Kurt,
Are you saying that Conti 1000s can be used for smooth-beaded 27" rims as long as lower pressure? I got scared off by their label that specifically noted "this tire is only for use on hook-bead style rims!"
And, are they just a dying breed of rim/tires? What kinds of tires were used on the old smooth-beaded rims, anyway? They just don't make those kinds of tires anymore? I'm not getting this, and I'd like to figure it out, because I do haaaaaaaaaaave* a pair of smooth-beaded Fiamme rims with Campy hubs. Should I just re-build these hubs with newer rims?
*Just killed the most murderous mosquite chomping away on my foot. Not that you'd all care, but this is perhaps my greatest life victory of the week. Evil, parasitic wench.