Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
700x23 to 650bx32, will this work or will the stability and handling suffer?
I have a 1978 Trek TX900. It's ideal except for two issues. The bike will take a 700x28 tire, but a 700x32 will not fit. The stand-over height is tight (I can stand-over the bike, but have almost zero safety factor).
I'll need to install a wider tire on this bike for some gravel road events in 2013. I have a modern Cyclocross bike with 700x32, but one of the events I'm considering requires a vintage bike. I like the 700x32 size for gravel roads and for my everyday cycling.
A 650b conversion will allow me to fit a 32mm wide tire like the Grand Bois Cypress 650B, see:
http://www.compasscycle.com/tires_gb_650_32.html .
However, I'm concerned that the smaller diameter tire will change the trail of the fork and create a less stable ride? The fork rake is 4.5cm according to the Trek Catalog. What rake would be ideal to preserve the Trail?
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 12-28-12 at 02:32 PM.