From the New York Times:
A recent surge in sales of 27-inch tires suggests that the lowly
steeds of yore are gaining new life as commuter bikes and weekend
cruisers.This time around, bike owners have more high-tech
tires to choose from. The latest models feature increased thread counts
in tire casings, and Kevlar and other space-age fibers to improve
puncture resistance, as well as sophisticated rubber compounds that are
durable, improve traction and enhance ride quality.“The
manufacturers can’t make the tires fast enough,” said David Pierce, a
senior buyer at Quality Bicycle Products, one of the country’s biggest
parts distributors, who reported a 200-percent increase in sales of the
tires this year.Ramona Marks and Ted Liscinski, carless
volunteers at a nonprofit bike repair shop in Los Angeles, the Bicycle
Kitchen, tested five pairs of tires while commuting and running errands
around the Southland.
