I have a Surly/MavicMA3 basic fixed rear wheel and a 1980's 27" front wheel on my conversion with 3500miles on it.

I know a 700c will fit (brake reach OK)

Should I just do the easy no brainer and just get the matching Surly/Mavic front wheel?

Or can I do better at about the same or slightly higher price.

Someday this new front wheel will be on my next fixed (for road) and the 27" will go back on this conversion.

I don't care about style, just functionality and performance is good too where real, not perceived.

Al

if it ain't broke.......
OR matchy matchy

It ain't broke, but I'm tired of looking for 27"x1" tires (meaning my current one is old/worn and I'd rather just have all my bikes use 700c tires)

matchy matchy will likely be, thinking about stopping at LBS tonight... this was just a last second pause to see if other options might be suggested.

Al

I'd do am MA3 with a quality road hub with a QR. something like a 105 perhaps. There's no reason you need a nutted front hub. easier tire changes, and sliding in an out of car trunks and whatnot. Just as good quality for less money.

No "reason" to have matching wheels, but all my bikes do and I wouldnt build a bike without them.

excellent point, thanks

i like matching wheels.
but keep in mind that the MA3 isn't made anymore. But it shouldn't be hard to find a NOS one.

Wow, I just bought the rear wheel a year ago - I thought it was a fairly common/standard rim. Like you said perhaps the LBS has some left.
Al

Mavic discontinues rims like nobody's business.
it was replaced by the "Open Sport" about a year ago.