Re: [CR] 27 inch tires or tyres

Len and all,

I used 32 mm Pasella's on the C&O trail touring loaded with my wife a few years ago, riding fixed gear with canvas & leather Sologna bags. And just last year 35 mm Pasella's on the GAP trail on an old Specialized Epic I'd put together out of the parts bins (vintage content). The 35's were a bit overkill to me and slowed the bike down just a bit off the trail, but then we weren't in a hurry. The trail surface of the GAP is a very fine compacted stone dust virtually its full length, which can get soft if wet or not as well compacted. I still think 32's would be fine for that trail, and Pasella's now measure what it says on the sidewall (accidently why I now own a pair of 35's). The C&O is more a mix of compacted dirt with roots & some stone and the surface varies depending on the weather and how it's been repaired through the years. There is a section just west of White's Ferry that seems to be at least a mile of railroad ballast mixed with dirt. Ugh! The 35's would hav e been ideal there. Since 32 mm equates to 1.21 inches, I think 27 x 1-1/4" Pasella's couldn't get any better. And to those who care, Pasella's are still available in gum wall, though you'll probably have to go on line to find them. I think they make a good trail, city or every day tire (tyre). I like 'em!

Happy trails,

Dan Artley in Parkton, Maryland Archive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=classicrendezvous.11005.0115.emlFrom: "Leonard Diamond" <leonarddiamond(AT)verizon.net>Date: Sun, 02 May 2010 18:40:23 -0400 Subject: [CR] 27 inch tires or tyres ( http://search.bikelist.org/query.asp?SearchString=%2227+inch+tires+or+tyres%22&amp;SearchPrefix=%40msgsubject&amp;SortBy=MsgDate%5Ba%5D ) 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 cons
   idering 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