Recumbent - Rans Tailwind — Tires??

Hey all

My dad has a 2001ish Rans Tailwind. He rode it a lot when he first bought it and for about 3-4 years. The last two years it has been in the basement without being touched. My sister was sick and he didn't have time to bike.

I've recently bought a cyclocross bike and it has him wanting to ride his bike again.

He is on a baseball-stadium-trip (4 stadiums in 4 days) and I'd like to get his bike fixed up over the weekend (Father's Day). I dropped it off at a LBS and they said the tires would take a couple weeks to get in. That seems like too long to me. (They wait til they have multiple orders to order anything)

I'd like to just buy some online & put them on myself.

What size/type should I buy? And where would you recommend buying them online?
(Standard wheels that came on the Rans Tailwind & basic commuter/road tire is fine)

If they were 406 rims back then, you should be able to get some fairly fast. Try Calhoun Cycle or The Hostel Shoppe. I'd do the order over the phone and get the faster shipping.

http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_h.asp?idCategory=115

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/recumbent_catalog.php

A Tailwind takes ISO 406 tires. Using the standard sizing convention, that size is designated by decimal width, i.e. 20x1.25, 20x1.75, etc. The exception to the rule is Continental, who stubbornly uses fractions for that rim size: 20x1 1/8 etc.

As far as what to buy, it depends on the intended riding. Fast road riding might need racing tires, although it doesn't sound like he'll be up to that. Choose tire width based on the riding conditions, with fatter for dirt/crushed rock trails and poor pavement, and skinnier as the surfaces get smoother.

I have Primo Comets/Kevlar on my 2000 Tailwind, 20X1.35 front and 20x1.5 rear.
Hostelshoppe does have fast turnaround time and a large selection to choose from.

Comets are certainly a price/performance leader and a good
choice. www.gaerlan.com is another source.
Use a 1.5 on the rear if your father is above !80-200#. If below
that weight, a 1.35 will do fine on both wheels. Look on the
existing tires to verify they are 406 size. It will be molded on
the sidewall somewhere.

thanks guys - i'll check these links out :)

Probably too late, but I put these on for all around riding and they are great (and they look cool on a Tailwind):
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=115&idproduct=667

Probably too late, but I put these on for all around riding and they are great (and they look cool on a Tailwind):
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=115&idproduct=667
1. Aren't they a bit slower, compared to skinnier, higher pressure tires. Or, does the iincreased comfort make up for that?
2. Do they work with fenders?