Best 27 inch tire *slightly* smaller than a Ultra Gatorskin 1-1/4"?
 

Hi,

I've restored a vintage Univega touring bike and splurged on great-looking Honjo fenders. The fenders were a very tight fit, since my bike still has 27-inch wheels and I have 1-1/4 inch Ultra Gatorskins on the bike. I'm finding that it's really tricky to keep the rear fender from rubbing -- any slight change in the fender (from leaning the bike on something, etc.) will deflect the fender just enough to make it rub. It's requiring more time and attention than I want to deal with -- this is my daily commuter and I need it to be ready to go all the time.

So, am thinking about getting a *slightly* smaller tire in the back, but am wary about the inconsistencies in tire measurements. Since Continentals allegedly "run small," am worried that if I mount a 1-1/8 tire it might not actually be any smaller.

Which 27 x 1-1/8 tire would you suggest? (I would like to keep the tire as large as possible but pick up just a little clearance).

Am currently looking at Panaracer Pasela TourGuards, but I don't know if they "run small" or "run large" -- would they really be just a *bit* smaller than the 1-1/4 Gatorskins?

(BTW, I don't mind running a different size in front vs. the back).

Thanks,
bb

As usual, Sheldon Brown had the facts if I would have looked.

He listed the actual width of the 1-1/4" Gatorskin at 27.5 mm
He listed the actual width of the 1-1/8" Panaracer Pacela at 25.5 mm

Just what I'm looking for....

Thanks, as always, Sheldon...

They might be also able to answer your question in the C&V forum, since they deal with "older" bikes.

I think the Paselas run a bit small. I've got one of each on my bike. I'll measure tomorrow.

My 27X1 1/8 panaracer pasela (not a tourguard) is a touch under 25 mm wide.
My 27X1 1/4 panaracer pasela tourguard is 26.5 mm wide.

They're both about as tall as they are wide. They're both mounted on Weinmann rims.

Thank you very much for checking!