Wanting to replace the QR front and rear wheels on my '88 Schwinn World Sport. I've sussed out that the wheels are called "27" (actually 25.2 outside rim diameter), with a 1 1/4" tire. Yes, I know I can convert to a 700cc by dropping the brake pads slightly. But I'd like to order the original size if possible. Yes, 27" rims are now scarce, but they are also inexpensive. It would be a show of support for the few companies still making them, I guess.

Anyway. I also have a frickin' beautiful '80 Nishiki. Of the bikes in my garage - including the Tarmac - it's my favorite ride these days. (I'm not even sure why.) But it has a bolt-on (not QR) front wheel.

So I'm wondering if a QR front wheel is interchangeable with a bolt-on type. If so, I can give the Nishiki the new stuff, and put the "hand-me-down" from the Nishiki onto the Schwinn. Thanks.

As long as the dropout slot is large enough (can be increased easily) there are not problems switching

Apart from new fangled sus fork/disc brake hubs, q/r and bolt on are usually interchangeable. Sometimes though you come across a bolt on hub that has a thinner front axle (q/r are as a rule 9 mm), or a fork made for such a hub. But some modest application of rat tail file will usually sort that out.

+1, front QR axles tend to be 9mm diameter.

you can buy solid axles in that diameter too.


But there is also inch-fractional sized axles too, and cones are not interchangeable between the 2.

I think what is being said above is that you don't need to buy any new wheels, just rework the hubs to have solid axles instead of QRs. If (as is almost certain) you have loose ball bearing hubs, the process is very easy providing you can find the right diameter and thread axle in the solid design. Also providing you know how to rebuild hubs and adjust the bearings. Not difficult, but it helps to have some experience with it.