gaucho777 

As has often been said, there's a dearth of 27" tire options, and almost nothing in terms of high-end 27" tire options. Panaracer Paselas seem to be the go-to option for most C&Vers looking for a classic-style tire with tan sidewalls. Soma is now selling a New Xpress tire in 27" size that is very similar to the Paselas. In fact, it is also made by Panaracer and has the same tread as the Pasela. However, the Soma New Xpress is roughly twice the cost of the Panaracer Pasela.

I wrote to Soma to ask what sets their New Xpress tires apart from the Pasela, and here's the reply:

[Note: The Soma website is a little bit screwy right now. The FAQ page for the Soma New Xpress line (https://www.somafab.com/archives/product/new-express) does not list any info for 27" tires size. However, when you click 27" from the main tire page (https://www.somafab.com/parts/tires), New Xpress is is listed as available in 27". Apparently they are working to correct this.]

FWIW, I know there are a few other budget options, such as CST and Kenda (heavy; ugly rubberized sidewall). Michelin also has the World Tour option (slightly heavy, has a reflective band which may or may not be a plus). Vittoria Rubino's and Continental Super Sports are a couple other options; Look like decent options, but these are not available with tan sidewalls.

I'm open to hearing about other 27" options, but also curious if anyone has experience with both Paselas and New Xpress tires. I would willing to spend more money on a better tire, but I'm not sure how much of an improvement the New Xpress tire is over the Paselas. Input?

that_guy_zach

They are just gonna be lighter, more supple Panaracers. Just as there is a difference in ride from the tour guard and non I bet the same difference will be there on these.

b dub 

The price / quality balance of Paselas satisfy my need, no reason to look further.

I have not had a puncture in 3 years so I don't see the need to purchase a more expensive version that is lighter and stronger when I'm ready for new tires.

noglider 

Thank you for the news, gaucho. I'm sure some of us will find it useful. Paselas work great on my Raleigh Super Course. They even sound​ good.

Hudson308 

Forgive my confusion; In Soma's response they first state that the difference between the Xpress and the Pasela is the folding Kevlar bead as apposed (sic) to steel. At the bottom they restate that the 27" tires have a steel bead because most older rims won't work with the (Kevlar) folding bead. They could have just stated that for 27" versions the only difference is the Hypertex puncture protection.

surreal

We can't be sure if Gaucho asked about the 27" size specifically, or (as seems likely) he just asked how the New (e)Xpress differed from the Pasela.

At any rate, I only partway understand the C&V preoccupation with gumwall/tanwall tires... but I had good results with Vittoria Zaffiros and Rubino Techs back in my 27" days. Seems a shame to exclude a good tire due to purely aesthetic reasons.

It seems that this thread is focusing on (relatively) lightweight "training" tires; there are some decent tour/commuter options out there, albeit at a higher weight...

gaucho777 

+1

I did ask specifically about 27" tires. I said I was only interested in the 27" tire option, and asked what sets the New Xpress apart from the Pasela.

Right. I want a training/performance tire in 27"--something for longer weekend rides, not just puncture-resistant commuting, preferably with tan sidewalls. Is it wrong to want it all?

noglider 

I don't know why I prefer skinwall (tan) tires, but I do. It's not very practical. My Paselas look like heck after they get dirty, and I can't find a way to clean them effectively. I've tried everything. Blackwall tires make more sense, but I just don't like the way they look.

OldsCOOL

Has anyone tried the Nashbar brand 27"? The have what looks to be a lighter 1 1/8" version that is blackwall.

noglider 

Some are OK. The trouble is, you don't always know what you're getting. Some are Cheng Shin (aka CST), of which I am not a fan. Most of them are safe, and some of them ride OK. I'd install CST tires on a flip bike with no guilt, but if I'm paying for tires I ride, I prefer better tires.

For all I know, some Nashbar tires are made by other makers.

OldsCOOL

I'm needing a fresh set for my Centurion. Looks like I'll be the forum lab rat.

dddd

I like Cheng Shins, whether it's their 1-1/4" gumwall (that I use for road/trail riding, and measuring only 29mm) or their lighter C-732 with subtle center rib and much thinner sidewall rubber.

The Michelin World-Tour is huge and has tread, both great for off-roading at 50psi or so, but the tread wears fairly quick and is more subject to cracking from environmental exposure.

Paselas also run very large compared to other brands and have a widely-wrap-around tread cap that takes on dirt, but the short sidewalls are somewhat vulnerable to both ageing and abrasion I've found.

I avoid anything made by Duro as being not reliable and overly heavy.

Vitt Zaffiros seem perhaps the most sensible choice as an all-around road tire, luckily still produced in a 1-1/8" size that measures about 26mm on a 22mm (outside width) rim. These wear well, handle well and still inexpensive, but no longer available in any color but black with bold graphics.

Many tires from Specialized, Nashbar/Performance and others are made by Cheng Shin, since these brands know them as a reliable and econimical source of tires. Occasionally I do see a defective OEM tire that these brands source from Cheng, but I've had somewhat better luck myself with the Cheng-labeled ones.

Has anyone here tried the "Bell" brand 1-1/4" tires with a steel folding bead, such as sold in dept stores? They seem heavy, how do they ride?

Oh, and Cheng also still makes a 27X 1-3/8" road-tread tire, in blackwall at least, that is very inexpensive and pretty wide at about 32mm on a wide-style rim.

Lastly, a tan sidewall seems to make it easier to visually confirm a semi-flattened tire while riding, as it contrasts better against the roadway in most conditions. Grant pointed this out and I concur.

Velognome 

My son swears by his CST's, happy with the rolling resistance (or lack there of) and tread life

noglider 

I don't mean to trash CST's entirely. I've ridden long ways on them, so their tread wear is excellent. I've had one or two defective ones which were difficult to seat well. I've had one or two burst on me. My sample size isn't huge, so I can't say they have a high defect rate. I've just decided not to use them any more. I say if you like them, you're not crazy, especially with some prices you can get. Sometimes you can get one for under $10, which is pretty amazing.

old's'cool

Tried, yes, ridden, no. During my recent peregrinations, I was building up the next thing to a bomb-proof wheel somewhere north of BFE, and resorted to purchasing a Bell tire at the nearest Walmart outpost in order to complete the wheel. Unfortunately, technical difficulties, then further peregrinations intervened, hence so far I have not get an opportunity to try it out.
Based strictly on appearance however, it seems to be reasonably rugged with regard to flat resistance, with an intermediate tread that is slighly more aggressive than the Pasela or Zaffiro. Though my insensitive butt will likely not pick up the difference, I suspect the aficionados among us will find it less lively than, for instance, the vaunted Pasela.

Lascauxcaveman 

I've had mixed results with CSTs. The solid color ones I have in 700c x 28 seem to be indestructible (if a bit too heavy) and the more vintage looking gumwall 27 x 1.25 ones wore out pretty fast and were prone to flatting. I thought the ride quality was pretty good while they lasted, however.

noglider 

I looked at the Bell Tires at Walmart or wherever. I realized I'm not strong enough to carry such a heavy tire, let alone ride it.

irwin7638

I use the Soma Xpress on my city bike and like them a lot. The biggest difference is the reinforced sidewall to help prevent pinch flats. I can't really compare the ride quality, the Soma is a 650b tire and Panaracer doesn't make that size in their own line.

Marc

JohnDThompson 

Blackwall tires remind me too much of the nasty, heavy, cheap department store tires when I was young. I know today's high-end blackwalls are every bit as good as skinwalls, so I'm trying to get over it.

Hudson308 

I've had pretty decent luck with Westley's Bleche White and a stiff plastic-bristled brush on gumwalls. Spray it on, scrub it a bit and hose it off. I always take the wheel off the bike when doing this, however. Much easier access, and I don't have to worry about what the cleaner will do to the paint or graphics.

surreal

Weird, then. I was trying to give the Merry Sales guys the benefit of the doubt. Listing something as a benefit, and then excluding that benefit in the same paragraph. Weird.

Is it wrong to want it all? No, not really. But, I'd argue that you already have it all in the Pasela, if you are light enough to keep from killing the sidewalls. (I'm not.)

The Vittorias held up well, rode nicely, and and had a nice balance between feel on the road and tread wear/puncture resistance. I wish they would do themselves a favor and make some gumwalls.

I think, if I ever ended up on 27"s again, I'd look at Schwalbe Marathons or HS-159s (available in both white- and gum-wall. But, heavy tires for a heavy guy who prefers heavy bikes.....)

cyclotoine

I always stocked these in the shop as a nice thinner and lighter version that claims to have some puncture resistance. Never road them but they mounted up nice.

https://shop.serfas.com/p/seca-tire-w-fps-27-x-1-25

surreal

Nope.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...FYqi4AodgykAZw

They make the same tire in the famed 650a aka 26x1 3/8" aka EA3 aka 590 size; I'm thinking I'll give those a go if my Delta Cruisers ever die. Oh, and of course, Panaracer makes some 650b MTB tires, as well as some 650b road offerings for other makers, like the aforementioned Soma (e)Xpress and the Pacenti Pari-Moto....

surreal

Granted, they look cooler on most bikes (some color schemes are an exception, IMHO). But, if it came down to a really nice tire in blackwall and an inferior tire that was available in gumwall (or tanwall--- not too much still available in true skinwall, afaict), I'd pick the nice blackwall, every time. I'm a function-over-form type of guy, I reckon.

noglider 

I'm trying to get over it, too, John. We are of like minds.