Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
700c is actually 622mm, which is a measurement. A large difference between 27" and 622 rims is that 27" rims are straight-sided and 622 are hooked rims. Hooked rims hold the tire on better. Old tires can blow off 27" rims - had it happen. There is definitely a functional difference.
The biggest difference is that tire technology, not engines, is the major advance in automobiles, and it's the same in bikes. You can get more advanced tire technology in 622 (700c) than you can in 27". Whether you're into wide comfort tires or narrow racing tires, you can get better tires in 700c than in 27", in terms of comfort, handling, grip, and rolling resistance. Of course we can argue all day about what "better" means, but just look at the variety available in each of those types.
youre wrong about hooked 27's. I have some: Araya super-hard anodized hooked rims. Theyre even deep-section aero rims too... tre modern for 1982.
the major functional difference between 700c and 27" is how hard it is to find tires. Since you now have two new tires, your 27 inchers are every bit as good as 700c for your 4k ride.
have fun.