Touring - 700c w/ 27" Cantis - any experience?

So I found a few threads pertaining to this, but no specific answers. I just bought an '85(6?) Trek 620 that is going to be used for extended touring, by which I mean months on the road. It needs new wheels and is spec'd for 27"ers. I would like to go with 700c wheels if possible, but my only reasons are these: better rims choices availible, more tires(and types of tires, haven't seen many 27" folders) availble, and added fender clearance. Clearance may not be a big issue, but it would be an advantage. The problem is that I don't know if the brakes will line up. For any retro-tech specialists, the ones I have are mid 80s XT. Anyone try this conversion with the frame I have? Any predictions as to the fit? I know posts are brazed in different positions depending on manufacturer and modle, what should I expect? The frame is in the mail, so I have to wait a week at least before I can stick a wheel in the dropouts and test it.

Here's the next part of the question: If I am forced to go with 27s, what should I be prepared to deal with? Anyone know a great 27" rim? I can definitly find tires, the choices are just limited. I would like the equivilent of a 37-40mm if possible, know of anyone that makes folders?

Thanks in advance for the insight.

So I found a few threads pertaining to this, but no specific answers. I just bought an '85(6?) Trek 620 that is going to be used for extended touring, by which I mean months on the road. It needs new wheels and is spec'd for 27"ers. I would like to go with 700c wheels if possible, but my only reasons are these: better rims choices availible, more tires(and types of tires, haven't seen many 27" folders) availble, and added fender clearance. Clearance may not be a big issue, but it would be an advantage. The problem is that I don't know if the brakes will line up. For any retro-tech specialists, the ones I have are mid 80s XT. Anyone try this conversion with the frame I have? Any predictions as to the fit? I know posts are brazed in different positions depending on manufacturer and modle, what should I expect? The frame is in the mail, so I have to wait a week at least before I can stick a wheel in the dropouts and test it.

Here's the next part of the question: If I am forced to go with 27s, what should I be prepared to deal with? Anyone know a great 27" rim? I can definitly find tires, the choices are just limited. I would like the equivilent of a 37-40mm if possible, know of anyone that makes folders?

Thanks in advance for the insight.

You shouldn't have any problems with adjusting the brake pads to go from 27" to 700C. The size difference isn't that big from the brake's point of view. I've done this on a couple of bikes without signicant problems. All you will need to do is move the post up and down in the caliper until it alligns with the wheel properly.

You shouldn't have any problems with adjusting the brake pads to go from 27" to 700C. The size difference isn't that big from the brake's point of view. I've done this on a couple of bikes without signicant problems. All you will need to do is move the post up and down in the caliper until it alligns with the wheel properly.


I've been hoping this is the case, although I've seen a few examples where the 4mm difference in diameter did not work with the brakes. I'd really like to use the vintage XT cantis.

So I found a few threads pertaining to this, but no specific answers. I just bought an '85(6?) Trek 620 that is going to be used for extended touring, by which I mean months on the road. It needs new wheels and is spec'd for 27"ers. I would like to go with 700c wheels if possible, but my only reasons are these: better rims choices availible, more tires(and types of tires, haven't seen many 27" folders) availble, and added fender clearance. Clearance may not be a big issue, but it would be an advantage. The problem is that I don't know if the brakes will line up. For any retro-tech specialists, the ones I have are mid 80s XT. Anyone try this conversion with the frame I have? Any predictions as to the fit? I know posts are brazed in different positions depending on manufacturer and modle, what should I expect? The frame is in the mail, so I have to wait a week at least before I can stick a wheel in the dropouts and test it.

Here's the next part of the question: If I am forced to go with 27s, what should I be prepared to deal with? Anyone know a great 27" rim? I can definitly find tires, the choices are just limited. I would like the equivilent of a 37-40mm if possible, know of anyone that makes folders?

Thanks in advance for the insight.

Funny you should ask... http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=77930&highlight=trek+620

The 700c conversion works just fine. If you do decide to go with 27", however, Sun CR18s come in 27" sizes.

The Panaracer Pasela TG comes in a folder in 27x1 1/4" size. That's a bit skinnier than you want, but quite serviceable. I'm not thrilled with their durability, though.

Funny you should ask... http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=77930&highlight=trek+620

The 700c conversion works just fine. If you do decide to go with 27", however, Sun CR18s come in 27" sizes.

The Panaracer Pasela TG comes in a folder in 27x1 1/4" size. That's a bit skinnier than you want, but quite serviceable. I'm not thrilled with their durability, though.


Wow I sure feel dumb :) , should have looked a bit harder. Anyway, thanks for the link to that thread. Great looking bike, hope mine turns out as nice.