gilespargiter
Veteran
- Location
- N Wales
Come to think of it goforbroke, if you pm me I will hold one for you. When you intending on being in Europe?
27 x 1 1/4" (32-630 ISO) tires: Are they easily available in Europe?
- Thread starter goforbroke
- Start date
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goforbroke
New Member
Thank you all for the feedback.
I'm going to look into replacing my 27 inch wheels with 700C wheels.
Folding 27" tires are available here and bringing a couple of them is an option I have also been considering. From what you all have posted, that may be the safest option if I can't fit new wheels on the old frame.
My first derailleur bike, 1973 Jeunet, had 27" wheels, as did all the European bikes sold in the USA in that era. I gather that the change to 700C was made to facilitate switch-overs from clincher-rim wheels to tubular-rim wheels. But who uses tubulars to tour in, or for that matter for any sort of general recreational cycling? Sounds like planned obsolescence, but what can one do?
As of this writing, I would not hesitate to take off touring in this country with my bike as is, but I can see that the writing is on the wall for 27" wheels/tires here as well. Maybe another 10 years, and they will be on the obsolete shelf beside my collection of 8-track tapes.
Thanks for the offer to hold a tire for me, gilespargiter! I expect to begin this trip sometime in mid to late April, but haven't fixed an arrival time or airport. If I run into any problems like this, I will PM you as you suggested.
I'm going to look into replacing my 27 inch wheels with 700C wheels.
Folding 27" tires are available here and bringing a couple of them is an option I have also been considering. From what you all have posted, that may be the safest option if I can't fit new wheels on the old frame.
My first derailleur bike, 1973 Jeunet, had 27" wheels, as did all the European bikes sold in the USA in that era. I gather that the change to 700C was made to facilitate switch-overs from clincher-rim wheels to tubular-rim wheels. But who uses tubulars to tour in, or for that matter for any sort of general recreational cycling? Sounds like planned obsolescence, but what can one do?
As of this writing, I would not hesitate to take off touring in this country with my bike as is, but I can see that the writing is on the wall for 27" wheels/tires here as well. Maybe another 10 years, and they will be on the obsolete shelf beside my collection of 8-track tapes.
Thanks for the offer to hold a tire for me, gilespargiter! I expect to begin this trip sometime in mid to late April, but haven't fixed an arrival time or airport. If I run into any problems like this, I will PM you as you suggested.
Nigeyy
Legendary Member
- Location
- Massachusetts, USA
Just be aware it might not be simple to change wheel sizes -obviously best to put a 700c wheel in first to see if you will have issues (hopefully you or a friend will provide one). As someone else posted, sometimes you will get a problem with brake reach -meaning the pads for the brakes will not be able to reach the 700c rim. Assuming you have single pivot or road style brakes, you can fix this by using long reach brakes, but be warned that they are not as good as now you can have more flex in the brake arm. Further, remember that your bike frame was designed for 27 inch wheels -you will become more susceptible to pedal strike on the ground. Whether this will be a real issue for you, I don't know.
Personally, I think touring with 27 inch wheelset is more than fine -if you are nervous just bring along a spare tyre tucked in your panniers. Also bring a tyre boot (dollar bill, Tyvex strip, whatever works for you). Obviously if your current tyres are worn, I'd replace them with new ones before leaving.
Personally, I think touring with 27 inch wheelset is more than fine -if you are nervous just bring along a spare tyre tucked in your panniers. Also bring a tyre boot (dollar bill, Tyvex strip, whatever works for you). Obviously if your current tyres are worn, I'd replace them with new ones before leaving.
