Wheel Size for Frame

[AlexStevens]

I am getting towards the business end of my singlespeed build : http://buildingabicycle.tumblr.com/

And I think my frame takes 700c wheels but I am not sure and I want to check. Is there a way I can measure to know whether I need 27" wheels or 700c wheels etc. ?

Thanks

 

[tyred]

I would just measure the distance from the bottom of the fork crown to the centre of the fork drop out and see what will fit. The reach of your existing brake calipers (if you're using them) need to be taken into account also.

 

[accountantpete]

I wouldn't leave your name and address lying around like that Alex.

 

[AlexStevens]

Ok nice one. It measures about 14 inches from the bottom of the fork crown to the fork drop outs. Would 27" 1/4 wheels work? I have not ordered brakes yet as I sent back the ones that dont work!

 

[AlexStevens]

I wouldn't leave your name and address lying around like that Alex.

Ok... I dont know how to delete those photos!

 

[AlexStevens]

I have now deleted all the posts with my address in!

 

[tyred]

In theory, a 27 x 1 1/4" wheel should be 13 1/2" in radius but you'd really need to measure one to be certain. I can measure the wheels on my Peugeot when I get home if it helps.

As a general rule, if the bike was made in the 1970s or before, it is probably 27 x 1 1/4, later than that and it is probably 700c.

 

[AlexStevens]

Would both work if? bottom of fork crown to fork drop outs is 14.5 "

I was thinking of putting these on : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROAD-SPOR...bikeparts_SR&hash=item3cba87aea1#ht_762wt_698

 

[tyred]

Both should work unless the frame was built with unusually tight clearances. The actual difference is only 8mm diameter. A frame built for 27" wheels may need a longer than normal brake caliper drop when used with 700c but that shouldn't be a problem as you need to buy calipers anyway.

 

[AlexStevens]

Ok thanks for all your help.

Can I go ahead and buy these wheels then?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROAD-SPOR...bikeparts_SR&hash=item3cba87aea1#ht_762wt_698

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I suspect it was for 27" wheels.

Although either way you will be able to get brakes/wheels to fit, the way to figure it out is:

1) The distances from the centre of the dropouts/axles to the centre of the rims braking surfaces are 311mm/315mm for 700c/27" respectively

2) Current racing calipers are roughly 39-49mm from the centre of the fixing bolt to the centre of the brake pads, while long reach calipers are more like 47-57mm.

which is why at 14.5" I think you have a frame that was built for 27" wheels and the longer reach brakes common in the old days.

The choice of long reach brakes is not great (probably less than half a dozen), on the other hand the choice of 700c rims/tyres is much wider than 27" - you kind of pay your money and take your pick. I suspect most people get 700c wheels and longer reach brakes.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Ok thanks for all your help.

Can I go ahead and buy these wheels then?
http://www.ebay.co.u...a1#ht_762wt_698

I noticed you have bought your brakes (Miche?) already? You might want to measure their reach and compare with the rim/dropout distance I gave above to see how they fit for 700c/27". You might find that you have to go with 27" with those brakes.

Finally just in case those 27" wheels have distance between rear dropouts of 130mm. You might have to spread the rear dropouts if you (hopefully) have a steel frame (AND hopefully not more exotic than Reynolds 531).

 

[AlexStevens]

No the brakes were faulty so I sent them back.

This is what I am going to do :

Buy these wheels, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROAD-SPOR...bikeparts_SR&hash=item3cba87aea1#ht_762wt_698

27 1/4 "


Buy tyres in that size too.

Then measure the drop for the brakes, and buy then accordingly.

What do you think?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

No the brakes were faulty so I sent them back.

This is what I am going to do :

Buy these wheels, http://www.ebay.co.u...a1#ht_762wt_698

27 1/4 "


Buy tyres in that size too.

Then measure the drop for the brakes, and buy then accordingly.

What do you think?

You should be just fine

 

[AlexStevens]

You reckon it will be fine angelfishsolo?