vpiuva

was doing a quick web search for some inexpensive 27 x 1 1/8" tires. Ran across these - prices n/i delivery: Schwinn Natural 66 120psi 2 for $25, IRC Roadwinner II's 105psi, 2 for $26, Performance has Forte GT2 3 for $22. Any experience with any of these or another recommendation? I don't really care about color.

(Searching this forum for 27" doesn't work )

cudak888 

I'm a big fan of the IRC Roadwinner Duro II's for ride quality and good looks in a skinwall - both in its general appearance and vintage appearance.

The bead seat of the IRCs are their weak spot though - unless you have sharp or highly bulged hooked-bead rims (small bulged edges ain't going to cut it), you might find that they might have a particular spot in where they like to blow off at 80+ PSI.

So long as you stick with a sharp hooked-bead or a very large bulged bead (the '80s Weinmann hooked-bead rims from Schwinn Super LeTours and other models, for instance), you shouldn't have any problems. The ride is worth it - they feel almost like 23Cs, only a lot smoother on the bumps. No break-in necessary, unlike some cheaper tires.

-Kurt

Pompiere

Nashbar has their house brand tires at 9.99, they are marked as 27x1 1/4 but they are really 27x1/18. They also have Panaracer Pasela for 12.99. I have a set of each and I like them.

pastorbobnlnh 

I'll echo Kurt about IRCs. They are a good tire. I also have a couple of pair of the Vittoria 27 X 1 1/8 that Nashbar sells, with a set mounted to Continental that I've been riding 2-3 times a week lately. They are nice tires as well, and a reasonable price at about $16.

Pompiere, have you used the Nashbar branded tires? Any good?

Vpiuva, could you provide the link on the Schwinn tires? I haven't seen those. Thanks!

Bikedued

I recently took a trip to an LBS I hardly ever go to. They carry Bontrager Sport tires, which almost
look like Roadwinners. Same light sidewall and all. I have them on my 11.8. Decent tires. I think I paid
$28 for the pair in 27 x1 1/8?,,,,BD

McDave

Just to add another cheap, but good tire to the list. My LBS' carries Pyramid (Kendas) for $9.95 - $12.95ea.

vpiuva

these are on eBay: tires

MKahrl

I had some IRC Duro II's in 27x1 1/4 and didn't like them, seemed like they rode harshly. I didn't have time to change them out before a 350 mile trip so I lowered the pressure to 75 psi and they became absolutely delightful. I have them mounted on smooth wall rims.

I also really like Panaracer Pasela.

On my way home from work I ride both these tires through an underpass that is wall to wall broken glass from thrown bottles. No flats so far this year.

Pompiere

The set I have are a few years old, so they are skinwall vs. the current ones that are blackwall. Assuming they haven't changed the construction, I think they are fine. Maybe not as good as a higher priced tire, but way better than what they have at walmart. They are Cheng Shin tires with a Nashbar label.

pastorbobnlnh 

Thanks for the link. The color of the sidewall reminds me of the Continental tires (which I've not used).

Pompiere, thanks for the tip on the Nashbar tires.

sonatageek

I have been running a set of Panaracer Pasela TG (tour guard) on my commuter over the past few months, with a fair amount of glass and crappy roads, and so far so good. I bought 3 pair last winter when Nashbar had them on sale for just under $10 per tire. Wish they would have that sale again.

nlerner

I've ridden the Performance Forte GT2 tires (but in 700c) and didn't like them at all. They just felt really sluggish. I do like Panaracer Paselas, however.

Neal

bigbossman 

The Nashbar tires are a good bang for the buck. They ride decently, and wear pretty well.

Grand Bois

The $20 folding Panaracer Pasela TG from Nashbar is my favorite tire.

Lamplight

Panaracer Paselas are fantastic. I have a set of 27 x 1.25" on order right now, actually.

Longfemur

Mine are 700c, but I really like the IRC Road Winner Duro II tires. Very smooth riding. They seem to have a very nice, supple sidewall for the price. Of course, they can be as harsh as any other tire if you don't inflate to the appropriate pressure for your weight. It's not a racing tire, but it's a very good all-round riding tire, and very good-looking on a vintage bike. I would not hesitate one second to buy 27 inchers if I needed some.

vpiuva

I see that they have these for $20 right now (do they ever sell them for $25 like it shows as reg price?). Folders are nice. I may have to spend the few extra $ for these.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

roccobike

IMHO, each individual probably has their own perception of what's good and whats not. I also believe a lot of the perception is what kind of equipment is the tire mounted to and what tire pressure is employed.
As an example, someone mentioned Kenda's. I had two sets and really disliked them. In fairness to Kenda, I mounted them on steel rims, no hooked bead and ran them at about 80psi.
Someone mentioned they did not like the Forte II. I have a set on my Raleigh Record, alloy hooked bead rims, tires are NOT 1 1/4, but 1 1/8 run at 105 psi. I'm very satisfied. But when I ran a set of the same tires at 1 1/4, at 95 PSI, the result was only ehhh, OK, not bad, not great. That 10PSI made a difference. I'm going to try the Forte II K, (Kevlar). I've been told they are superior to the base Forte II.