How do I get bike back from distant bikeshop ignoring me.. PLEASE HELP!

[rareposter]

I have moved from 18 mil slicks to 22mm to 25mm gatorskin tires over the years but I don't want to go fatter/heavier.

I suspect a lot of that might be based on the clearances on your old bike. I've got a 20yr old road bike knocking around which will just barely take 28mm tyres but is really aimed at 25mm max because that is what was used back then.

My modern road bike works best on 28mm but will happily take 32mm.

Everything about it is faster, more comfortable and more controlled with no extra road noise. Wider tyres - especially modern ones with more supple carcass and better grip - are an absolute revelation.

[scottg]

Even full on road racers are using 28-30mm tyres these days, or possibly 25-26mm for time trials on smooth roads. No need to tour on anything less than 32mm, it will be more comfortable. Some views are best updated as Slowster stated.

I've an Ellis Briggs from the 1950s, it takes 32mm tyres, the '86 Ellis Briggs will take a 26mm
but the tyre needs to be inflated after putting the wheel on the bike,
what was called cigarette paper clearances.

[Noodle]

Everything about it is faster, more comfortable and more controlled with no extra road noise. Wider tyres - especially modern ones with more supple carcass and better grip - are an absolute revelation.

Thanks - I can but try. Clearance may be an issue. I'm working on the details of spec...