What type(s) of frames should I look for to fit these wheels?
 

I imagine it's more common to look for wheels to fit a frame, but I'm trying to go the other direction. I've got a set of 700c wheels with 35-width tires. I want to use this tire width. The rear wheel has a screw-on type 6 speed freewheel.

Can anyone suggest a frame(s) that would work well with these wheels? I imagine some sort of vintage road frame made for 27" wheels would work. If anyone has specific suggestions, whether vintage or new, please let me know. Any links are appreciated as well.

More like a vintage touring-frame - or a more modern hybrid.

An old touring or hybrid frame is probably what you need... also, I have had good luck using 700C wheels with fat tires on bikes originally designed for 27" wheels - the only thing you need to worry about is that the brakes reach the rims.

Also, old road bikes, new road bikes and old hybrid bikes, and new hybrid bikes all have different spacing for the rear wheel. If the frame you like is made of steel it can be cold set (bent to fit), or you could re-space the axle.

Good luck!

Hmmm.... kinda like picking out the shoes first, then finding the rest of the outfit to match...

+1Old hybrid. My 1993 Schwinn Criss Cross has that size on it right now.

Or you could get radical - see if they could fit an old cruiser-style machine with a bit of work. That would be a real customized oddity.

I have an '83 Trek 400 lugged steel frame that originally came with 27" wheels but now has 700c with fenders so there is plenty of clearance. The 105 "long reach" brakes adjusted to match the 700c rims so that was no problem. It was also spaced 126 mm so it accepted 6/7-speed wheels. I cold set it to 130 mm to match 8-speed and above but that's not a concern for you.

Something like my bike should meet your needs. Most current hybrid frames require 135 mm hubs so you may need to respace or update your rear wheel to match.

I just measured my hub. It's spaced for 135mm. So perhaps I should look for something a little newer?

not meaning to hijack the thread, but I have a relevant question (ignorant newbie here).

Do 700c wheels come in different widths?

I've got a univega hybrid frame meant for 700c wheels, but the only wheels I see come up are the usual skinny wheels meant for road bikes. the frame is hi-ten steel, but it has kinda cool oversized tubes. Seems like it would be strange with road bike wheels.

I have found a source for hybrid forks, but haven't found any hybrid 700c wheels yet.

Thanks

PD

Rims in 700C these days are mostly going to be 19mm width - but some of these can fit a 47mm tire-width (this from the Mavic site). But the rim should be designed for the job planned. For instance you wouldn't want a rim designed for high-speed touring or racing on a bike you were planning on riding down dirt roads and gravel frequently (such as Mavic Open Pro). A walk through sites offering wheels will give you an idea of what's available for your intended purpose. And there is always the Guru himself:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

135? Go with a cyclocross frame. Many of them are set up for that width in the rear to match to the MTB wheels that they often end up with. Just check the frame specs first.

Some steel frames come set to 132.5mm so you can either squeeze them in a little for road wheels or stretch them out a hair for MTB wheels. The Soma Double Cross is one such frame like that.

It's also possible that with a bit of spacer and washer juggling you can reduce the spacing to 130. Now with rims that wide and tires that wide you won't be putting them into many serious road burner frames. But again cyclocross or touring frames be they new or vintage are just waiting your pleasure.

If you opt for a frame that originally took 27's then Tektro makes a couple of long reach calipers that makes the use of 700c size rims very easy. And best of all these callipers provide excellent braking power without you needing to pop a knuckly loose from the pressure. I'm running two Tektro long reach brakes on two bikes and it was a braking revelation when I switched.