Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Very Confused about Tire Size

I'm looking at buying an early 80's road bike that uses 27" tires. Specifically listed as 27 X 1 1/8th. A wheel rebuild is not in my budget. Certainly not any time soon.
The tires will need to be replaced and I'm very confused as to what my options are.
Sheldon's chart lists all 630 tires to be the same, but you can buy a variety of slightly different fractional sizes, including 1 1/8th.
Do I have to buy 1 1/8 tires or is anything that falls in the 27", 630iso fair game?

Thanks in advance!

You probably want to post this in the C/V section , not in appraisals but from my limited experience, as long as there is enough clearance at the brakes/chain stays it shouldn't matter too much what size of 27" tire you run. I may be corrected.

I usually use 27 1/8 or 27 1/4 tires on that size rim. You can buy them all over. I tend to get mine at Niagara Cycle, but I usually stock up to mitigate shipping cost.

You probably want to post this in the C/V section , not in appraisals but from my limited experience, as long as there is enough clearance at the brakes/chain stays it shouldn't matter too much what size of 27" tire you run. I may be corrected.
Ah shoot I just realized I'd posted in appraisals when I came back to check the thread. Sorry bout that but thanks for the advice!


I usually use 27 1/8 or 27 1/4 tires on that size rim. You can buy them all over. I tend to get mine at Niagara Cycle, but I usually stock up to mitigate shipping cost.

Ok thanks! That's what I figured, but since my budget is that of a college student I've always figured being overly safe is better than very sorry.

The wider and beefier the tire, the more "cushion" you and the bike get from road shocks. If you are "heavy", 190 pounds++, or will be loading the bike down with gear for touring/commuting, the wider/beefier tires may be better for you to handle the extra weight. If you have fenders, you may have to consider the clearance between the tire and fender.

If you are just out riding a road bike, these tires may work (I am using them in place of 27" x 1 1/8" tires on my own bike). They are well regarded, and steeply discounted. I did a thread about this deal about 2 weeks ago...

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_522551_-1_202642_10000_202354

Between Nashbar and Niagara Cycle Works http://www.niagaracycle.com/index.php?cPath=516_131_167&sort=2a&filter_id=&sort=3a you should be able to find what you need at a steep discount.