Commuting - Building up my commuter, need some input

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seely
06-13-04, 11:13 PM
Ok I am slowly amassing parts to build into a commuter. I got a free low mileage 700c 9spd rear wheel from a warranty bike at work this week, so thats taken care of. Its a MTB spaced hub, and can take a 35c + tire. I have an old crappy Araya wheel I will use on front thats a similar width.

Now the question is what to use for a frame... I'm thinking cheap and used. I have a 1991 Miele MTB frame with complete road geometry, a 10lbs 1994 Peugeot MTB, and a 1994-ish lightweight, but bent Peugeot MTB frame. Both Pugs have semi horizontal drops, and the Miele has vertical drops. The Miele is spaced for a 7spd but takes a 9spd with a little effort, same for both Pugs.

The problem then becomes brakes, however, because obviously a set of V brakes won't like up on a 700c rim if the bike was designed for a 26" wheel. The Miele is the favorite of the group, it has full braze ons and even pump pegs. I am just wondering how I can get my 700c wheels to work other than using Pauls Motolite V brakes, which are over $100. I do have a set of Mavic 139's but they are pretty worn out and I prefer a 700 for commuting.

Any ideas?

MichaelW
06-14-04, 10:43 AM
Try a frame designed for 700c wheels, with 135 OLE. Typically this would be a hybrid, but you can also find tourers if you are lucky.
Personally I start with the frame. Even crappy old wheels seem to work well on a quality frame.
RainmanP
06-14-04, 01:15 PM
Alternatively, a 135 mm spaced hub can be switched to standard 130 with a shorter axle if you want to use quick release. If you don't mind nuts you can just remove the QR and use plain old nuts.

madpogue
06-14-04, 02:06 PM
Are the stays on the mtb frames long enough to handle a 700 wheel? Even if you don't hit the BB or seat tube (or any bridge just beyond, you're putting the tire into a space btw. the stays that's pretty narrow. Will a tire as wide as 35 or more fit?
seely
06-14-04, 09:18 PM
Are the stays on the mtb frames long enough to handle a 700 wheel? Even if you don't hit the BB or seat tube (or any bridge just beyond, you're putting the tire into a space btw. the stays that's pretty narrow. Will a tire as wide as 35 or more fit?

Any MTB frame can fit 700c wheels (29")... 35's fit no problem on most bikes but it varies w/ the design obviously.