spinner1
02-14-03, 12:03 AM
can someone explain to me what is meant by a 650cc wheel set and a 700cc wheel set. what does it stand for?
yes, quite new at this and don't have the lingo down.
yes, quite new at this and don't have the lingo down.
Road Cycling - wheel size clarification?
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MichaelW
02-14-03, 04:32 AM
700c is the standard size for a modern road/touring/hybrid bike. The standard refers to the diameter of the rim, not its width, so they vary from thin to thick. It is not the same as the 27" size.
650c is a smaller 26" diameter rim, but NOT the same as an MTB rim. It refers to thin rims only. Thicker rimed touring/utility rims were 650B (a size of historical interest only). 650C is used by some medium-sized riders in triathalons, and by smaller sized riders in standard racing bikes.
More than you need to know on tyre size can be found at
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html
650c is a smaller 26" diameter rim, but NOT the same as an MTB rim. It refers to thin rims only. Thicker rimed touring/utility rims were 650B (a size of historical interest only). 650C is used by some medium-sized riders in triathalons, and by smaller sized riders in standard racing bikes.
More than you need to know on tyre size can be found at
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html
D*Alex
02-14-03, 05:43 AM
The standard refers to the diameter of the rim,
Sorry, Mike, but that is wrong. What it refers to is the approximate diameter of the wheel, tyre included. Even at that, it's still usually way off, having been based on old French "balloon" tyres from about 75 years ago, almost never seen today. The rim on a 700c wheel is 622mm. To be a true 700 mm diameter, you would need 700x39c tyres, possible on a hybrid, but much larger than you would find on a road bike.
Sorry, Mike, but that is wrong. What it refers to is the approximate diameter of the wheel, tyre included. Even at that, it's still usually way off, having been based on old French "balloon" tyres from about 75 years ago, almost never seen today. The rim on a 700c wheel is 622mm. To be a true 700 mm diameter, you would need 700x39c tyres, possible on a hybrid, but much larger than you would find on a road bike.
1oldRoadie
02-14-03, 06:47 AM
Or to translate 650 and 700 do not mix.
MichaelW
02-14-03, 08:36 AM
>>What it refers to is the approximate diameter of the wheel, >>tyre included
Note I didnt say it "measured" the diameter of the rim, but "refers to". Every 700c rim has the same rim diameter, but the total diameter can vary widely with tyres (which go from 19mm to 45mm size). There used to be some differentiation with 700A to 700C, but somehow that got lost.
There are bikes that mix the sizes, usually with 650c up front and 700c bringing up the rear. Some of the women's bikes by Terry do this, as do a few time trial and Tiathalon models. Just remember to pack 2 spare inner tubes.
Note I didnt say it "measured" the diameter of the rim, but "refers to". Every 700c rim has the same rim diameter, but the total diameter can vary widely with tyres (which go from 19mm to 45mm size). There used to be some differentiation with 700A to 700C, but somehow that got lost.
There are bikes that mix the sizes, usually with 650c up front and 700c bringing up the rear. Some of the women's bikes by Terry do this, as do a few time trial and Tiathalon models. Just remember to pack 2 spare inner tubes.
D*Alex
02-14-03, 02:56 PM
Actually, Terry bikes use a front wheel of a 24" size, often called 600c. They don't use 650 wheels.