27 x 1 1/4" (32-630 ISO) tires: Are they easily available in Europe?

[goforbroke]

I have an old Nishiki with 27" wheels that suits me well.

In April, I'm flying from the States over the pond to do several months of loaded touring in Europe.

Are 27 x 1 1/4" (32-630 ISO) tires easy to come by in that part of the world?

 

[tyred]

Shouldn't be too much of a problem in the UK or Ireland, but the continent could be a problem.

 

[goforbroke]

Shouldn't be too much of a problem in the UK or Ireland, but the continent could be a problem.

Thanks for the feedback, tyred.

I've checked 3 UK online bike dealers -- Spa Cycles, Bikester, and Wiggle -- and found hardly any tires of any description that size and only maybe one that is possibly suitable for loaded touring.

Over here, you can sometimes find those cheap tires that size in discount department stores; are those sorts of places a possibility?

If not, I'm gonna have to come up with a different bike, either over here or over there.

 

[rollinstok]

Hi, I wouldnt recommend touring with your current bike. European department stores dont usually sell bike related goods ( perhaps the odd cheap cycle pump/lights etc ). Cycling stores usually only stock 26" and 700c tyres ( and kids bike sizes ). You can buy your current tyre size online over here without too many problems but that wouldnt be much use if you needed a tyre right away.

 

[sabian92]

The main tyre sizes you can get in the UK/EU are 26 inch and 700c - anything else and you'll likely have to order it in specifically, either in store or online. If you need a new tyre you could be waiting up to a week depending on where you are, so I'd advise you to potentially look at another bike.

 

[biggs682]

i think i would find somebody to hold a couple in uk who can post them out quickly if needed .

would it pay to put a new pr on before you go

 

[Muddyfox]

Probably a daft question ? But ... does the tyre size you require come in folding ? if it does you could perhaps buy some where you are and carry in your panniers

Simon

 

[andrew_s]

Most UK internet retailers will offer something in 32-630, with the top 11 sites on my bookmark list all having something.
St John Street and Dotbike offer most choice.
I'd suggest the Conti Gatorskin or Panaracer Pasela as a fastish tyre, and the Schwalbe Marathon as a tough tyre.

I don't think there are any folding 27" tyres available

 

[tyred]

SJS stock a folding version of the Panaracer Tour Guard in 27 x 1 1/8"

 

[johnny mcgurk]

I have seen 32 630 tyres here in France. There are a few bikes in what the French call 'city and trekking' or ' Velo hollandais' range' which have 27x1.25 but I don't think most shops will stock tyres or tubes in that size. I would recommend putting 700s on for your time over here.

 

[mickle]

I have seen 32 630 tyres here in France. There are a few bikes in what the French call 'city and trekking' or ' Velo hollandais' range' which have 27x1.25 but I don't think most shops will stock tyres or tubes in that size. I would recommend putting 700s on for your time over here.

Except that 'putting 700s on' would require a change or wheels, or rims and possibly even brake calipers...

 

[johnny mcgurk]

Except that 'putting 700s on' would require a change or wheels, or rims and possibly even brake calipers...

Apologies Mickle, that's what I meant. Change wheels so that you can use 700s

 

[velovoice]

i have several vintage touring bikes with 27 x 1-1/4. Brixton Cycles has never had a problem supplying those tyres. (I'm running Conti Gatorskins at the moment.) However, inner tubes in that size can be hard to find.

 

[willem]

I think it does not need to be a problem. Fit new tyres, and take one spare, and you should be fine, even in continental Europe where this size is no longer current stock in shops. Mind you, you are not going into the wilderness. You can fold non folding tyres, to be sure, if you know how to. If you are really worried, take a tyre boot to repair a tyre. Tubes are not an issue, 700 c tubes also fit 27 inch. But take at least two.
Willem

 

[gilespargiter]

I agree with willem, it does not need to be a problem. How many tyres do you expect to use? Whilst as has been mentioned, you are unlikely to obtain one immediately from a shop, so carry a spare. You could have an online retailer deliver one to your first accommodation in Europe, if plane baggage weight is a problem. They are readily available online try; http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=69133 should take you to a very good tyre for the purpose. In the UK they have arrived at my door next day, without my even requesting fast delivery. May take a day longer into some parts of Europe. I use these (schwalbe marathon) for cycle touring with camping equipment including, probably to ambitious, rough stuff from time to time on 27x1 1/4 wheels. As pointed out above 700c tubes fit very well. At a pinch you can use 26x1.5 as well, but the schrader valves may mean you have to slightly enlarge the hole for the valve.
Probaby a good idea to establish your internet a/c first with such an online dealer as they often will not post to an address other than the one the a/c is held at until they have cleared funds in hand otherwise.
Happy touring.