Greetings all,
My wife and I are planning on riding from Pittsburgh to Washington DC this year along the GAP trail (former railroad right of way) and the C&O Canal trail (towpath). Kathy will be on her 1984 Trek 620- with its 531 lugged frame and non indexed derailleurs it is appropriate for this group! I will be on my 1980 Trek 910 with Columbus SP tubing and all on topic components (except the pedals-forgive me).
Both have 27 inch wheels and I'm not really in the mood to switch out to 700c. Does anyone have experience or suggestions as to what might be appropriate tires for this trip? In 27 x 1 1/4 (or 32-630) I'm considering the Schwalbe Marathon, Panaracer Pasela Road or the Michelin World Tour. If they fit the frames/rims there is also the 27 x 1 3/8" Kenda KrossCyklo.
My main concern is reliability and off road capability as opposed to period correct appearance. Both bikes have been around the world with us and this trip is a good excuse to get them back in shape. Haven't done much touring since the kids came but they will both be away at the same time for part of the summer (Hooray!).
Len Diamond
Ridgewood, New Jersey USA