650c wheels bicycle (for 5'3 and under)

Shouldn't be that much dissimilar, unless the geometry is very different (i.e. less severe seat tube angle compare to the Fuji of your).

Ed, that's what I'm hoping. I'd like to have a bike I can get fat tyres on during a bad winter, if need be which 650c wheels don't accommodate.

26" wheels give you a much wider choices of not only tyres but rims too.

Wider rims allowed says, a 25c tyres to feel more like a 28c without taking up the volume.

The other solution I can think of is converting your Fuji from 650c to 26", the major change you'd need to make beside the wheelsets is to purchase longer reach brakes.

Personally, the latter is the better solution in the long term, the smaller wheel (very slightly) allowed more room to fit bigger tyres in, and lowered the bottom bracket as low as a typical road bike too, especially if you plan to ride singlespeed indefinitely.

It also mean that you have two bicycles with identical wheels allowing you to not have two different option that may be expensive in the long term instead of having two set of inner tubes, just the one is enough.

Now THAT sounds interesting.............

Could I change the wheels on a 700c steel road bike to 26"? Is it 'just' a matter of long reach brakes?

I'm afraid it'll be too much of a drop in size, however going down from 700c to 650b/c* is doable depending on the frame, the Surly Pacer for example can be converted from 700c to 650b;

The original max clearance for 700c is 32c (28c with mudguards), adding 650b allowed you to run even bigger tyres says 38c, even 42c (with mudguards).

with stock forks?

With the 38mm, yep, not sure about the 42mm one.

OK. I'll revisit the steel frame wheel change another time.

You've given me something to think about re 26" wheels on the Fuji. Would make a nice project for the summer. Keeping it SS too.

Cheers Ed.

Plenty of Felt F95's about- although for some (insane) reason retailers list them as kids bikes. Sora and good choice of cranklength (160mm) for the shorter rider. Decent value at £650 I think.

Felt F95 JR?

47cm top tube which work out to about 50cm theoretical.

have you had a look @ the Decathlon Triaban 3

They do small sizes in 700c and , I think, now do youth size which might fit you...

Their website is rather hard work to navigate - How near are you to Surrey Quays, which is their main shop in London?

And no geometry chart which is also quite frustrating.

@ Peter Carter/edscoble. I've heard good things about the T3 but wasn't aware there was a 'small' version. I work at London Bridge so can easily wander over to Surrey Quays and take a look.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
1 frame and fork suitable for children measuring over 125 cm.
2 wheel: size 600 or 24" (23-540); rear and front quick-release.
3 chainset: 40 tooth single chainring, length152mm.
4 sprockets: 14 - 16 - 18 - 20 - 22 - 24
5 shift lever on handlebar close to stem.
6 pedals with toe-clips and straps (removable).
7 Seat/ seatpost: manual saddle clamp for adjusting saddle heigt without tools.
8 brakes: double brake lever for maximum safety.
9 bottle holder: 2 screws for fitting bottle holder.
10 stem: Aluminium aheadset system (non-adjustable in height).

They have a cheaper version with Microshift shifter and steel fork (a lots better than an alu fork if you like your comfort) for £280, but then again, £20 more get you a full Shimano 2300 groupset which is fine.

Won't be long before the 2300 will be replaced with a more hand friendly Claris making budget bike even better a value.

Surrey Quays is well worth a visit. I d imagine that the stock levels should be improving

Personally, I am tempted by the T3, the frame and basic kit is decent.

Don't forget to add a bit more says, £25-45 to get it installed properly at a decent bike shop.

If you are quick (hour and a bit to go...) and don't mind a touring frame...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171009189811?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 I got one 26" very long stays so a bit slow in turning, but very versatile (up to 2.2 clearance for tires, carries 20-25 KG and all that)

This one has a 46 cm top tube...

So I visited Islabikes and rode the Luath small. I'm in love! I love the secondary levers on it too.

I'd have to change the saddle and, possibly, put a slightly longer stem on it. I have to get one cos it's in my favourite colour - red :-).

Really glad to hear that, did you consult Scherrit about it? He helped me choose a frame for my g/.

So I visited Islabikes and rode the Luath small. I'm in love! I love the secondary levers on it too.

I'd have to change the saddle and, possibly, put a slightly longer stem on it. I have to get one cos it's in my favourite colour - red :-).

Wow. I am so envious. Still haven't got the money to buy mine, but can't wait to see yours.

@ Ed, no I didn't consult Scherrit but I'll be contacting him about it and getting fitted.

@ Schoosh - no money but I have a credit card and I'm willing to use it. Not sensible at all!

So I visited Islabikes and rode the Luath small. I'm in love! I love the secondary levers on it too.

I'd have to change the saddle and, possibly, put a slightly longer stem on it. I have to get one cos it's in my favourite colour - red :-).

Ha! Islabikes FTW! :) When do you buy it? PS - we put a longer stem on mine. God I love the Isla :)

Hi LH. Long time no see!

Not bought it yet. Was hoping to increase my overall debt toward the end of April, but the S/S needs new wheels so that will now take precedence. Aiming to have the Luath before the end of the summer though.

What size stem did you put on yours? It comes with a 60mm stem, so I was thinking changing it to 80mm might work better. That's just a guess though.

Can't remember, but will check it out and get back to you on that one.

Cafewanda, changing your rims to 26" (559bsd) will move the braking surface 6mm. It may be possible to use the current brakes, and the rims could be a lot cheaper than the 650Cs available. It would need new spokes and tyres, so swings and round abouts.