27 x 1 1/4 inch tyres (Raleigh Stratos)

Hi all,

I foolishly volunteered to rebuild a friend's Raleigh Stratos which has turned out to be a real dog. I've sorted the rear axle, trued the wheels and replaced the headset but there are splits in the tyres (Raleigh Racer 27 x 1 1/4). Does anyone have a suggestion for a cheap set of tyres that I can buy to finish this build off? I'm not used to this type of rim at all so I'm not sure which tyres I would need (nor how to fit the damned things). Would any of these work? http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-27-630-dept203/

LBS said "we don't do non-hook tyres so you might as well buy new rims" which I am utterly loathed to do. Any help much appreciated!

Image of bike for reference:

Michelin Protek 27 x 1 1/4

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I guess it's one of this type:

If you Goggle "non-hook rims" there's plenty of info.

In short, early non-tubular rims didn't have the "hook" on either side of the rim, into which the bead of the tyre fits: see the pic above. Hence them now being referred to as "hookless".

I'm wasn't aware that there were ever specific tyres for hookless rims; either way I've never seen any for sale. However, modern tyres with a bead can be used on hookless rims. Ignore what is on the side of the tyre and run them at no more than 75psi.

It's generally recommended to use tyres with a wire bead (ie not kevlar bead, folding tyres) and I've seen using two layers of rim tape suggested. I've not found extra tape necessary and be aware that it will make it harder to fit your tyres.

There isn't a great deal of choice in 27":

• Panaracer Pasela - probably the nicest ride and best all-rounder;
  
• Schwalbe Marathon - as close to puncture-proof as it gets and very durable;
  
• Continental Gatorskin - doesn't ride as nice as the Pasela, not as puncture proof as the Marathon, reportedly sketchy in the wet, but pretty durable;
  
• Michelin World Tour - very cheap, which is likely all they have to recommend them.
  
  

If you get stuck, I have a pair of Marathon I don't need.

@Scilly.Suffolk that would be really, really helpful thank you! How much would you like for the Marathons? I've stripped down quite a few older bikes (an eighties Peugeot, a seventies Triumph) but I've never seen tyres of this type before - is fitting of the tyres particularly tricky?

The is no such thing a hook less clincher. I would run them at even lower pressures. Never got a tyre above 50 psi safely on a hookless rim. Gatorskins are not bad in the wet they just require commitment.

The conti tour ride is available in this size too.

Michelin World Tour - very cheap, which is likely all they have to recommend them.

I've had the 26 (x 1 3/8") version of this on the back of my winter beater for...as long as I've had my winter beater, 3 years or so. Coaster brake only so gets skidded a fair bit, tyre is lasting pretty well. Does look a bit bald now but considering the tyre cost me less that a tenner...

Scilly.Suffolk is very kindly sending me a set of Schwalbe Marathons (thanks again) so no doubt I will be back on here once they arrive and I am not competent enough to fit them! I am really glad I've not had to buy new rims, the issues with the axle and headset were pushing me to the brink, new wheels would have tipped me over.

Schwalbe Marathon are great tyres and would fit this bike nicely and last a looong time.

I've got a pair of Supreme on my Holdsworth and since I've put them on I have got NO puncture at all. So much that I never bring a kit with me (fool)

Schwalbe Marathon are great tyres and would fit this bike nicely and last a looong time.

I've got a pair of Supreme on my Holdsworth and since I've put them on I have got NO puncture at all. So much that I never bring a kit with me (fool)

Just checked and I have ordered them on the 10th of February 2014 and got them on a few days later. So it has been more than a year riding almost every day and no puncture.