Rookie Needs Motobecane Advice
06-03-06, 11:55 AM
#1
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Rookie Needs Motobecane Advice
Hi there. I bought and old (1975) Motobecane last week on eBay. I was wondering if there was any reason I couldnt switch from the standard 27x1 1/4 wheels/tires to 700mm's?
What changes would need to be made in regard to brakes etc etc?
Thanks for any help.
What changes would need to be made in regard to brakes etc etc?
Thanks for any help.
06-03-06, 12:01 PM
#2
Ride it like you stole it
You would need to replace the brakes also with a brakeset with long caliper arms. Otherwise everything else would be okay.
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The Reloutionaries @ Shapeways
06-03-06, 12:08 PM
#3
Dolce far niente
Originally Posted by WheresWaldo
You would need to replace the brakes also with a brakeset with long caliper arms. Otherwise everything else would be okay.
I'm looking at just such a caliper right now, and there appears to be enough space to move the brake pads down. And if not, you can always Dremel the slot a tad.
I guess the other question is "why"? Are the 27" wheels beat, steel, or unserviceable? There are lots of good 27" tires available........
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06-03-06, 12:08 PM
#4
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If the wheels are good, you can just replace the pads on the brakes and be done with it. If you change out the wheels you may need to replace the brake calipers with long reach models because the 700c wheels are slightly smaller than the 27s you have.
Also, if you get new wheels you must make sure the dropout width of the reat hub is the right size.
See this site about frame spacing:
https://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
There are also articles about wheel conversions at Sheldon's site as well.
Also, if you get new wheels you must make sure the dropout width of the reat hub is the right size.
See this site about frame spacing:
https://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
There are also articles about wheel conversions at Sheldon's site as well.
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06-03-06, 12:21 PM
#5
It is easy to find high quality tires for 2l7 inch wheels. The local Trek dealer sold me a pair of Bontragers that are terrific, and Continental also has some nice 2l7 inch tires. If you want some CHEAP 2l7 inch tires, many K-Marts, Wal-Marts, Academy Sports type stores sell some $10 tires that are okay...not great, but okay.
Older bikes are good deals when you leave them "original". When you try to turn them into a 2006 model bike, you can end of spending a lot of money, yet not end up with a better bike. Most thirty year old bikes are good riding bikes after adding fresh grease and doing a tuneup.
Older bikes are good deals when you leave them "original". When you try to turn them into a 2006 model bike, you can end of spending a lot of money, yet not end up with a better bike. Most thirty year old bikes are good riding bikes after adding fresh grease and doing a tuneup.
06-03-06, 01:26 PM
#6
New 27" wheels are also readily available from Weinmann. I bought a new wheelset for my 1980 Moto for about $80 at the LBS.
