Classic & Vintage - Tires For Weinmann Rims

I have a 1978 Raleigh Competition GS with its original 700 Weinmann rims and am having a difficult time finding tires that will not pop off the rims moments after inflating. I bought some Cheng Shin tires (700 X 25) from Nashbar that worked beautifully, but I can't find them in a 25 width anymore. So, I tried a Panaracer Pasela tire (700 X 25) with a wire bead purchased from Harris Cyclery. However, it won't stay on the rim, even with the air pressure reduced to 80 psi (the tire sidewall says to inflate to 115 psi).

Questions:
1) Anyone know where I can purchase a tire that can be safely inflated on my Weinmann rims?
2) Are there any tricks I should try to keep the Panaracer tire on the rim?
3) Can a 700 X 23 tire be used on a rim designed for a 700 X 25 tire? I can find 700 X 23 Cheng Shin tires.

Thanks and regards,

Jason

I think those Paselas will be tough to keep on. I've had problems even with hooked-bead rims, but I do like the tires a great deal. I have had success with Continental Sport 1000 tires on old Weinmann rims, even getting psi up to about 90. Best of all, those tires are relatively inexpensive.

You shouldn't have a problem putting 23mm tires on rims for 25mm. All rims have range of sizes they can accommodate. And tires themselves have a listed size and an actual size. I'd guess those 23mm Cheng Shins will measure fairly wide.

Neal

Here's a good tire sizing chart, showing "safe ranges" for specific tire sizes on specific rim sizes. Rim width is measured from inside wall to inside wall. Chart is near the bottom of the page: http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

I had a set of wheels with Weinmann concave rims. I used Michelin tires on it with no issues at all, though I can't remember what specific Michelin tire. It was gumwall with a narrow red band on it, purchased at a Performance Bike store.

For smooth-sided (non-hooked) rims, you need tires designed for 70-80 PSI operation, rather than 90-120 PSI. Harris Cyclery and others sell a suitable Continental model.

I'm pretty sure Continental 2000's or 3000's will work fine. Don't get the folders.

Tip - don't fasten down the little round nut that snugs the presta valve to the rim until after you have the tire seated and inflated to operating pressure.

fwiw - I have a set of the narrow section concave Weinmanns (A124's or something of the sort) that came as original on my 1978 Raleigh Super Course. I also have the original Raleigh nylon tires. They still work marvelously and hold 90 psi with no problems (as long as I follow my little tip).