Re: [CR]Re: Tyres

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

From: "flying_scot" <flying_scot@btopenworld.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <b9.380b6b14.2ccb8abd@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Re: Tyres
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2003 10:07:11 +0100


Stuart,

I'd have to say, I've found the opposite the effect of changing from 26 x 1/4 to 27's i.e. the 26s are noticeably better than the 27s, with the tyres that are available these days - I guess though that's the crux of the matter, as there are next to no 'period-correct' tyres in either size to draw true comparisons with, only modern pattern copies, and whilst there are modern 27s still made, there are no equivalents in the 26 size. In my own limited experience however, the 26s appear to have a far less harsh ride, and subjectively appeared to roll better than the equivalent 27s. I'm currently using tyres that are a no-brand asian copy of one of the old Dunlop patterns in 26 x 1.1/4 with a chisel edge, and when kept inflated, these certainly soak up the bumps but still roll well. Surprisingly well for cheap tyres. When compared to a similar weight Michelin World Tour in 27 x 1/4 they seem miles ahead - less sluggish, less heavy in the turns.

To add to the debate about 650's the British equivalent has to have been the 26 x 1.3/8 size - in fact post-war CTC mags are full of letters advocating there use over the 1.1/4 inch size favoured by sporting / club riders, and comparing them to the continental semi-balon when it came to touring. That said, the same folk were advocating touring on old sit up Marston-Sunbeams with full chaincases.

As far as the continental touring scene was concerned though, the downfall of the 'British' sizes was I would reckon the lack of availability on mainland Europe. Your chances of getting a 26 x 1.1/4 tyre in the middle of France on a three-week tour were nil, and given the state of the roads then, rims could also feature. Similarly with 27 x 1.1/4. Many of the British small and medium sized builders would build a 650 specific machine anyway - Gillot's, Taylors, et al, as has been mentioned already just to get around this very problem.

If only there was as much choice of Dunlop tyres, from racing to carrier in, from heavy roadster type to ultra-light (5 oz. !) silk-sided tubulars, as there was in 1952, there could be some measure of subjective comparison, but not much chance of that !

Bob Reid (desperate to try out a new 26 x 1.1/4 tubular) Stonehaven Scotland

p.s. What happened to Autumn - we went from mid 20's sun to snow and sleet in less than two weeks...