Ross Paragon
 

Hi all,
I am new to this forum, but have been viewing the threads for awhile. I am getting back to bicycles after many years away, mainly spent on motorcycles. I have a Ross Paragon I purchased new in 1984 and it is still in very nice shape. I am in the process of getting it ready to ride and one concern I have is the wheels and tires. It has the original 27" wheels and takes 27 x 1 1/8 tires, and I have purchased new tubes and tires from Harris Cycles. I see Harris has 27" alloy replacement wheels available and that I can convert to 700mm wheels is I have room to drop my brakes 4 mm which I appear able to do. I would like to switch to a wider wheel and larger tire as I now live in a very rural area with roads that aren't on a par with the urban area I lived in when I purchased the bike, although much more scenic, I live right off the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway In Virginia. Does anyone have any ideas on what size wheels and tires I should switch to, I don't want to do alot of modifications in braking and freewheels, etc. I would like to keep as much of the bike original as possible. I would also like any thoughts on where I might look for another 1980's Ross, either a Paragon or Signature model in 54-56 cm range, I haven't seen any advertised anywhere. Thank you very much, you all have a great forum!