27 x 1 1/4 / 700c wheel question

I had a search for this question and couldn't find an answer so I am posting it...

I'm helping my girlfriend out as she had her back wheel stolen. A friend of mine has a 27x1 1/4 wheel knocking about which she can have. However her original wheel and current front wheel are 700c. Would it be a problem to mix and match a 27 x 1 1/4 rear wheel with a 700c front wheel?

As far as I can tell the answer is no as it seems like there is only an 8mm difference between the two. But I just want to check before I cycle around to get it and then fit a new freewheel, tyre, blah blah!!

So if you can answer that question it would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

As you say 27 x 1/14" wheels are a bit bigger than 700C wheels.

It could be more complicated than that !

27" Tyres are hard to get now and 700C tyres won't fit on the rim properly ( at least that's my experience with Conti ultra gaitors)

If you are using a free wheel rather than a cassette type cluster of rear cogs there will be the issue of OLN ( over lock nut) rear wheel dimensions as there may be a 7 or 8mm difference there.

The other issue is if the brake calipers will allow enough adjustment to place the brake blocks properly on the rim braking surface.

Having tried this twice now and wishing I had not , my advice would be get a 700c wheel if you can. It could cost you around £20 to £25 and will save you a lot of grief.

However try it in the frame and see, it may just work !

Regards Allister

Apart from the brake and gear problems allister listed, there shouldn't really be any problem. I've run with a 27" rear and 700c front before and it was fine. You can get low quality tyres off of ebay cheaply, but like allister said, a 700c wheel is preferable as better quality tyres are more readily available.