Winter Cycling - 27 inch wheels and fenders

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SimpleCycle
11-06-10, 07:09 PM
I have a 1988 Schwinn Traveler that I commute on. It has 27 inch wheels and I'm running 27x1 1/4 inch tires. I fit SKS 35 mm fenders on with some difficulty. The fender just barely clears the tire in front. Even with creative modifications to the fender, I am just out of frame clearance.

Now winter is almost here and I think I need a more aggressive tread on the tire to deal with mud and snow. The problem is the only 27 inch cross tires I have found are 1 3/8 inches. I am certain a larger tire will not clear the fenders.

What are my options here? Is there a tire that might work for me? Should I consider switching to 700c wheels? Is it realistic to think my SKS fenders will actually clear a 700x35 tire?

Captain Blight
11-07-10, 10:51 AM
I think a 700c conversion would be your best choice. It's not nearly the hassle some people think it is.

FWIW, I wish a person could get decent rims (and tires) in the old Schwinn 26" size; they're a good bit bigger than the 26" MTB, but still a tick smaller than a 700. Though steel rims are still available, and that might be a good combo with disc brakes.
SimpleCycle
11-09-10, 09:09 PM
Thanks, I was thinking the conversion was easiest, but finding wheels that don't cost more than the bike did has been a challenge.

Hezz
11-09-10, 10:20 PM
Thanks, I was thinking the conversion was easiest, but finding wheels that don't cost more than the bike did has been a challenge.

No, go into the local full service bike shop that sales bikes of all price ranges. They have standard grade 700c wheels the likes of which come on 400 dollar hybrid bikes. They are not super light but will be lighter than the 27 inch wheels. They are generally 45 dollars for a front and 55 dollars for a rear. But your not going to find anything less than this unless you find an old 700c bike to rob. A lot of the old center pull brakes are long enough for the 700c wheel. The brake shoe alignment is only about 1/2 inch smaller. If the existing brakes don't work they make long reach brakes that will. They will stop better in winter also. Since your old wheels may be steel which don't grip too well when wet.