Classic & Vintage - 27-1/4 vs. 27-3/8 tires

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wilber.71
03-02-09, 04:22 PM
I recently pulled my '72 Continental down from it's hook in the garage after 20+ years of neglect and am giving it the attention it deserved a lifetime ago. It got replaced by mountain bikes and now I'd like to get it back up and running. It looks a lot better after a teardown, clean up and overhaul. I'm pretty much done except for new tires. I'm hoping some of you Schwinn owners might offer a little guidence. I could throw a pair of the Bell Streetsters on it but saw that Niagra has some 27-3/8 Hybrid tires. Will the hybrids offer a little softer ride? I'll be riding a combination of street and dirt bike path. Or will I find that the rolling resistance will be higher without an appreciable increase in comfort? I know it's a basic question, but I figure I might as well start off on the right foot.


Walt

riva
03-02-09, 04:53 PM
I put some 1 3/8" cross tires on my lotus in anticipation of rough asphalt and a little dirt, but when they showed up from niagara they weren't any bigger than 1 1/4" tires. Use em now, am happy with them as they work fine, but the ride's no better than the old 1 1/8" street tires. Sidewall sizing vs. real world sizing dont always match. Just something to keep in mind.
bassogap
03-02-09, 07:03 PM
For years I used Specialized Expedition 1 3/8s...I loved that tire...Very comfortable and stable,but still able to do centuries.....I haven't found a modern replacement yet.....

waldowales
03-02-09, 07:23 PM
Sizing is not apt to be accurate. Some 1 1/4 are bigger than some 1 3/8. Compare them side by side to see the actual size.
Panthers007
03-02-09, 08:25 PM
With highly accurate digital-calipers costing about $10 off Amazon, there really isn't a good excuse not to measure tires in your LBS. You'll be amazed at the sizes as marked v. the truth.