Just trying to figure out which of the budget 27" tires out there is the better value. At the moment, I'm looking at the forte GT2 (both Kevlar belted and non-belted) as they're on sale for next to nothing at performance, the Nashbar Prima 2 (which is Kevlar belted), the Panaracer Pasela (non Kevlar version only) and the Continental Ultra Sport.

My basic criteria are that they have to have a wire bead since the bike they're going on has non-hook bead rims, they need to be 27x1 1/4 to keep the pressure lower, and I'm trying to stay under $20 each. Preferably under $15 though.

I would LIKE to have flat protection but don't really know if it's all that necessary since I don't ride all that far at the moment. However, I do have a few limestone trails around here that I ride on so it might be good to have the Kevlar belt.

Rode the Forte GT2 Kevlar for 1500 miles, no problems.

I vote for wire-bead Panaracer Pasela TourGuards. They do fine on non-hooked-bead rims at around 85 psi, and have a cushy but not slow ride.

Neal

These are my #1 choice also. I have no complaints with Kendas either.

Yeah, I had kinda thought about Kendas as well since they're REALLY tight on my MTB. I figure the tighter the better so as to keep them from slipping from the rim. Where's a good place to find 27" Kenda tires?

Edit: Oh yeah, and I wanna go fast! (at least as fast as you can go on 27x1 1/4)

I've have the Forte GT2/k (27 x 1 1/8) on my commuter. Over 1,000 miles through glass, rocks, etc. on my route and only flatted three times. I run 105 psi on straight sided steel rims without any issues as long as I make sure the tire is seated properly before going to full pressure. Run the same set up on my wife's grocery getter and no problems there either.

I paid less than a tenner each for my Kenda 27's, doesn't get much cheaper than Kenda.

I wouldn't have brought this up if you hadn't said budget but... Niagara Cycles. Kenda K40 Street Tire 27 x 1-3/8 Wire Gum Wall $5.90. And there are 3 other 27's they have for cheaper.

Wow! I didn't know you could get that high and narrow with straight sided rims! The steel rims I have are engraved with 1 1/4". Can I go narrower than 1 1/4" or should I stick with the wider tire? I would like to go narrower to reduce rolling resistance but don't want to sacrifice safety on these straight rims. ATM I don't go on long rides so comfort isn't a huge issue. I'll usually go 10 miles max. at the moment.

+1 Niagara. I bought a pile of the Kenda and also the Cheng Shin C732 (27- 1 1/8) to replenish my inventory. I keep coming across vintage bikes with 27 inch rims, many are hookless. Just be prepared on Niagara, they are slow on shipping (last order took 3 weeks). But I find their pricing on loose bearings, chains, and shifters to be better than any others.

Mine too. Araya 27 x 1 1/4 on both bikes. As I said, just make sure you get them seated right before going full pressure.

+1 on Niagara. Awesome prices and lots of quality stuff.

I am using a pair of Serfas Seca 27" tires at the moment. Pretty happy with them, got them at a LBS that I sometimes volunteer at. I don't remember what I paid for them but they were fairly cheap.

I hope I have better luck than you did. I ordered a pair of tires from Niagara on Tuesday afternoon and just received an email from them stating that they are scheduled to ship today (Wednesday).

LOL! At this time of year, shipping time doesn't matter. I just moved to the Chicago area from Pensacola, FL. I'm not too keen on getting out in the snow on a bike. Just trying to get it ready for spring.

My cat is sitting in the window right now watching the snow with amazement.

Alright. I think I've decided on the Forte GT2 Kevlar tires. Now to figure out what width I want to get. If the rims are marked with 1 1/4", is that the narrowest I should go or can I safely go down to 1 1/8" on the non-hook bead rims? I do plan on eventually replacing the rims with aluminum hook bead rims so I'll be able to run any tires I want but I don't know how far in the future that will be.

Sheldon Brown site has a good chart on tire size options.

https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

I just mounted up four of my Chen Shin 27 1 1/8 tires on Araya 27 1 1/4 rims. They look good, we'll have to see how they work on the road (although both bikes are flips).