Bicycle Mechanics - Are 650c and 26in wheels interchangeable?

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bluehair
06-27-06, 03:03 AM
I just ran across a great deal on Ultegra/Open pro 650c wheels. I was thinking about getting some slicks to put on my mountain bike for rides on dirt roads with friends with hybrids; something I could pump up and go fast with or to keep my road bike dry on rainy days. So, I know absolutely nothing about 650c whheels; are they interchangeable with 26in. mountain wheels except for the rear axle length? Will the rim line up for V-brakes? I'm looking for a quick swap before a ride. Oh, yes, I have the cassette issue but one question at a time. :D

HillRider
06-27-06, 04:48 AM
No, they are not. 650C wheels have an ISO rim diameter of 571 mm and 26" MTB rims are have an ISO diameter of 559 mm so the brakes on your MTB frame are not likely to have enought adjustment (6 mm is needed) to allow them to line up properly. Also, even if the brakes could be adjusted, you would have to do it every time you switched wheels.

Finally, as you noted you would have to repspace the hub to 135 mm from the road standard of 130 mm.