Hi All, Need some input on what type of tires to use on my 1977 Nishiki ONP. Since it originally sold, frame only, it has a mix match of parts. Campy shifters, derailleurs and headset. Suntour SuperB brake calipers and levers.
The rims are Weinmann clinchers with Phil Wood, moderately high flange hubs. It currently has Kenda tires but I wanted to get a period correct tire.
Thank you.

Jim H
Las Vegas, NV

Are you sure that you want period correct on a 1977 bike? A tire of that age would be, at best, hardened with minimal traction, and more probably cracked and turning to dust.

Now if you want something that looks period correct, there are plenty of good to excellent tan sidewall tires. Like several on the forum, I’m a huge fan of Compass tires, but some object to the cost ($57-75). There are a variety of other very nice Panaracer-made tires, such as Gravelkings and the very popular Paselas in a variety of bead types. They are available on Amazon, as well as many LBS. Lots of folks also like Continental tires, but I’m not sure of any tan sidewall versions.

If your need is 27” tires, there are Paselas in that diameter.

What size?

I agree you don't want a 30+ yo tire. Modern tires are so much better. I think the Pasela is a fabulous tire, with a kevlar belt for flat protection, and use them on all my bikes with clinchers.

Thanks Dfrost and Bianchigirll.
I did want a newer version of a tire that had the period correct look. Should have made myself more clear.

Jim H
Las Vegas, NV

Another nice premium tire is the Soma Supple Vitesse. It comes in various sizes and a standard and extra light version, and price wise is somewhere between Paselas and the Compass tires (closer to the high end, but sometimes deals can be found).

I searched around on the internet and came up with a couple of Nishiki Professionals. Judging from the pictures and the one catalog listing (no idea what year) they appear to have come with a 700Cx25 mm tire, but that doesn't really say how much actual room there is, or whether the ones I found are actually the same as yours. There are plenty of nice looking tires with tan sidewalls at varying price points, some of which are better than any clincher made when the bike was new. Most will ride better than those Kendas you have. If cost is no object, you're unlikely to find a better-riding tire than the appropriately sized Compass EL tire to fit your bike.

If you have 27" wheels then your choices are extremely limited and the Panaracer Pasela is probably the go to choice for a vintage-look tire.

If you have 700C wheels then you have a much wider range of choices. The best for low-rolling resistance and smoothness IMHO are the Compass Tires, and I would recommend for most uses putting on 28 mm or wider if your frame can accommodate that width. The Soma Supple Vitesse is an almost identical tire. However, cheaper choices are available.

For tanwall tires, my choice would be the following:

27" - panaracer pasela
700c - panaracer pasela, veloflex, vittoria corsa g+

Veloflex Masters or Vittoria Corsa's.

Bam.

The masters are tan sidewall, ride like a dream and frequently on sale at the British sites. I just got a set of blue and tan ones from Ribble for $25 each.

I'm a fan of the Continental tires. Gatorskins and Gator Hardshells. The sidewalls are a bit darker than the vintage tires, but still good tough tires.

Just be a little careful with the sidewalls.

If Continental is a choice, they have a Grand Prix Classic and Schawlbe now has a Tan wall tire available, but both of these are 700C only, AFIK. I ride on Continental tires exclusively and have no complaints about them at all, clinchers and tubulars both.

But, I think you would be happy with Pasela's Panaracer.

Bill

Thanks for alll the great input.
I decided on the Panaracer Pasela tan side wall tires. I believe they will look and ride the best for this frame.

Jim H
Las Vegas, NV

Paselas are an excellent choice and a great value for the money. I don't have a seriously glass-challenged environment, and the standard wire-bead unbelted Pasela works just fine for me. The last set I bought cost around $25 ea.

As [MENTION=396646]Spaghetti Legs[/MENTION] had stated earlier Veloflex Masters @ $25 are the real bargain here. Pasela's are an older design Tyre who's Time has come and gone.

But the OP was looking for a Thirty year old Tyre and basically that's what he bought.

We never did find out what width the OP wanted, but those Veloflex Masters only seem to be available in 23 and 25mm. If you got them at $25 for a pair that's a bargain indeed; the best price I could find (from Probikekit) was $75 for a 2-tire pack. The other thing is the appearance: while the treads have a classic appearance, the sidewalls definitely don't.

Maybe my Old Eyes are fooling me again. But these look pretty C&V to me. I think the op was looking for 25's.
Before changing all my Bikes over to Tubular's last Year, the only clincher Tyre I found that rode as well as an intermidiate priced Tub was the Masters.

The tread, sure; but that huge black band with the large "VELOFLEX" doesn't look C&V to me. A discreet label the size of maybe the "VEL" would be closer to a classic look.

He said "each" for the pricing. The blue and brown are clearance price, $24.95, the black and brown are $33.25 for 23s, and $36.91 for the 25s. The two pack of the black and brown $66.04 for the 23s and $71.94 for the 25s, at Ribble now.

Bill

Mehhh!.....
I can live with large logos like that, as long as I get tan sidewalls, modern tread compound and a fresh, new, SAFE tire out of it!
We sure do not want to suggest to anyone that a 30 year old NOS tore is acceptable because it has discreet logos that will look appropriate on their C&V bike..... for a wall hanger, yes, but to ride on nooooo!

There are definitely high quality new tires available without those giant logos.