Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
120mm rear dropout spacing and horizontal dropouts makes conversion to SSFG fairly simple and economical. However, they are not ideal as FG due to lower bottom brackets, and older frames use 27" wheels, which limits wheel and tire choices. As to performance, definitely not, as modern tig welded steel frames with larger diameter steel tubing are stiffer and lighter.
There is a decent supply of 27 inch tires but clearly more limited than 700c.
700c to 27 inch conversion is as easy as pie. Worst case scenario is you'll have to find brakes with a bit longer reach.
I'm dubious that the "performance" difference between a modern tig welded frame and an older steel frame is a large one. My guess is that this is primarily placebo. That said, everything else being equal, I'd take a threadless system over a threaded one but not, in my book, a huge difference.