Classic & Vintage - Need Recommendation on New Tubes and Tires

Does anyone have any recommendations for tubes and tires for my 1985 Schwinn Traveler? I blew out one of the original tubes on my bike by inflating it to the max psi. It was just sitting in the garage a day later and the whole stem blew out. I have the Weinmann rims, as most of you probably know. Tires are original so the tread looks fine but the gum wall is dry and flaking off. I would like to stay with the 27x1.125. Do they still make gum wall or do I have to switch to all black?
Thanks,
Bill

Yes, gumwall look is still out there, but black is certainly easier to find.

East Hill

Gumwalls, whitewalls, colored walls, etc can be found at the major bike parts houses (Nashbar, Performance, Harris Cyclery, etc) as well as smaller web outlets.

I would go for the continental gatorskin if you can find them. Cheapy gumwalls won't last as long as the Continental offerings.

I've got Gatorskins on my Gitane. They're great tires, but they just don't look right on a vintage bike. Folding Panaracer Pasela Tourguards are also great tires and they have the look I want. I just bought two sets and I'll probably buy more.

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/18943/2594622520068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2594622520068014369HBRbPF)

Nashbar has them in 27X1 1/8 for $20, but I think it's possible to get them in 27X1 1/4.

I used to think that tubes are tubes, but, after trying some Nashbar tubes, I'm willing to pay a little more. I like Continental tubes, mostly for the yellow cap.

Although it won't bite you in 27" size, you can't typically interchange decimal size tires with fractional sizes. For example, a 26x1-1/2 is NOT the same as a 26x1.50.

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#fractiondecimal

27 X1-1/8 Panaracers have the right look for a vintage bike, I think in 1-1/4 they would look a little too bulky. I have a set of the Michelin world tours in 27x 1-1/4 they ride great, but they are huge! and don't leave enough room for most fenders.

I consider 27X1 1/4 and 700X28 tires to be medium size. Anything skinner requires too much pressure for comfort for me. Those world tours are not typical 27X1 1/4 tires. It says on the Harris site that they actually measure 33mm! The 700X28 tires that I have measure closer to 25mm. They certainly don't interfere with fenders.

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/20540/2156126990068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2156126990068014369Ftorgd)
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/11763/2414855690068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2414855690068014369CRiJPB)

The price is right on these:
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=KEK35