Rob,
You were right. The base tape is starting to come loose in a number of places on both tires. These Panaracer Practice Dual (yellow and black tread) only have about 100 miles on them. I'm going to try to contact Panaracer and get them replaced.
I rode sewups most of the time in the 70s and early 80s. I never had a problem with base tapes coming loose on any sewups from the cheapest to the best quality tires.
Over the past 3 years I've acquired at least 20 old sewups that were mounted on bikes or wheels that I bought. Most of them were hardly used. They all still hold air and have good treads. The base tape on almost all of these tires has come loose.
I still have about 5-6 old tires from the 70s. They're dried out but the base tape is firmly attached on all of them.
I wonder what changed in the manufacture of sewups since the 70s?
I sent 6 of the best ones to Tire Alert tubular repair in Florida to have the base tape replaced.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA
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