What are the absolute best tires for a Schwinn Superior? The wheels are in very good condition. Did they have whitewalls back in 1976? I would like to have a quality set of tires that also looks good. The 27X1-1/4 tires that are on my '76 Superior are $7.00 tires. The tires have a 70 psi max pressure and at 210 lbs I think I'm a bit too heavy for these tires.

Absolute best? That all depends of your presonal preference, riding habits and the relative values you put in factors such as rolling resistance, grip, durability and puncture resistance. However, Continental, Panracer, Schwalbe and Vittoria all make good, 27" tires that handle at least 90psi. Just be sure you buy a tire with a rigid wire bead and not a folding bead. These are not compatible with traditional, 27" rims.

I don't recall whitewall 27" tires during the mid 1970s, but there were definitely skin and amberwalls. Most of the current offerings will be blackwall.

My $5 kendas are good to 90psi. Hard to find really good tires in the 27 inch size.

I don't think you are too heavy for the tires you already have. Why not try it? Paid for stuff is always cheaper than buying new....

Continental makes wonderful 27 inch tires, as does Panaracer. The Pasela is very respected by touring cyclists. A $30 tire generally has a nicer ride than the $5 tires at K-Mart. The better tires will be rated for around 95 PSI in the narrow widths, such as 1 1/8th inch, and 85 PSI or so in the 1 1/4th inch width. A rider who weighs more than 200 pounds can benefit from riding at the maximum rated PSI.

Screwdriver,

Welcome to C&V. Your bike came equiped with Schwinn's branded gumwalls. Your best bet would be the Panaracer skinwalls, for a very close match in appearance. But any of the other tires mentioned should provide you with a great replacement tire for your Superior. Post some pictures of your bike.