I want to be able to run big tyres (minimum 700x32c) on a bike I want to build up. I have some nice 700c wheels, looking at getting an old 27" frame.
Anyone know (roughly) what’s the biggest tyres I might be able to run?
Tough to know without mocking it up first. Chainstays are likely to be the tightest area, as they won’t be manipulated like, say, Surly frames are. The frame will likely have semi horizontal dropouts so you can run the wheel all the way back, which when combined with the slightly smaller bead seat diameter will gain you some clearance.
Ultimately it will come down to whether the frame was designed for wide/narrow 27" tyres, and one that had room for guards (and thus also ~1.25 - 1.5" tyres) will be your best bet for fat rubber.
Thanks. I might be getting an old 27" frame for free, so I guess I’ll try that out first with a wheel with 28c tyre and go from there.
1 1/4" = 32mm so you should have no problem fitting 32/700 in any 27" frame. Of course they are always slight variations with size but most tyre manufacturers undersize the tyres so they seem lighter.
tl;dr I reckon your 32mm 700c tyres will fit.
i’m running 35c on that lewis frame you sold me if that helps. i don’t know if its 27 inch though. probably 28.
32 from the measurements I’ve done on the frames that have passed through my shed.
Is this the wet weather shopper you have planned?
Yeah, wet weather / go anywhere / front rack type of deal.
Bit sick of riding a brakeless track bike on the road in horrible weather as well.
Ditched the wasabi idea then?
The MBK went(to Vic) for a fitty on ebay in the end.
What about an old 2 star roadster type frame for the cool factor.You’d be able to get 38/40’s on that.
kinda pashley guvnor style?
Damn, I should have kept an eye on that MBK.
And yeah, too much effing around with the Wasabi. Old 27" road frames come up so often and so cheaply. My mate has a old Ricardo sitting at his house that I might try and get from him, if not, hard rubbish is in the new year.
Thought about the roadster as well. Should’ve kept the Lewis that I sold to BPM!
I picked up a 2 star 50’s style roadster, the one with the funky curved rear brake bridge from Mario.
yet to do anything with it but it’s sexy as in an old school lazy geometry way.
Maybe contact him, he’s got a shed or 2 full of all sorts of bikes, never know what he may have for a good price.
Something like this:
WOW ^ whats the history on that frame, reynolds 531 and Nervex(?) lugs.
Looks like an American College campus professor’s bike from the 60’s.
I posted it in the post your ride section too, full details!
Cheers… I’ll open my eyes before posting next time.
Back to your OT JLN
Now I’ve seen Erle’s bike I want one even more. I reckon I may build it up with a 5 speed and on a 700c frame. But yeah, I migth send Mario an email when I get back to work.
Mike Brisco is another with a large assortment of frames etc…stuff from the refugee bike sale.
Ready to roll, with a funky rear hub to boot.
Another question relating to this… I’ll no doubt have to buy long reach brakes (due to running 700c wheels on a 27” frame), but… will the tyre width affect the brakes, especially if I plan to run wider tyres (32 or 34c?). I may have found a donor frame, this project might finally take off…
Not as much as you’d think, if you’re planning to use sidepulls you’ll generally have less room than centrepulls … and centrepulls have less room than canti’s which are the bukkake of trye clearance. Tyre width will play a factor if/when you’re taking a wheel off as some brakes don’t have as much quick release cable tension adjustment. If you’re considering fenders (mud guards) then the fenders (depending on their width) will be nudging on the tops and sides of your brake arms before any tyre will. Factor at least 1cm wider fenders than the tyre (ex. 43mm fenders are usually fine for 32mm tyres). Remember to ask around about actual tyre widths and also keep in mind that the type/width of rim also influences how wide a tyre is.
So what frame are you deciding on??
Tektro longer reach ‘country bike’ dual pivot brakes have a wide mouth QR that opens further that normal for exactly this purpose, and the arms clear larger tyres too.
TEKTRO
TEKTRO
TEKTRO BRAKE SYSTEMS
Dia Compe make a nice long-long reach centrepull (~70mm+) that you can unhook the straddle from.
Universal Cycles – Dia-Compe Mod 750 Center Pull Brakes
Fancy pants Gran Compe long reach centrepull
Dia Compe #610 Centerpull Brake - Brakes - Brakes & Parts - Components
Velo Orange GC long reach brakes:
Grand Cru Long Reach Brakeset
Rivendell Jack Brown gumwall 33.3mm tyres would be nice. Panaracer Pasela’s another, cheaper option.
Rivendell Bicycle Works: JACK BROWN (Green, Blue)
Schwalbe Big Apples would also be nice, but maybe the black sidewall will clash?