Originally Posted by
PepperB
Right now I'm looking at getting an electric conversion kit,
OK.
Originally Posted by
PepperB
I have a 1977 Schwinn Continental II with 27" tires.
27" means 630 mm
Originally Posted by
PepperB
.. the ones that I picked out have 26" rims.
Today 26" usually means 559 mm, although there are options - 571, 584, 590 and 597.(according to Sheldon Brown)
Originally Posted by
PepperB
My question is, can I have a 26" rim in the front and a 27" rim in the back?
Can and can... Assuming you're replacing a 630 with a 559 - that'll drop the front end with 35 mm - which isn't enough to drastically alter the steering characteristics - so it's doable from that perspective. if it's one of the other 26", then you're better off.
Originally Posted by
PepperB
.. I have enough clearance on my brakes to fit the 26" rim.
Now this I doubt. Even switching between 27"(630) and 700C(622) size wheels isn't always possible due to brake reach issues. Even with the biggest of the 26" your new rim would still be sitting considerably lower than a 700C would.
Originally Posted by
PepperB
.. I know I should swap them both out,
Should and should, Matched wheel sizes are indeed more usual, but it should certainly be rideable either way.
Originally Posted by
PepperB
Also, I wouldn't know how to do that on the rim with the gears.
As long as rim and hub take the same number of spokes (or the hub takes more) any rim can pretty much be laced to any hub. Pay a wheelbuilder and he'll make that problem disappear for you.
Originally Posted by
PepperB
Is it possible? Workable? Or should I just give up & get the rear rim also?
Replacing both rims would lower your your pedals, you might need to adapt your cornering style.
My main concern would be if you actually can get the front brake working.
My advice would be to get the hub motor, battery, regulator ASO,
but not the wheel . Then you could have the hub motor laced to your current sized rims and be done without any brake reach, pedal clearance and steering geometry issues.