26" to 700c Conversion- worth it or worthless folly?

Posted on
  • I've got a beautiful Alves 26" drop barred single speed mountain bike that I keep eying up for a possible conversion to 700c wheels using centre pull brakes.

    700s fit with clearence for easily up to 35mm tyres on 21mm wide rims. Both fork and rear bridge are drilled with a brake drop of roughly 55mm so it looks to the untrained eye that Dia Compe 610 centre pull brakes will fit and function. I've never used centre pull brakes before so I'd like to hear people's experiences with them.

    I love the bike and it's a real joy to ride. Typical use is 75% on the road with the rest being gravel and tow path type terrain.

    So the big questions are; is it worth the time, hassle and expense or should I ignore my temptation to tinker and just continue to ride it and enjoy it the way God intended? Will I notice any real difference between the 26x1.75 combination fitted now and the possible 700x35?

    Thanks in advance.


    3 Attachments

    • image.png
    • image.png
    • image.jpeg
  • http://urbanvelo.org/mavic-700c-brake-post-adapter/
    Maybe something to consider. These come up on ebay, theyre designed to raise studs and keep the same brakes.

  • I have seen those adapters before but the rear is a u brake so I don't think I'd be able to use them.

  • Would the rear u stud position work like a canti with a 700 rim with a canti brake?

  • It's sort of been asked before....
    https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/286693/#comment12982148

    I used side pull brakes and there was room for wider tyres but the frame was quite heavy so I didn't continue with mine. Try it before you pull the trigger on relatively expensive centre pulls by using side pulls. You can pick up dual pivot calipers quite cheaply.

  • Would the centre pull callipers fit around the current brake posts or would they have to be removed?

  • Leave as is I say. It looks a bit different like that. Can you go fatter than 1.75?

  • The centre pull calipers would fit without removing the current lugs, after a bit more measuring I think that deep drop calipers would fit also.

  • I'm think about that route aswell, if I could get the current tyres in 2.0" size I think it would be the best of both worlds.

  • Post a reply
    • Bold
    • Italics
    • Link
    • Image
    • List
    • Quote
    • code
    • Preview
About

26" to 700c Conversion- worth it or worthless folly?

Posted by Avatar for Ducky🦆 @Ducky🦆

Actions