Wheel size
04-10-09 | 06:11 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Akron, OH
Bikes: 2008 Seven Axiom Steel, 1984 Colnago Nuovo Mexico, 2008 Cervelo P2C, 2000 Trek Multitrack 7200
Wheel size
26 inch vs 28 inch wheels. Is that a big deal on a vintage Raleigh? If 26 inch wheels is the way to go, any problem with switching out the 28 inch wheels with a set of 26 inch wheels?
TSap
TSap
04-10-09 | 06:41 AM
#3
My bikes became Vintage
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Ontario, Canada
It all depends on what year and model. 28" wheels were found on the old rod-braked clunkers, while 26" were on newer cable braked bikes. The rims are different, Westwood for 28" and Endrick for 26".
04-10-09 | 06:53 AM
#4
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Are we talking about 3-speeds, or perhaps 10 speeds like the Super Courses we've been discussing lately?
In any case, there are a few considerations:
Do you need to fit original size, based on restoration goals? If so, it's obvious.
If not, then wants, needs and practicalities rule. The considerations then are frame/wheel hub width, brake length (i.e. reach), brake width (can the brake open enough to install the wheel without deflating or removing a brake shoe), radial clearance such as for fenders you might be adding), and any effect on toe overlap.
On top of these are cost, rim and tire availability, your weight and intended use, shifting system, use of a generator. For some of us cosmetics are important, too.
Specifically, in going from 28" to 26" I first wonder if you have brakes that can reach the new rims?
In any case, there are a few considerations:
Do you need to fit original size, based on restoration goals? If so, it's obvious.
If not, then wants, needs and practicalities rule. The considerations then are frame/wheel hub width, brake length (i.e. reach), brake width (can the brake open enough to install the wheel without deflating or removing a brake shoe), radial clearance such as for fenders you might be adding), and any effect on toe overlap.
On top of these are cost, rim and tire availability, your weight and intended use, shifting system, use of a generator. For some of us cosmetics are important, too.
Specifically, in going from 28" to 26" I first wonder if you have brakes that can reach the new rims?
04-10-09 | 07:09 AM
#5
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Yes, it's all in the brake caliper slots. If the distance from the bottom of the front axle to the bottom of the front brake slot exceeds 315mm, you won't be able to use a standard 27x1-1/4" wheel without either replacing or lowering the brake caliper. If it exceeds 311mm, that rules out a standard 700C rim. If it exceeds 295mm, you cannot use a standard EA-3 26x1-3/8" rim.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
04-10-09 | 02:06 PM
#6
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From: Akron, OH
Bikes: 2008 Seven Axiom Steel, 1984 Colnago Nuovo Mexico, 2008 Cervelo P2C, 2000 Trek Multitrack 7200
All very good advice. The bike does have rod brakes, so I see the problem with switching wheel size. What about the comment I saw posted somewhere that having 28 inch wheels on a Raleigh Tourist makes it less desirable for bike thieves?
TSap
TSap
04-10-09 | 08:43 PM
#7
missing in action
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,483
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