26" x 1.3 to 700 x 23 cc wheel conversion

[ChrisKH]

I'm currently comuting on a Dahon Cadenza (because it folds primarily) which came with 26" wheels and Continental 26 x 1.3 tyres. This winter I used some hybrid commuting tyres which although slightly slower were a much better bet whilst the ice and snow were here.

I've now got a spare set of 700 x 23 wheels and was wondering if there is anything technically preventing me from running these on the bike during the summer? I know more recent Cadenza's do come with a 700 set up so clearance shouldn't be a problem. Am I missing something else, such as spindle width or brake limitations which will prevent me doing this? Thought I would ask before tearing the wheels apart only to find there is a simple reason why it will not work.

 

[RedBike]

It's possible if you're using discs but rim brakes wont align up correctly.

 

[ChrisKH]

It's possible if you're using discs but rim brakes wont align up correctly.

Yes and possibly the more recent Cadenza's have a disc brake. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

 

[PpPete]

Rim brakes would need to be set about 30 mm "higher" to accomodate the difference in diameter. This is certainly beyond the range of adjustment of most calipers, but if it uses long-drop calipers at present it might not be too much of a faff to put short-drop calipers in, you can often pick them up cheap on t'bay and resell them there if it doesn't work.

 

[jimboalee]

I've put Conti 28-559 ( 26 x 1.125") UltraGatorskins on my Disk brake MTB.

It looks naked.

The outer extremity of the tyre is 24.25 inches across.

There is a clear 2" between the tyre and any metalwork.

There is a nothing stopping me re-lacing a pair of 700C rims on the bike.

I'm fitting full mudguards ( air brakes ) on this bike. Those might make it look a bit better dressed.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Hi ChrisKH I am not sure which model you have, but I have a 07 Cadenza, and have considered same (although I have not implemented it). I have found that with 700c rims on, the minimum clearance to the fork and stays (from the rim edge) is roughly 3cm, which is plenty enough for tyre clearance (given it probably defeats the object of the change if one wants balloon 700c tyres on).

In terms of the brakes, obviously my existing V brakes would not have the correct reach on 700c's, but my Cadenza fork and seat stays already have holes for normal dual pivot/side-pull brakes, and the reach for 700c rims braking surface is from 35 to 45mm, so most normal short reach brakes would be just right. However cable pull consideration meant using mini V's, or alternatively adopting road levers also should be considered.

The remaining question then is rear axle OLD. Mine is very close to 130mm (possibly 132mm according to this ) hence shouldn't be a problem for normal 700c road rear wheels, but different Cadenza versions over the years may/will differ. So it is important to check.

Finally, people have even gone the whole hog to convert Cadenzas to drop bars (e.g. here ). This is interesting because I believe alternative full size folding bikes with drop bars that can fit into a suitcase for air travels are all MUCH more expensive propositions in comparison.

Hope the above helps.

 

[Spartacus]

Hi - just came across this old thread. I had heard that 700c wheels would fit a Cadenza so I've just tested this with my disc converted carbon wheels (for another bike). I made it a dropped bar bike from spares in my garage (albeit nice spares - I used to race). I still need to fit the rear disc brake, front mech and clean it up a bit but it should whizz along pretty nicely after that :-)