Switching from 700c to 26"

JeevenSD

I purchased the frame of a scott sportster 55 2011 hybrid of the internet recently and the original specs of the bike are as here http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-55-2011-hybrid-bike-ec025468#features

The original fork and rims were for 700c tires, If I were to buy a new fork and rims designed for 26" wheels would I be alright to fit 26" tires of any thickness with that frame or would there be a size issue against the frame on the rear wheel?

lostboysaint

Why not just put 29er rims and tyres in there? Similar size to 700c so no mucking about changing stuff - you'd need to be careful about tyre clearances though I suspect simply 'cos MTB tyres are bigger than hybrid stuff.

JeevenSD

Ok great will look into 29er parts, I literally just have a bare frame at the moment so I could go down any route. Do you know how I'd be able to check the tyre clearance?

rockmonkeysc

650b might be closer to 700c over the diameter of the tyre.

JeevenSD

Would tire clearence be the only thing I have to worry about if I decide to go down the 26" route?

CitizenLee

Bottom bracket will be lower so you'll have to consider crank length to avoid pedal strikes.

The Rookie

My commuter is a 700c frame using 26" wheels.

You need a 700c/29er fork otherwise you will drop the front and steepen the head angle and it will feel very twitchy. Otherwise using 26" wheels with 1.5" slicks the bike rides very well, I did try some 700c wheels fitted with wider Hybrid style 48mm tyres, but they were pretty heavy and it felt worse than on the 26".