Bicycle Mechanics - 700c vs 27"

I have been trying to find replacement rims for my 74 Fuji special tourer, I had a set of quando 27 x 1 1/4 with continental rubber. It seems that finding that rim size with a fixed rear, or coaster rear is pretty damned expensive. I have also been reading that the 622mm rims are stronger and possibly a better choice for a commuter bike. That being said would I be able to find a fatter tire (not mountain bike fat but larger than the 27 x 1 1/8) and last but not least where would I find these rims cheap?

Getting 700c's cheap is a challenge, but can be done. I converted my touring bike to 700C's and just finished it. Search Craislist, thrift stores and ebay. Craigslist will have wheels only for sale, but not always cheap. By cheap I mean $5 to $10 each. Most people wanted $30 each, especially for the rear with gears. I bought a peugeot mixte for $40 that had 700c's on it and swapped the 27's and put the 700's on my bike. I sold the Peugeot with the 27's and the person was happy. That is a way to get them for free and make some money. I have bought a wheel or two on Ebay, but not much under $30. A fatter tire is the 622 x 38 which is more like a hybrid tire or 1 1/2". good luck on your search

Just that 622 are current 630 was left behind. But millions sold, so tires are made.



It seems that finding that rim size with a fixed rear, or coaster rear is pretty damned expensive.

that in 2012 is an odd combination, and needs someones labor to combine those parts

If it's not you , then its someone else, being a mass produced machine built wheel
lowers the price, but the mass sales for that is not there
so some small shop has to do the work.
They have to eat and pay rent and taxes.

I have been trying to find replacement rims for my 74 Fuji special tourer, I had a set of quando 27 x 1 1/4 with continental rubber. It seems that finding that rim size with a fixed rear, or coaster rear is pretty damned expensive. I have also been reading that the 622mm rims are stronger and possibly a better choice for a commuter bike. That being said would I be able to find a fatter tire (not mountain bike fat but larger than the 27 x 1 1/8 you mention in your last sentence) and last but not least where would I find these rims cheap?

I don't think a 36 spoke 27" wheelset is noticeably weaker than a similar quality 700c.

Are you looking for rims, a wheelset with fixed or coaster brake rear, OR just rear wheels with fixed or coaster rear.

AEBike and Universal cycles have the 36 hole rims in stock for $27-28.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=31383

Velomine has Sun M13 II / Formula Flip-Flop wheelsets for $130. These come stock in 120mm rear spacing but they will change the rear spacing if you ask.

http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=87_172_176&products_id=401

And for tires, there are several 630-32 tires out there, which are wider than the 630-28 ones you mention in your last sentence. Kenda has a 630-35 CX tire if you don't mind knobs.

I have been trying to find replacement rims for my 74 Fuji special tourer, I had a set of quando 27 x 1 1/4 with continental rubber. It seems that finding that rim size with a fixed rear, or coaster rear is pretty damned expensive. I have also been reading that the 622mm rims are stronger and possibly a better choice for a commuter bike. That being said would I be able to find a fatter tire (not mountain bike fat but larger than the 27 x 1 1/8) and last but not least where would I find these rims cheap?

The reason you are not finding 27" is because you are simply not taking the time to actually do an in-depth search in search engines - i.e., you are probably giving up on the first page because you don't have any patience to browse through the first few pages of results.

Their are two websites that provide traditional profile 27" alloy rims that would be perfect for your Fuji...IF you are willing to browse search results.

=8-)

I wonder if any of these wheels will fit your needs?

http://harriscyclery.net/product-list/wheels-1091/?rb_ct=1382

My local Mountain Equipment Co-op has budget 630mm wheels (7s cassette rear, 126mm spacing) for ~$40 each. No idea what the quality is like. Cheap and less-cheap 27x1-1/4 (32mm-ish) tires are easy to find new, and most bike shops stock at least something in that size.

If you switch wheel sizes, you might need different brakes. Check how much additional adjustment room your current brakes have.

Thank you, MrRabbit...your assumption that I don't have patience is rather insulting, I have come across several wheel sets, mainly flip flop rears. At the moment I am just trying to get back the road. DaHaMac, very helpful. I have found some coaster brake wheel sets, coasties.com sells rim sets in 630 and 622, boxed or v. My only problem is the price, I need something more or less temporary, well thank you everyone

Why temporary? Perhaps you could explain what's wrong with current wheels and what exactly you want to do with this bike.

Am I correct in assuming you want complete wheels, not just rims?

Does your bike currently have a rear coaster brake?

If $65 for a complete rear wheel is over budget, here's the most budget friendly rear wheel I know of. Sorry it's not coaster or fixed. Any reason why freewheel is not being considered?

$32:
http://aebike.com/product/dimension-value-series-1-27-formula-freewheel-130mm-32h-x-404-silver-2.0-silver-3x-sku-we8691-qc30.htm

An old 27" multi speed freewheel rear wheel, such as a 5 speed
can be adjusted to be a single speed .
Ive done it with Dumpster wheels.

Yeah, I do singlespeeds with a full set of cogs all the time. I'm getting a sense that the OP only wants coaster brake or fixed for some reason. I'd like to hear the backstory on that. Did someone remove the brake bridge? :twitchy:

I even run one of my SS with front brake only and different wheel sizes - works fine!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3488/5802672966_2c631047d8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5802672966/)

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa391/lesterofpuppets/PB260024.jpg

niagara has a rear wheel, 27in, alloy rims, 36h and ss spokes that is less than 40 shipped through amazon. you have to find it on niagara's site though and then search for it by name on amazon. for some reason shipping is less via amazon but that wheel doesnt come up in the broad searches.

I bought one for my brother, who is a clyde. it's held up well for 5mos so far on his 14 mile commute. also, those panaracer paselas run kind of wide, the 1 1/4" are pretty plush. but if you want wider than that you have to go 700c

http://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Rear-1-1-Silver-36H/dp/B000AO5FAQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1322859604&sr=1-5

Thank you, MrRabbit...your assumption that I don't have patience is rather insulting, I have come across several wheel sets, mainly flip flop rears. At the moment I am just trying to get back the road. DaHaMac, very helpful. I have found some coaster brake wheel sets, coasties.com sells rim sets in 630 and 622, boxed or v. My only problem is the price, I need something more or less temporary, well thank you everyone

You didn't state the particulars of your research in terms of finds...

You didn't state your price...

In other words, you set yourself up for assumptions...

I'm going to add one more assumption: You're one of those folks who expect to walk into a store and get a brand-new spanking 27 x 1 1/4 rear CB wheel for $9.99, right?

Just assuming...just asking...

Or are you the type of troll who brings in the particulars AFTER people have started responding in a particular direction throwing a wrench into the help process?

=8-)

I'm not going to tell you where, but you can actually get online an alloy 27 x 1 1/4 box profile coaster brake rear wheel that is hand-built from start to finish with approx. 1.5 hours build time for $40.00.

Good luck finding it...

=8-)

mrrabbit, you are nasty! I like you!

mrrabbit, you are nasty! I like you!

Yeah...you can say that...can't deny it....though I have my reasons...

1. Newbie signs up.
2. Blows right by forum rules.
3. Give no particulars in their cry for help.
4. I point out the obvious.
5. Other give examples of the obvious.
6. Newbie gives particulars and expectations AFTERWARDS...
7. Takes a shot at me.
8. I give 'em a gem like the others...however...I expect those who need help to make an effort to help themselves.

That's all really...maybe I should have been MrGrouch.

=8-)

Wow, I love people who have a sense of superiority based on how long they have been on a forum, I'm a troll because I didn't like what you said? Whatever I'm sure you feel like a big man....anyway I had mentioned in other posts my project bike, yes I failed to mention it in this post...noob mistake whoops...I have a Fuji Tourer that I have had for a few years, it is a 74. The rims were damaged while I was deployed to Afghanistan, the rims were inexpensive to start with and I'm not trying to salvage them. The reason for fixed or coaster (at the time of the original post) was do in part to making the quickest fix possible. I have since learned about flip flop hubs. I have removed my old friction shifters and derailluers. The goal is to make it a utilitarian commuter, the traffic outside of camp Lejeune is terrible. Again thank you for your help and suggestions....maybe one day I can shoe my ass to a new guy just like Mr.rabbit. glad you got tough via a bicycle forum bro.

*show my ass...

Thanks for the additional details. Keep in mind that as you switch from 27" to 700c you'll have to slide your brake pads down 4mm. Do your calipers have enough room to do so? IF not sometimes you can file the slot a bit lower to allow fitment.

I think the quickest fix would've been to go with a regular 27" road wheelset. Grab a freewheel tool and move your old freewheel over to your new hub.

Your current plan involves moving the brakes down in addition to getting a lockring/freewheel tool to install the track cog/lockring or freewheel.

I have been trying to find replacement rims for my 74 Fuji special tourer, I had a set of quando 27 x 1 1/4 with continental rubber. It seems that finding that rim size with a fixed rear, or coaster rear is pretty damned expensive. I have also been reading that the 622mm rims are stronger and possibly a better choice for a commuter bike. That being said would I be able to find a fatter tire (not mountain bike fat but larger than the 27 x 1 1/8) and last but not least where would I find these rims cheap?

The reason for this if you have set of wheels built this way they where likely built up custom for your bike at some point. As pointed out if you just want to get rolling cheap their are a lot of options if your bike is a fixed gear your cheapest option is just to buy whole bike of CL with 27s or 700's for $50-$75 switch the wheels and parts and make it a real bike with gears and brakes.

Wow, I love people who have a sense of superiority based on how long they have been on a forum, I'm a troll because I didn't like what you said? Whatever I'm sure you feel like a big man....anyway I had mentioned in other posts my project bike, yes I failed to mention it in this post...noob mistake whoops...I have a Fuji Tourer that I have had for a few years, it is a 74. The rims were damaged while I was deployed to Afghanistan, the rims were inexpensive to start with and I'm not trying to salvage them. The reason for fixed or coaster (at the time of the original post) was do in part to making the quickest fix possible. I have since learned about flip flop hubs. I have removed my old friction shifters and derailluers. The goal is to make it a utilitarian commuter, the traffic outside of camp Lejeune is terrible. Again thank you for your help and suggestions....maybe one day I can shoe my ass to a new guy just like Mr.rabbit. glad you got tough via a bicycle forum bro.

Superiority...sorry...it's the one thing I shy away from...above all...almost like a sin.

God gave you a brain and loaned you some talent - probably blessed you as well so to speak - if you claim you are what you say you are. And of course, you've got tools at your fingertips in the form of a keyboard, mouse, monitor and Internet access.

If you are who you say you are, you are likely a Sergeant, or a Staff Sergeant by now - quite possibly a Sergeant First Class. (Gunnery Sergeant if Marines). I.e., money is certainly not a problem. Espeically for a basic bike requiring basic wheels. Suggest you toughen up a little, buy the wheel you need and get the bike done - cause if your next assignment is recruiting - it'll be the toughest job you'll ever have - yet possibly the most rewarding.

In other words, I should be the least of your concerns.

=8-)

Just because I have some education doesn't mean I am anything. I am a Cpl in the marine corps, I would have no reason to lie about rank, or my affiliation. I have been stationed in Jacksonville since early 2009. Case in point, I own a home and have a newborn so money is tight. I appreciate all the advice given to me. If you are curious about my mechanical aptitude I am a 1341 heavy equipment mechanic (engineer)

Just because I have some education doesn't mean I am anything. I am a Cpl in the marine corps, I would have no reason to lie about rank, or my affiliation. I have been stationed in Jacksonville since early 2009. Case in point, I own a home and have a newborn so money is tight. I appreciate all the advice given to me. If you are curious about my mechanical aptitude I am a 1341 heavy equipment mechanic (engineer)

That's a specialized skill set - if it's what you are planning - I'd say you have a pretty good shot at doing 20 whether or not you serve in a threatre. You are already on the list for Sergeant and most who retire at 20 years make E-5/6/7. I've met a few who went Warrant for a few years. Best of luck to you!

=8-)

The cutting score to pick up Sgt in my mos is high, I have been in for 5 years, being a Cpl for the last 2. To go warrent officer you need a minimum of 8 years and must be a SSgt. If I'm still a Sgt at 10 years ill be pushed out of the corps. Not worried yet haha. Lesterofpuppets, I have considered that, I need to get a front wheel. I do have a freewheel on the rear hub, I'll need the tools. What cog do you suggest? I hear 18 thrown around a lot. Should I get a 1/8 chain also? Thanks again everyone

Oh yeah, about recruiting ....that's a b billet I would never do, I have an aversion to sales people and couldn't be one myself. I am a certifiable field marine haha, couldn't play dress up every day.

Lesterofpuppets, dig the rides, I thought about doing the same running front brake and not messing with the freewheel. Down the road I want to do something that will clean it up a big I.e a flip floor or just a SS. How is your stopping with just the front brake? I shouldn't have to worry about excess speed haha.

*flip flop ....Did you just resize your chain or, replace it? Thanks

I just took out a few links. Easy on the black bike as it has horizontal dropouts, as I suspect your Fuji does. A bit tougher on the purple bike with vertical dropouts. I found an almost magic ratio in 34x15, but the chain is tight. I briefly considered filing the dropouts to relieve pressure but through the help of This amazing online resource (http://eehouse.org/fixin/formfmu.php), I found that a 32x17 should work pretty well. Tonight I'll be tearing apart that cassette and hopefully I'll find the 17 is a free cog so I can move it into the 15 cog's position. I grabbed a bag of cassette spacers also so I'll be ditching all the unused cogs.

Want a cheap, strong commuter? Around here, the best deal going is a rigid frame mountain bike from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s. I find them cheap all the time, picked up two this week (I usually avoid them, as I already have plenty of bikes, but they were nice ones). They will handle fatter tires, just about anything you want to throw at them, are darn near bullet proof.

You should be able to find a used MTB for about what one wheel change is going to cost you on the Fuji.

While I own quite a few vintage bikes, the 1974 Fuji special tourer was a very basic bike.

Do a google search, a lot of people on this forum and elsewhere are using rigid frame MTBs as commuters.

Want a cheap, strong commuter? Around here, the best deal going is a rigid frame mountain bike from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s. I find them cheap all the time, picked up two this week (I usually avoid them, as I already have plenty of bikes, but they were nice ones). They will handle fatter tires, just about anything you want to throw at them, are darn near bullet proof.

+1. The bikes pictured earlier in the thread : Black bike was free. Purple bike was $5 +tax at Salvation army.

Brilliant! Thanks gents, incredibly helpful!