Mountain Bike Wheel Size Change?

[S.Giles]

Hi,

I've been looking at my mountain bike recently, wondering if it would be possible to up the wheel size to create a hybrid (I already have 1.5" tyres on it and no suspension, so it's not really a mountain bike as it stands).

There doesn't seem to be a problem with the front wheel (plenty of fork clearance, and disc-brakes fitted), but the rear wheel is more problematic. The frame clearance seems OK, but the rear has V brakes, which would be in slightly the wrong position with a larger wheel.

I guess my question falls into three parts:

Are different size V brakes available, one of which could be made to work?
Is there any such thing as retro-fit disc-brake calipers?
Are there any other solutions available that I haven't thought of?

Yes, the obvious option would be to buy a different bicycle, but I've just learned to build wheels (I'm an inveterate tinkerer), and this idea keeps occurring to me. If what I'm thinking of is not possible, I'll just stay with what I've got.

Thankyou,

Steve

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Afaik Vs don't come in different drops for different wheels. Although some have greater pad vertical adjustment than others, but I don't think you will find one with enough stretch from 559 to 622 (i.e. 31.5mm).

Retrofit rear disc adapters exist, and you might find one that is workable and good fun for a challenge. Look up A2Z e.g.

Another alternative solution for some is to see if there is anywhere on the bridge between the seat stays (assuming you don't have rear sus) or chainstays for a hole for a road dual/single pivot caliper brake, since they are available for widely different drops. Similarly Paul Component has a canti (Motolite) that has significant vertical pad adjustability but I am not sure if it is enough and it is expensive. However because these have different cable pull ratio requirement compared to Vs you are also likely to need a travel agent (unless you are content with a weak rear brake).

 

[I like Skol]

Rear discs might be possible.... http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/de...zaskar-le-update-upgrade-options.91262/page-3

And I can fit my 700c x 35 hybrid wheels/tyres into the 26" MTB frame if I wanted, they just squeeze in.

 

[S.Giles]

Thanks for the replies. It seems that there are a couple of possibilities, then. I'll have a think about it.

Steve