Wheel Upgrade

[Maherees]

Hi all,
my current gravel bike has 650b wheels and i thought about using it as a winter road bike by upgrading to 700c and keeping the 650b for the better months. When i originally bought the bike from Cycle Republic and muted the idea of getting a wheel upgrade I was told that:
The front-wheel needs to have a 100x12mm hub/thru-axle
The rear wheel needs to have a 142x12mm hub/thru-axle.
Do I simply use this detail to order wheels (and a sprocket) or is there far more to this and I should really get a local bike shop to do this?
many thanks

 

[I like Skol]

Hub details need to include brake rotor type (Centrelock or 6 bolt) if you intend to swap rotors between wheels. You should also check freewheel compatibility with your current drivetrain (9, 10, 11, 12spd) and if Shimano or Campag.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Why do you think 700c is an upgrade. Upgrade in what way?

 

[Maherees]

My current wheels have 1.95 tyres. I'd have thought the larger diameter and slimmer tyre would make the bike a little faster and more efficient?

 

[Cycleops]

In which case why not just get slimmer tyres?

 

[RoadRider400]

Isnt this a perfect half decent excuse to buy another bike?

 

[Maherees]

Isnt this a perfect half decent excuse to buy another bike?

Agreed but there is a whole level management that would need to approve, wheels, I might be able sneak past her.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Try narrower tyres first. Far cheaper to see what you think.

 

[DRM]

https://www.huntbikewheels.com/collections/gravel-wheels
These any good, also remember that you would need to check maximum width of tyre when using 700C wheels

 

[si_c]

My current wheels have 1.95 tyres. I'd have thought the larger diameter and slimmer tyre would make the bike a little faster and more efficient?

It may be slightly more aero dynamic, it might not - it depends on the air interaction between the wheels and the frame. It's likely to be a very small gain however.

I'd have thought you would get more of a speed improvement getting a set of 650b tyres more suitable to the road - something like the Rene Herse Babyshoe pass would be a good choice with the standard casing. Honestly, given the state of the roads in the UK I would expect to be faster with higher volume more comfortable tyres than I would on thin high pressure ones.

 

[boydj]

I would have thought the 650b wheels would have been better for winter / gravel use with 700c and lighter, faster tyres for summer use on the road.

 

[Maherees]

Thanks for the replies - i think I will try the narrower tyre route first. I currently have 1.9 Gravel Kings, would l be able to go down as far as 1.5?

 

[Ajax Bay]

Yes, 1.5 width (37mm) tyres will be fine on the rims you have. 584-37 is the spec (you should find '584' on the side of your Gravel Kings).

 

[si_c]

Thanks for the replies - i think I will try the narrower tyre route first. I currently have 1.9 Gravel Kings, would l be able to go down as far as 1.5?

Probably - the general rule is don't go narrower than the outer width of your rim.

 

[Maherees]

Well as recommend on here i eventually put narrower tyres and it's quite a success - feels like a new bike.
I would have stayed out much longer but it was rather cold.