b dub 

What would you suggest? The current set has rims that are too narrow for wider clingers.




I will keep the spacing at 126 mm. I could build my own set. I'd like to keep the classic look so ideally silver rims.

I'm also thinking of "upgrading" to 8 speed indexed derailleurs with these Microshift bar end shifter set.

bikemig 

Are these 700c wheels? I'll bet those rims will take 32c-35c tires. If you want/need new wheels, velomine has very solid prices on 126 OLD wheels.

b dub 

Ah, forgot to mention, yes, these are 700c wheels. The Kenda tires I have on them now are 32c and it took way too much effort to put them on. I will not be able to remove them on the road with a flat.

bikemig 

Yeah but that's likely not because of the rim width. Some tire/rim combos are tough to deal with. Have you thought about a thinner rim strip? That sometimes is a big help. In any case, I don't think the problem you are having is the width of the clincher.

This thread has a discussion of rim tape you may find useful; post 17 talks about thinner rim strips:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...till-used.html

b dub 

Just another day it makes me realize I love this forum Thank you! I'll check out the link.

Cynikal 

I have an 85 Cresta but mine has 27" wheels. I found mine as a frame set but couldn't get the brakes to work with 700's. I built a nice set of 27" wheels with 600 tri-color hubs and Sun CR18 rims. They have been great wheels for the past 10 years.

shoota 

Agree with bikemig, the issue is definitely not the width of the rim here.

b dub 

The rims are Rigida red label.

bikemig 

Also wired on clinchers, at least in my experience, tend to be a little easier mounting and dismounting than tires with kevlar beads. You'll pay a small weight penalty but on a touring bike that is not a big deal.

Those are Rigida 16-22 rims. Good rims, they came stock on Peugeot UO 10s and other bikes as well. I've never had an issue mounting a tire on those rims. Plus they're reasonably wide rims very suitable for touring and just fine for 32c tires (or a bit wider).

b dub 

I don't like the knobby tires anyway so I'll start over. Any suggestions? I'd like a bit wider tire (35-38c) for a more comfortable ride.

shoota 

For what use and on what type of surface? There are hundreds of good 700c tires in that width.

bikemig 

A 38c may or may not fit on your bike. Some folks get 38c tires to fit with no issues on vintage touring bikes but BITD when this bike was designed 32c (or 27 x 1 and 1/4) was more or less the touring standard. A 35c should fit with no problems.

Panaracer paselas are good tires and the black/gum looks good on a vintage bike. I like Schwalbe marathon racers as well and the reflective stripe is a plus.

b dub 

I like these Panaracer Paselas. Hope they will fit well on the rims.

bikemig 

They'll fit on those rims. They're wide rims and those are very good tires. The limiting factor is generally not the rim but the frame. You have lots of clearance on a touring bike with cantilevers.

b dub 

Thank you all for your advice and input. I really appreciate it. Happy Friday!

hsuBM

If you haven’t yet made the purchase, Panaracer’s Gravel King is nearly as comfy as the Pasela, quieter, and far more durable.

b dub 

Ah, interesting. I haven't placed the order yet. Thanks for the tip.

mstateglfr 

gravel king slick, gravel king ss(semi slick), gravel king sk(knobby)

All 3 varieties then come in regular casing or + casing, with the + casing being stronger for more abusive riding.
This makes the options seemingly endless.
To make it simpler, get some slick or ss tires in the regular casing- those will roll the fastest.
Oh, and they come in black or tan sidewall.

If you want to spend more $ for more supple and faster tires thats great as there are plenty more options, but the Gravel King line is popular for a reason.

milesglink

What are the most classic wheels for 1980s road bikes?

shoota 

I was going to chime in but didn't. I agree, the GravelKing line is so much better than the Paselas. I'm not sure why the Paselas (in 700c) get so much love around here. They're slow and heavy. For 27" I get it, not as much selection.

Saguaro

I’ve got Compass Stampede Pass Extralights on my 1982 Nishiki Cresta. Size 32c x 700c. What a difference in ride quality these make. Used to have Paselas on this bike, but these Compass tires are far superior. Not the cheapest tires out there but to me they were worth every penny.

These are Velocity Dyad rims which are perfect for touring bikes and tandems.

hsuBM

Oh yeah, totally forgot that they do non-slick and + versions which you could accidentally buy- sorry!

My non+ set held on for about 4K miles before they were worn enough to be violated by one of the hundreds of roofing nails I routinely encounter.

The Slick nonplussed is as sweet as I think one can get while still having reasonably good glass & thorn protection, though I’ve yet to try out the Herse’s. This summer probably.

~~~~~

FWIW, I’m having surprisingly good fortune with some Conti GP5K 28mm on my winter bike doing 150-200 miles/week
since November (their tread is softer than the GK, so I feel a bit more comfortable on ice with them). Apparently they’re doing a gumwall version finally and also a 32mm version, but I don’t know about a gumwall 32... They probably cost about the same as the Herses.