Hi Len.
Last year I did a loaded tour in France with my old touring bike, and used Continental Ultra Gatorskins in a 27 x 1 1/4. The tires did great! The frame broke the on the third week of the trip, but the tires did great. I hope you have better luck on your trip.
Tom Harriman.
San Francisco, Ca.
> From: leonarddiamond@verizon.net
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 18:40:23 -0400
> Subject: [CR] 27 inch tires or tyres
>
> 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