Originally Posted by
bikemig
I always figure when buying an old bike that I need to factor in the cost of new consumables which nearly always includes new tires.
New wheels are a big expense but if this is a daily rider, then it is a worthwhile expense. Plus with a new 27 inch wheelset, you can run a shimano 7 speed freewheel on the back, eke out an extra gear, and improve your shifting as the modern tooth profiles on freewheels are very good.
Biggest hassle of riding in NE are those dang goat's heads so maybe tire liners make sense or get a pair of schwalbe marathon 27 inch tires,
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...rathon-27-tire
I run Mr. Tuffy liners in all the family bikes. Huge difference in the amount of flats we get now. 5 bikes in our family and we've only had 1 flat since I installed the liners this spring. That was from a big thorn in the sidewall of my son's BMX bike, he rides everywhere and refuses to watch for thorn patches.
