Classic & Vintage - What should I do? 27" or 700c?

I'm moving and trying to pare down my bikes. I want to try to save my old technium that I rode in high school, so I'm building it up to be one of my two bikes (a fixie being the other). The frame originally used 27" wheels and I have a nice set of mavic rims on sealed suntour cyclone hubs I can use. If I use them, I can use a nice set of dual pivit brakes. If I run the 700c wheels (entry level shimano non-sealed 2200 hubs with alex rims), I have to use a mis-matched set of old brake calipers. It looks like there is more than enough fender clearance with either set. I'm wondering if the benefit of the sealed hubs outweigh the possible problems of finding tires/freewheels down the road.

If the Technium is a blue on blue 440 in 58cm without DT shifter mounts... you can sell it to me and rid yourself of dilema

Naaa. Before trying to strip it, it was white w/ blue headtube and D/T bosses. I never could remember the technium line heiarchy, but I think it was lower sport touring. I realized that I probably have more miles on it than any other bike I own, so I figure I ought to see if I can ride it till it breaks. After having spent five subzero winters in a shed, that might not be very long.

You will get slightly more braking leverage with the 27" wheels, because the caliper arms holding the pads will be effectively 4mm shorter than with 700C.

Given your choices, I'd go with the 27" wheels, as they sound like the nicer pair. Don't worry about tyre choices, there's plenty out there. If anything, when I stuck the set of 27s on the Raleigh, I was amazed on just how many tyre choice exist. Certainly a lot more than the last time I messed with the format - 30 years ago. I'm running a set of 27x1 Performance Bike tyres on the bike now, and am reasonably happy with the result.

Syke
Deranged Few M/C

i have been watching nashbar for a sale as I to have a set of sealed cyclone hubs laced to 27" double walled rims with chromed butted spokes. The rims are super thin and I need to replace the 27x1". Directions to other sources for good 27x1" tires is appreciated.

I think you can still get the Panaracer Pasela Tourguards in 27''. I have a set and I'm happy with them.

If the Technium is a blue on blue 440 in 58cm without DT shifter mounts... you can sell it to me and rid yourself of dilema

Like this one?

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/crazy-b/PICT0837.jpg

I just bought brand new 27x1/4" Specialized Armadillos at my LBS.
I noticed Wallbike has some Schwalbe's in 27" also, so it does not seem like tire makers are
giving up on 27". Just not as great a selection as 700.

Like this one?

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a57/crazy-b/PICT0837.jpg Yeah! That's it, but I'd need one bigger. Mine was stolen some years back.

Yeah! That's it, but I'd need one bigger. Mine was stolen some years back.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for one.

Tanks!

Thanks all, for the 27" tire sources. My Oldnago has Mavic MA40's laced crowsfoot to Bullseye hubs. The rims are 27" and the tires should be replaced, but I was at a loss to find any decent 27" tires. Now I may actually get to RIDE my "secret weapon bike" once again!:D