm Schrader valve. Goodyear's single 26 x 1 3/8 tube is the simple one-spare alternative with a brand name, though it gives no ETRTO number, so confirm 590 on your tire first.
Quick Picks
Our 2 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
YunSCM 26 x 1 3/8 (37-590) Two-Pack
Classic trikes with 26 x 1 3/8 tires
Best Single Spare
Goodyear 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tube
One spare for a classic 26 x 1 3/8 trike
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 2
YunSCM 26 x 1 3/8 (37-590) Two-Pack
Two tubes sized 37-590 with a 32mm Schrader valve, built for 26 x 1 3/8 road and gravel tires.
Best for
Classic trikes with 26 x 1 3/8 tires
Why we like it
YunSCM's pair is labeled 26 x 1 3/8 with the 37-590 ETRTO size spelled out, premium butyl rubber and a 32mm Schrader valve. Two tubes cover a pair of rear wheels on a classic trike.
It ranks first because the 590 mm number removes the biggest guesswork, and you get two tubes. Against Goodyear, it adds quantity and a stated size, but not a household brand. The caveat is no levers, and the maker tells you to add a little air before fitting the tube to avoid a pinch flat.
Key specs
| Wheel size | 26 x 1 3/8 inch, 37-590 |
|---|---|
| Features | 32mm Schrader valve, premium butyl rubber, 2 pcs |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Bead seat 37-590 clearly shown
- Two tubes per pack
- Butyl rubber holds air
- Standard Schrader valve
Limitations
- No levers in the pack
- Not a household brand
Consider it if
- Classic roadster-style trikes
- Covering both rear wheels
Skip it if
- 26 inch mountain wheels
Best Single Spare2 of 2
Goodyear 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tube
A single butyl tube from a household brand, sold for 26 x 1 3/8 wheels.
Best for
One spare for a classic 26 x 1 3/8 trike
Why we like it
Goodyear sells one butyl tube labeled 26 x 1 3/8, with a low rolling resistance claim and a design meant to hold pressure. A known tire brand gives some comfort on build quality.
Compared with YunSCM, it is a single tube with no stated bead seat or valve length, so two rear wheels need two orders. It suits a rider who wants one reliable spare in a bag. The caveat is the mountain bike wording in the product text, so check the sidewall says 590, not 559.
Key specs
| Wheel size | 26 x 1 3/8 inch |
|---|---|
| Features | Butyl rubber, single tube, low rolling resistance claim |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Well-known tire brand
- Butyl rubber holds pressure
- Sized 26 x 1 3/8
- Light for a saddle bag
Limitations
- Single tube only
- No bead seat number given
Consider it if
- A single carried spare
- Riders who prefer a brand name
Skip it if
- Replacing two tubes at once
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Wheels | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| YunSCM 26 x 1 3/8 (37-590) Two-Pack Best Overall | 26 x 1 3/8 inch, 37-590 | 32mm Schrader valve, premium butyl rubber, 2 pcs | Check price |
| Goodyear 26 x 1 3/8 Bicycle Tube Best Single Spare | 26 x 1 3/8 inch | Butyl rubber, single tube, low rolling resistance claim | Check price |
How We Chose These 26 X 1 3/8 Bicycle Inner Tubes for Tricycles
- The 590 standard
- A tube had to be made for 26 x 1 3/8, not for a 26 inch mountain tire. We favored the pick that states 37-590 because it removes the biggest guess.
- Pack size
- A trike with two rear wheels needs two tubes. A pair ranks above a single tube unless the single has other advantages.
- Valve clarity
- We recorded valve type and length where given, since a stem has to clear the rim and pump head. Missing details became buyer checks.
- Brand and rubber
- Butyl rubber is standard for this size. We noted brand recognition without treating it as proof, since neither tube shows durability results.
What to Look for in a 26 X 1 3/8 Bicycle Inner Tubes for Tricycles
590 mm versus 559 mm
A 26 x 1 3/8 tire uses a 590 mm bead seat, while a 26 x 1.5 to 2.125 mountain tire uses 559 mm. The 31 mm difference means the two are not interchangeable at all.
Read the sidewall for 590 or 37-590. If it shows 559, you own a mountain-style wheel and need a different tube.
Narrow tire, higher pressure
A 1 3/8 tire is about 35 to 37 mm wide, much slimmer than a mountain tire, so it runs at a higher pressure for the same load. The tube has to hold that pressure steadily.
Check the sidewall for the maximum, and choose a tube that does not state a lower limit. Inspect old tubes for thin or cracked rubber.
Valve type and stem
Older roadster wheels sometimes have a different valve hole or a Dunlop valve, so confirm the rim before ordering a Schrader tube.
Measure the hole in the rim, because a Schrader stem needs a larger hole than a Presta. A shallow rim also needs the shorter 32mm stem to avoid pump head clearance problems.
Pair versus single
A trike with a pair of rear wheels needs matching tubes, and a roadside flat is hard to fix without a spare. One tube per wheel is the safest set.
If you buy a single tube, label the saddle bag and swap it in when a wheel fails. Replace the second tube soon after, since pressure and wear should match.
How to Choose
By Number of Wheels
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Two rear wheels to cover | YunSCM 26 x 1 3/8 Pair | Two tubes in one pack |
| One spare for a saddle bag | Goodyear 26 x 1 3/8 | Single tube from a known brand |
| Need the bead seat confirmed | YunSCM 26 x 1 3/8 Pair | 37-590 is stated outright |
Classic 590 vs Mountain 559
- 590 mm (26 x 1 3/8)
- This is the older roadster size, with a slim tire and higher pressure. Both tubes here are made for it, and the YunSCM states 37-590.
- 559 mm (26 inch mountain)
- This is the modern 26 inch size, with wider tires. A tube for 590 is too large for it, so use a 26 x 1.5 to 2.125 tube instead.
Always match the bead seat number before the inch label.
For Roadster-Style Trikes Specifically
- Look for
- A tube stating 37-590, a Schrader valve that fits your rim hole, and enough pressure capacity for a slim tire.
- In this comparison
- YunSCM's pair states 37-590 and a 32mm Schrader valve. Goodyear's tube does not give a number, so read your tire first.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You prefer a known brand and only need one spare. Goodyear fills that role, though it gives fewer stated specs.
- Save if
- You need two tubes for a rear axle. YunSCM covers both wheels in one pack and states the bead seat clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 26 x 1 3/8 tube the same as a 26 x 1.5?
No. A 26 x 1 3/8 tube is made for a 590 mm bead seat, and a 26 x 1.5 tube is made for 559 mm. They look similar but do not interchange, so read the sidewall for the second number.
What does 37-590 mean?
It is the ETRTO size, where 37 is the tire width in millimetres and 590 is the bead seat diameter. A tube marked 37-590 is built for a 26 x 1 3/8 tire. Compare it with the marking on your sidewall.
Do these tubes use Schrader or Presta valves?
YunSCM uses a 32mm Schrader valve. Goodyear's product text does not state a valve type, so check before buying. Older rims may have a smaller hole, which can limit the valve you can use.
How do I avoid a pinch flat?
Add a little air so the tube holds shape, seat it in the tire without folds, and use levers that do not bite the tube. Inflate slowly and check both sidewalls before you reach full pressure.
Can I use these on a modern 26 inch trike?
Only if the tire is 26 x 1 3/8. Most modern 26 inch trikes use 559 mm tires, which need a different tube. Read the sidewall, and compare the bead seat number before buying.
Bottom Line
For a 26 x 1 3/8 trike, YunSCM's pair is the better buy, with two tubes and a stated 37-590 size. Goodyear's single tube suits a rider who wants one branded spare. Always match the bead seat number, since a 26 inch mountain tube will not fit a 590 mm rim.
Browse all 26 x 1 3/8 bicycle inner tubes for tricycles on Amazon