tire of choice for commuting
 

I have been commuting for about a year now and I am about to buy my first set of tires (the ones that were on the bike I bought were well worn). I am having a really hard time deciding on what to get, the options are just so vast. I am curious what people like for commuting and why and would love some suggestions!
A little background for reccommendations:
I ride a 77 frankenbike (was told it was a sekai but that is debatable). It is a steel frame road bike. I have 27" rims and am running 1.25" tires on it now that have no knobs. There is little to no clearance left at this size. I want a tire that is really versatile. I want something that has little rolling resistance, has lots of stability cornering, is good in wet conditions, and can even do a little off-pavement riding (nothing serious). Any ideas?

Let me be the first to recommend the Panaracer Pasela, which is available in 27x1-1/4" and 27x1-1/8" sizes, both in their regular version and the more puncture resistant "Tourguard" variety. I've only ridden the Tourguards, in both 27x1-1/4" and 700c x 28 mm (roughly 1-1/8" in width) and I like them quite a bit. Schwalbe also makes some pretty highly regarded 27" tires.

Does your bike have steel rims? If so, let me be the first to recommend getting new 700C wheels, which would allow for a little more tire clearance as well. :thumb:

Thanks! um...I don't know if they are steel. They are Araya probably from the same era as the bike. Would that make them steel? I have thought about switching to 700c but it is really overwhelming because of all the choices? Any recommendations there?

Thanks!! The flat resistance is a major plus. Do you ever take them off-road?

I like the continental touring plus; the reflective sidewall is very much a plus IMHO. Plus it doesn't cost crazy money at under $30 (also a plus for a commuting tire): http://www.amazon.com/Continental-To...tal+reflective

700c wheels will make a very a nice upgrade for that bike.

You can check by seeing if they're attracted to a refrigerator magnet. It seems simple enough, but I just looked in my own kitchen and couldn't find one anywhere!

Usually the steel rims will have a bit of a dimpled or patterned surface on the sidewalls in order to help a bit with the braking.

My girlfriend hates those. They seem pretty darn durable and all but I will admit, they are not exactly the best ride. :notamused:

If you are stuck with 27". I have not had direct experience with the Panaracer Pasela TG tires, but if they are anything like the T-serve or Ribmo, then I would highly recommend them.

There is also this... http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=1745 Schwalbe Marathon Greengaurd