700c to 26 inch wheels, is it possible ?

[desperion]

I have a Ridgeback Metro Speed fitted with 700c wheels the rear wheel has a seven speed casette fitted. Is it possible to change from a 700 c to 26 inch wheels ?

 

[Joffey]

Why?

 

[Citius]

with disk brakes - yes
with v-brakes - no

As above though - why?

 

[User16625]

with disk brakes - yes
with v-brakes - no

As above though - why?

Because he wants smaller wheels.

 

[Bodhbh]

That bike doesn't look like it comes in disc brake flavour so probably not. If you did change the wheels to 26" it would drop the bottom bracket height a fair bit and you might get problems grounding the pedals while cornering. It could also do wierd thigns to the handling at the fork too.

 

[desperion]

The reason was to basically lower the bicycle, which being a small person would help me get my feet on the ground [ instead of toes] but they are also better for touring I understand. I overlooked the problem of the bottom bracket, so that could be a problem.

Thank you everyone for showing me the error of my ways

 

[Citius]

Because he wants smaller wheels.

I think I got that from the original post thanks..

 

[Citius]

The reason was to basically lower the bicycle, which being a small person would help me get my feet on the ground [ instead of toes]

Being able to touch the ground from the saddle is not a reason to get smaller wheels. If you want to touch the ground, get off the saddle, or buy a smaller frame.

 

[Pale Rider]

My mate uses his 26" winter wheels and tyres on his new 27.5" mountain bike.

Disc brakes, so they fit fine.

The bottom bracket must be a bit lower, but he says it's not noticeable.

 

[desperion]

Being able to touch the ground from the saddle is not a reason to get smaller wheels. If you want to touch the ground, get off the saddle, or buy a smaller frame.

Hi Citius,

I have a 16 inch frame as it is, I was informed that a smaller frame would not make any difference because of the 700c wheel size .

 

[Citius]

That's fine, but you should not be looking at smaller wheels simply because you can't touch the floor if you are sitting on the saddle. The saddle/pedal distance is a critical measurement for efficient riding - if you want to touch the floor, get off the saddle and stand over the bike.

 

[desperion]

The saddle/pedal distance is a critical measurement for efficient riding - if you want to touch the floor, get off the saddle and stand over the bike.

Hi Citius,
I am aware of the saddle/pedal distance, just thought smaller wheels would make life easier but thanks for reminding me

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Hi Citius,

I have a 16 inch frame as it is, I was informed that a smaller frame would not make any difference because of the 700c wheel size .

Do the maths. Don't rely in guestimates and vague terms.

The circumference of a 700C wheel with 25mm tyres is approximately 2105mm. The circumference of a 26" wheel with a 32mm tyre is approximately 2010mm.

It is a matter for 2PiR but there are plenty of online calculators that will find the Radius of the wheel for you. Once you have the Radius, you can compare and you'll know exactly how much closer to terra firma you will be with smaller wheels.

 

[User16625]

Hi Citius,
I am aware of the saddle/pedal distance, just thought smaller wheels would make life easier but thanks for reminding me

Also bear in mind that the result your hoping for would also make bottoming out the pedals more likely when cornering, really not a good thing. I would go with what Citius said.

 

[MichaelW2]

Besides a mismatch of brake pad and rim diameter, you generally run 26" wheels with fatter tyres so the outer diameter is not reduced as much as you would like.
26" MTBs usually have higher BB for added pedal clearance on trails.
Smaller bikes do not generally have lower bottom brackets, even if they should. You only get that on small custom bikes specced for short cranks.