I've been wondering if newer 27-inch wheels would be any lighter than some older ones I have on my bikes. I have two 80s road bikes with UKAI rims ('made in Japan') and was thinking about upgrading for weight purposes. Would this help, or am I just chasing windmills? The 700c wheels seem so much lighter.
To the OP, the tires at Harris Cyclery look great. I'm planning on getting myself very soon.
Also, I'd definitely put an asterisk on generic tubes: I bought some recently, brand new, and I got holes on the seams at the first use--a couple. They 'seamed' to be very poorly made.