Okay...so this happened...Rossin Pro EL
 

My Rossin build is finding some challenges...recessed bolt, headset stack (height challenged due to a lovely low steering tube cutoff)...

And now...Bought 700/25 Zaffiros for the wheels and we have a problem Houston. It grabs the seat tube, but can spin slightly...emphasis on slightly with effort...

My questions:
1. Would simply going to 23s provide the proper clearance?
2. Are there any experiences out there where a particular tire had a lower profile (I know all tires have similar shapes)

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dbdc7e16c3.jpg

Is the axle all the way to the rear of the dropout?

If I remember correctly when I had Zaffiros on one of my bikes, they were huge. Maybe try a different brand?

Unfortunately a vertical dropout...

Looking at possibilities without breaking the budget...

Continental Ultra Sport 2
Vittoria Rubino G2
Michelin Lithion
Michelin Dynamic Sport


Gatorskins are a bit pricey

Bike was probably designed with skinny (20-23) tubulars in mind. Tubular tires generally sit lower.

Everyone has different results and preferences, but I hated the Michelin Dynamic Sports that I had, I also disliked the Gator Skins that I tried.
My preferred tires are Continental Grand Prix 4000sII 23mm. I have them on all of my bikes.

I can cross the Dynamic Sports off. Trust folks judgment on here.

How high from the rim do the 23mm Conties measure...?

I got a lot of flats with the Dynamics.

Just measured...very scientific (not). Looks like they are around 24 mm from rim to ground....ish.

Hope me that helps. Good luck.

Yes, there were/are vintage tubulars that were miniscule in profile. The 19mm and 18mm that I had were scarcely 1/2 inch high. They looked spindly in regular sized frames. I still have a set of Panaracer 230's that are relatively low profile. I can measure them tonight. I probably kept a picture of the 18's I used to have, smooth rubber, built for TT's back when skinny was thought to be fastest. They might have the tire brand visible. (Mavic CX18 rims...) A feeling they were Wolbers. Check velospace for other possibilities.

Marc Rossin was an innovative guy... You may have to sweat a bit to bring it together, but then, you'll have something pretty special.

Older ex-racers will remember, that Colnago's reputation took a sizable hit for a while, after he left the firm. I think Raoul Gaul was in charge of the "team" bike production, but the frames and bikes they were selling in the mid-70s were supposed to be lesser in some way. I was spending everything I had on tires, gas, and food, this is just remembered scuttlebutt.
Rossin made some wicked bikes.

PSA announcement for those who might want to do as dum-dum Jdawg.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b659a52017.jpg

Pre-stupidity-rubbed anodized cranks.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...de1f478ae0.jpg

Post stupidity
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f308efe917.jpg


Awful lot of work and fear of Easy Off damage for something that couldn't quite get there. Hopefully they don't break off on my first ride.

Did you "Easy-Off" all of that stuff?
Wow.
Easy-off is pretty harsh stuff. A 6 oz per gallon lye solution is less harsh. But, in anycase, now that you have all the old anodizing removed (if there was ever any on there in the first place), I've always had really good luck with A bit of 1200 grit (or finer) abrasive paper on trouble spots & finishing off with Mothers Aluminum & Magnesium Polish from the autoparts store.

It is a lot of work though.

TLC always makes bikes beautiful. You're off to a good start. :thumb:

With enough effort, all things are possible.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4ad3bdb4d5.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...14a0cb25a6.jpg

Wow. Those are gorgeous!