700c/29er wheels on 26 MTB

Hey all

Wanted to run something past everyone. Am thinking of getting some larger wheels for Whyte hardtail so can use on events with less technical stuff (can’t afford a CX bike) and get much better roll.

My bike has discs so don’t have rim width + brakes problems. Have measured axle to suspension cross-over and should be able to fit a wheel with final diameter under 680mm-690mm. Assuming 29er wheels are same width as my current 26 wheels. So…

– Anyone know any CX 700c/29er tyres with diameter under 690mm? I’ve been using widely spread theory of ‘final diameter = stated diameter + 2 x stated width’.

– Have I missed an obvious point? I’m pretty new to customising at this level so am probably ignoring something crucial!

Any thoughts appreciated

Thansk

Nick

sounds like what you need is 650b…

Yeah, thought about them but I’m really after maximum roll rather than something inbetween. I think I can fit a 29er wheel in with low-depth tyre – reckon that extra 1 1/2 inch will make some difference on speed.

Seen this done quite a few times, although mainly to convert MTBs for road use. 700c wheels with skinny tyres are going to be a similar diameter to 26″ knobblies so it probably won’t mess up the handling all that much.

Remember rear hub spacing may be different for 700C wheels though.

This is a pic of my Tinbred with 700c rims (built onto MTB hubs) and 35mm cyclo cross tyre…

I’ve put CX wheels in an MTB, it worked, but it screwed the handling up a bit and wasn’t really lots faster than a 26″ semi slick.

You can get 95% of the benefits just by changing the tyres and pumping them up a bit.

You know what, I hadn’t considered that as my current Crossmarks are almost maximum diameter for my forks then I won’t really be gaining any extra wheel size from going bigger wheel but lower profile tyres. Seems obvious now. Maybe I’ll try semi slicks.

Anyone got a recommendations on really thick (to increase diameter) semi-slick MTB tyres?

Anyone got a recommendations on really thick (to increase diameter) semi-slick MTB tyres?

Schwalbe Big Apples? I’ve got a set (in 700c) and really rate them, comfortable, reasonably fast rolling.

I have an old Carrerra Subway commuter frame that I wanted to build as a commuter with some spare 29er wheels, but I cant fit a 29×1.5″ slick in the rear. So I’d try & find out for sure before making the assumption that it will fit. To be fair though, the Carrerra is a Commuter so wasnt designed for 26″ knobblies.

I’m thinking of modifying the Carrerra frame slightly…with a hammer. 😉

My Cannondale Bad Boy Frankenbike can just fit a 700×40 tyre with sod all clearance. I’d go 650b in the rear if I had the option again.

Front was no problem as I had 29er forks.

I’m also running a 50mm stem and drop bars just before you think it can’t sound any worse. It’s here

Looks pretty cool to me! What tyres are they?

Think I’m gonna need something that can handle a little more mud than the Big Apples…

You know what, I hadn’t considered that as my current Crossmarks are almost maximum diameter for my forks then I won’t really be gaining any extra wheel size from going bigger wheel but lower profile tyres. Seems obvious now. Maybe I’ll try semi slicks.

You could grind away some of your fork brace and any bits of the bottom bracket or seat-stay brace that fouls a big 29er tyre and increase your speed that way? Most of those so-called ‘structural parts’ are only there because smaller wheels require more bracing,, a proper 29er will be so much faster that it won’t need that stuff. I think…

Disclaimer: I’m not an engineer, just a free-thinking bike visionary.

Specialized Borough, I got them for less than a ten era piece