Wheelset Size Question.
 

I just received a Centurion road bike yesterday! The wheelset needs to be replaced before riding because of the rust on the spokes.

The wheels are 27 1/4. Will any wheels this size do the trick? I'm looking to get a cheap wheelset because I'm on a budget and I need to replace other parts as well to get this bike on the road. Is there a good site to buy wheels? Is there anything in specific i need to look out for to make sure the wheels fit? Will 700c work?

Any site recommendations?

Thanks!

Also, can wheels used on a single-speed bike be used on a road bike if the cassette is transferred?

Not a track type wheel or a flip flop. Some SS bikes do have converted freewheel hubs that have a single cog set up and they can be converted back, though.

How cheap are you talking? I would at least look for stainless spokes and an aluminum rim. If you can't afford that on a new wheel then go used.

As for 700c the problem is that the brakes often won't reach the rim. Some people have gotten it to work using longer reach brakes, but unless you already have the wheels or brakes it will be cheaper to just get 27" wheels.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/about.php have a lot of 27 inch wheels. Maybe call them and tell them what you have and let them recommend something.

Thank you for the recommendation. Will any 27 1/4 inch wheel work with the centurion (wheels that came with them are 27")

You need to check the width of the rear hub axle.
There are 120mm, 5-speed
126mm,6speed
and 130mm 7-speed and up.
Or measure the distance across the inside of the rear dropouts to determine what you have.

Is there any other size i could go with? I'm having trouble looking for 27" wheels.

700c possibly.

Can you describe your bike and wheel a little better or add some pictures? To get accurate advice you need to know whether you have a freehub or freewheel, the number gears and or the spacing of the rear drop outs. And btw, you may get better responses if you posted this in the classic and vintage forum as there is some interest over there in Centurions.