27" or 700c?

[Air]

I'm still without my handbuilt rearwheel - yeah, summer's almost over. They gave me a loner but the guy keeps building a single speed wheel and they keep sending it back - they're getting pissed and so am I.

To my question - it seems that the 700c wheels are more widely available especially online. Would it make sense to convert? Are they stronger than 27" because they're a little smaller? They're building me a CR18 - the first one I destroyed in under 100 miles, good times (in defense it wasn't tensioned right).

Just thinking, any thoughts appreciated. I know of few of you retrogrouches are running 27", was curious if you got them hand built or just used machined from the shop.

Thanks!

[Tom Stormcrowe]

There's 4mm less diameter on a 700c and the tubes are interchangeable. The only reason I have't converted my touring bike to 700 is because I get into remote areas and might have to but a tire at Walmart, KMart or Western Auto.

Only issue is to make sure your brakes have enough reach for the conversion.....I'm still without my handbuilt rearwheel - yeah, summer's almost over. They gave me a loner but the guy keeps building a single speed wheel and they keep sending it back - they're getting pissed and so am I.

To my question - it seems that the 700c wheels are more widely available especially online. Would it make sense to convert? Are they stronger than 27" because they're a little smaller? They're building me a CR18 - the first one I destroyed in under 100 miles, good times (in defense it wasn't tensioned right).

Just thinking, any thoughts appreciated. I know of few of you retrogrouches are running 27", was curious if you got them hand built or just used machined from the shop.

Thanks!

[Air]

So you don't think the wheels are more or less strong because of the size?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

So you don't think the wheels are more or less strong because of the size?

Nope, but they are stronger because of the rim structure than the old Box rims. If it were me, and I didn't have to contend with back country tire access, I'd convert it to a Deep V 700c, myself, with at least 36 spokes and 40+ on the rear if for touring.

[Seamus]

I'm still without my handbuilt rearwheel - yeah, summer's almost over. They gave me a loner but the guy keeps building a single speed wheel and they keep sending it back - they're getting pissed and so am I.

To my question - it seems that the 700c wheels are more widely available especially online. Would it make sense to convert? Are they stronger than 27" because they're a little smaller? They're building me a CR18 - the first one I destroyed in under 100 miles, good times (in defense it wasn't tensioned right).

Just thinking, any thoughts appreciated. I know of few of you retrogrouches are running 27", was curious if you got them hand built or just used machined from the shop.

Thanks!

Wait, your LBS is working with a wheelbuilder that has more than once built you a SS wheel when you ordered a geared one? How the hell does that happen?:mad:

If you can easily convert to 700, I would. Many more choices in components as well as pre-built wheels.

Jim

[Air]

'They' being the 700c or 27"? Thanks!

[Tom Stormcrowe]

700c....

Look at Velocity for a Brand

[Air]

Wait, your LBS is working with a wheelbuilder that has more than once built you a SS wheel when you ordered a geared one? How the hell does that happen?:mad:

Dunno. I'll put the blame of it taking so long on myself, I didn't really bug them day after day but then again I shouldn't have. They've treated me really, really well so I'm willing to roll with it for now - and they did give me a loaner wheel (though not QR and stranded me when the tire split and I realized I didn't have a wrench with me).

If you can easily convert to 700, I would. Many more choices in components as well as pre-built wheels.

Jim

'Easily' isn't really the right word. I have Panaracer puncture resistant tires on and the back one just split down the sidewall after a few hundred miles. Would probably upgrade to Gatorskins (which also come in 27") and wondered if I should just use some duct tape on the inside of the sidewall for now, tell them to build a 700c instead and then spring for a front one as well. Even if the brakes don't have enough reach (though they look like they do) I could always scout around in the used parts box at the bike co-op.

[Bill Kapaun]

"it seems that the 700c wheels are more widely available especially online. Would it make sense to convert?"
Your brakes will need to reach an additional 4MM more toward the axle. Some brakes have that adjustment and some don't.
630MM = 27"
622MM = 700C

[Air]

I'm pretty sure mine have .15 inches of play, plus I have access to a used parts bin at a bike co-op which would set me back $10 or so for the pair.

[b_young]

I would go with the 700 just because availability. Also, if you are having sidewall trouble look into Armadillo tires. Google Armadillo tires vs Gatorskins. It seems the sidewalls are beefier on the armadillos.

[jaxgtr]

There's 4mm less diameter on a 700c and the tubes are interchangeable. The only reason I have't converted my touring bike to 700 is because I get into remote areas and might have to but a tire at Walmart, KMart or Western Auto.

Only issue is to make sure your brakes have enough reach for the conversion.....

You mean those places would not have a 700C tire now in 2007? I would think finding 27" would be harder to find these days.

[b_young]

You mean those places would not have a 700C tire now in 2007? I would think finding 27" would be harder to find these days.

The biggest problem with the X-mart is my rim only accepts Presta valves and they do not carry them.

[Air]

Drill it!

[Tom Stormcrowe]

You mean those places would not have a 700C tire now in 2007? I would think finding 27" would be harder to find these days.

Nope, they don't have 700c yet......

If they did.......:D I'd switch!

[jaxgtr]

Wow, I bet their still using Windows 3.0 too.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Wow, I bet their still using Windows 3.0 too.

IIRC, KMart uses Unix;)