27-inch tires too narrow - switch to 700c?
12-11-19, 12:41 PM
#26
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@smontanaro, 29-29.5mm isn't too bad for starters. Our Schwinn does have wide rims (stock), but I'd expect yours to grow a little bit with time, too. 
12-12-19, 07:06 PM
#27
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- 63rickert If I collect the parts, do you want to lace up the wheels?
Paselas seem to keep getting better. I used to think of them as just rideable, pretty fun tire now.
12-12-19, 08:35 PM
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I was looking for a pair of 27" tires for a gravel build for my Fuji and someone suggested these.
The 1-3/8" KrossCyclo semi-knobbies work better on pavement than I ever would have expected. The casing and the tire are low-endish, but these are versatile tires that can give some decent mileage on pavement.
Don't expect them to afford quite the width of even a 1-1/4" Pasela, figure 30mm or so casing width on medium-width rims.
Overall, these tires are more practical than they look imo.
12-13-19, 10:55 AM
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@smontanaro, have you perused this sticky thread?
12-13-19, 06:16 PM
#30
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If you want to see the rims/tires in action, here's an album with pics from the rebuild - scroll to the bottom to see a bunch with the new wheels/tires on the completed bike: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattle...57708966505507
Is there a better current rim available in 630 mm than the CR-18 or narrower M13II? They're pretty inexpensive, too. Though there are cheaper and wider alternatives like the Alex 404. They're not as easy to get round and true as, for examle, Mavic Open Pro, but they're way cheaper and 630mm.
12-13-19, 06:43 PM
#31
Virgo
Bontrager T1 27 x 1 1/4 measures a full 32mm, $20/pc and 400g. 5k miles on mine, good traction wet and dry, nice ride.
Edit: No longer available on my LBS website, may not be available anymore. That would be a sadness, they are great tires. Looks like you can still get the T2 at $25/pc but at that price point just get Paselas anyway.
Edit: No longer available on my LBS website, may not be available anymore. That would be a sadness, they are great tires. Looks like you can still get the T2 at $25/pc but at that price point just get Paselas anyway.
Last edited by Phamilton; 12-14-19 at 12:20 AM.
12-14-19, 02:15 AM
#32
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12-14-19, 09:46 AM
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Look at the MICHELIN Protek 32-630 , 27 x 1 1/4 tire.
It is one of the heavier tires based on it's weight in grams, so if you're opposed to weight, it might not be for you.
Great riding tire.......durable and protection against thorns and road debris......reflective outer ring on the sidewall which is very nice.
These are true to size and are among the widest 32-630 tire on the market......no cheating or fudging with the Michelin Protek tire.
You should also know that these appear to be taller than several other popular 32-630 , 27 x 1 1/4 tires on the market Based on my own
non scientific observations. This might be an issue on certain bicycles that have fenders as you'll likely find that you may have less fender
clearance than with the 32-630 tires that you may be currently using.
I have these Protek 32-630 tires on my 1971 brown Schwinn Suburban Five Speed with the stock fenders removed.
The are great tires for the type of tire that these Michelins are, but if WEIGHT is an issue, you're gonna want to look for some other tire.
m
It is one of the heavier tires based on it's weight in grams, so if you're opposed to weight, it might not be for you.
Great riding tire.......durable and protection against thorns and road debris......reflective outer ring on the sidewall which is very nice.
These are true to size and are among the widest 32-630 tire on the market......no cheating or fudging with the Michelin Protek tire.
You should also know that these appear to be taller than several other popular 32-630 , 27 x 1 1/4 tires on the market Based on my own
non scientific observations. This might be an issue on certain bicycles that have fenders as you'll likely find that you may have less fender
clearance than with the 32-630 tires that you may be currently using.
I have these Protek 32-630 tires on my 1971 brown Schwinn Suburban Five Speed with the stock fenders removed.
The are great tires for the type of tire that these Michelins are, but if WEIGHT is an issue, you're gonna want to look for some other tire.
m
It does clear!
12-16-19, 02:47 PM
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One other factor I have run into. Be sure to measure the area of the chain stays where the tire passes through just behind the bottom bracket. This is often the limiting factor as to tire with on conversions.
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12-16-19, 04:55 PM
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...I have and ride several bicycles with Panaracer Pasela 27x1 1/4 tyres, and find them very enjoyable to ride. They are especially useful if you have something that requires a 27" rim because of cantilever brake boss placement. If I have any caveat, it is that they are not nearly as useful if your current wheel rims are old enough to have no bead hook or an inconsequential one. They're much more fun to ride at higher inflation pressures that you can use with a decent hook bead rim.
...I have and ride several bicycles with Panaracer Pasela 27x1 1/4 tyres, and find them very enjoyable to ride. They are especially useful if you have something that requires a 27" rim because of cantilever brake boss placement. If I have any caveat, it is that they are not nearly as useful if your current wheel rims are old enough to have no bead hook or an inconsequential one. They're much more fun to ride at higher inflation pressures that you can use with a decent hook bead rim.
I moved away from my old bike due to the non-hooked rims (and it was a bit large) to a new 700c bike. It was just too difficult to find a quality 27" tire while on a ride, and folders do not always work with a non-hook bead rim. My last non-hook bead 27" tires that worked were Bontrager wire bead 28x630s bought in 2015. They worked. All others blew off at 75 pounds. The Bontragers would take 80. I bought the new bike in 2016 with 700c hooked rims and canti brakes. Now I have a lot and lots of options and am currently on Rene Herse (Compass) 32mm Stampede Pass tires and before that Chinook Pass 28mm and Conti GP4000S-II in 28mm.
12-17-19, 11:27 PM
#37
Virgo
At 185 lbs, I have found that a 32mm tire inflated to 50-75 psi has been acceptably comfortable for me over the last 2 years and ~6k miles of bike commuting even when carrying 20-30 lbs of extra baggage. Unless OP’s wife is much heavier and/or routinely rides with a heavy load (e.g. touring, grocery hauling, etc), I’d say 27” wheels are probably fine, and there are still plenty of great 27” tires still available. If a 32mm tire at reasonable pressure on a quality steel frame isn’t comfortable enough, maybe saddle selection and/or bike fit may be factors in any discomfort? My assumption is that a wider tire
is desired for comfort.
is desired for comfort.
12-18-19, 09:59 AM
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At 185 lbs, I have found that a 32mm tire inflated to 50-75 psi has been acceptably comfortable for me over the last 2 years and ~6k miles of bike commuting even when carrying 20-30 lbs of extra baggage. Unless OP’s wife is much heavier and/or routinely rides with a heavy load (e.g. touring, grocery hauling, etc), I’d say 27” wheels are probably fine, and there are still plenty of great 27” tires still available. If a 32mm tire at reasonable pressure on a quality steel frame isn’t comfortable enough, maybe saddle selection and/or bike fit may be factors in any discomfort? My assumption is that a wider tire is desired for comfort.
12-18-19, 01:19 PM
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