brake reach, mudguard clearance and wheel size

[Black Sheep]

got a bike at the moment that i'm going to be putting 700c wheels on as thats what i've got, however it needs what seems really short drop brakes with little mudguard clearance,

I'm currently, after reading another thread wondering if putting 26 inch wheels on would allow use of a longer drop brake and fitting mudguards?

good idea, dumb idea?

thanks

 

[PpPete]

Depends what you mean by 26 inch
There are 6 wheel diameters that are sometimes referred as 26" according to Sheldon.

If you mean the standard modern MTB 26" (559 mm ISO Bead Seat Dia.) then I suspect even the longest drop brakes may struggle to reach the rims.

The size known as "650B" (584 mm ISO Bead Seat Dia.) may be a better bet, but they are not easy to get hold of, and you will still need a pretty long drop brake.

 

[MartinC]

+1

Short reach brakes work better than long reach ones (leverage - the pads are further from the pivots, it does make a difference).

You may also have problems with tyre clearances on 26" (559) even if you use 1" slicks. Mudguards for 26" wheels are wider too.

Tyres for more esoteric 26" sizes will be harder to source and you'll have less choice.

You'll also lower the BB height and may end up grounding the pedals on corners.

Raceblades may be the best option.