suggestions for new Fuji build
 

I am getting ready to build this Fuji frame I found on ebay and when putting these 700c wheels on, they seemed strangely close to the brake bridge and fork crown. It's hard to see the clearance from the pictures I took, but it seems to be less than a cm. Envisioning a hybrid-type build with nubby tires, I've since found a couple 26" wheels to use instead, possibly with fenders for rain commuting. In that case I would need the longest reach of the Tecktro brakes though am unsure if I need a pair with a recessed nut. Both brake mounts have recessed nut sized drilling, but the rear brake bridge has a curved mounting surface, whereas most frames have a flat mount. I am curious what people would say and if this conversion is a decent idea. Has anyone seen such low clearance with 700c wheels on this type of frame? And are there some who would recommend staying with 700c wheels (assuming that is what the frame was sized for)?

You'll definitely need a 1/2 round to flat washer for the rear brake. I can't tell from the photo (wrong side) whether it takes a recessed nut or not, but you, probably need the same washer there. If he brake takes a recessed nut, the back washer needs a larger hole. If you can't find one that way, buy a pair with the smaller hole, and drill it out.

Meanwhile the fork definitely takes a recessed nut brake.

As for the wheels, consider 650b. These use larger rims than 26" mtb, (584mm vs. 559mm) and should get you nice fender clearance and brake reach both. You'll need 19mm more brake reach (622-584 / 2) than your 700c wheels call for, which should b short enough to give you some decent choices.


The 650b size has been around for decades and used to be rare in the USA, but it's coming into vogue, so the tire selection is better than it ever was.

Yes, there are many bikes with such little tire clearance. Most often because the OEM tires were 20-23mm wide and the company didn't think any one would need/want to use anything wider. I bet the OEM brakes are short reach single pivot side pulls.

Switching tire/wheel diameters seems to be the rage these days. Certainly can be done, but do the brake reach and tire width clearance math first. Going to 559 ISO diameter wheels will result in a REALLY long brake reach. BYW learn the ISO rim diameters and reference your choices by them. Using labeled inch referenced diameters means little as there are 6 different rim diameters which all can be called 26". Using the ISO rim diameters removes the confusion and mistakes in buying, especially if you can't touch the products in person (mail order). Andy.