26" to 27.5" wheel swap?

[chambo34]

apologies if it's already been discussed but has anyone managed to put 27.5" wheels into an older 26" wheel frame?

 

[novocaine]

Depends on the frame/fork. some can manage it, others simple can't. you will be raising the BB height which can make for an unstable ride, but geometry (spits on floor) is more than just one change and the bike maybe fine with it.

I know I can fit 650b in my inbred having tried it and at some point I will pull the trigger and build a new set of wheels, simply because it will open up tyre choice.

 

[eightyeight]

Ha yeah, tyre choice is the thing that kills having a 26er.
27.5 with cross or road tyres are probably about the same size as 26 with 2.3" tyres. I've got 26*2.3 in my GT and there is already barely any spare room so running 27.5*2.3 is clearly not an option.
So yeah, frame and tyre choice are paramount.

 

[jimo746]

apologies if it's already been discussed but has anyone managed to put 27.5" wheels into an older 26" wheel frame?

yes, but I’ve only done it on frames/forks with disc brakes, rim brakes would just need adapters (that are available), or brakes with some room to move the brake pads up a little. A bit simpler with discs.
As mentioned, each frame/ model is different, see if you can borrow some 27.5” wheels to try. I was running 26x2.4 and managed 650b/27.5”x1.9 (Panaracer Gravelking) with room to spare.
It’s usually clearance with the chainstays or the seat stay bridge that causes issues, in my experience.

 

[chambo34]

it's a 94 Carrera Krakatoa, currently running a 26 x 2.1 on the rear, there's some clearance left at the sides, the front does look ok for clearance, I guess the pads will raise up on the old Shimano cantis
?

 

[jimo746]

The brakes might adjust, though maybe not. You can get V-brakes that should adjust enough.
Have you got some wheels in mind? 27.5" rim brake rims are a bit thin on the ground...

 

[eightyeight]

I stupidly assumed we were talking dics, rim brakes bring a whole new world of pain to this and, at this point, i would ask why. If it's a classic retro then this is vandalism if it's not then just buy a cheap 27.5/29er. You can get them second hand quite cheap, probably less than the cost of getting 27.5 rim brake wheels built.

 

[chambo34]

The brakes might adjust, though maybe not. You can get V-brakes that should adjust enough.
Have you got some wheels in mind? 27.5" rim brake rims are a bit thin on the ground...

nothing in mind as yet, but hoping to keep it traditional rim brake, I'd prefer cantis but V's could be used and I do have a half decent set already.

 

[eightyeight]

Oh and incase anyone else is reading this for advice, don't do it with suspension forks. A heavy impact on the front can lead to the tyre hitting the crown, jamming the wheel and sending you flying.

 

[chambo34]

I stupidly assumed we were talking dics, rim brakes bring a whole new world of pain to this and, at this point, i would ask why. If it's a classic retro then this is vandalism if it's not then just buy a cheap 27.5/29er. You can get them second hand quite cheap, probably less than the cost of getting 27.5 rim brake wheels built.

it's an old Carrera Krakatoa, value is virtually nil and it is definitely of the 'Triggers Broom' variety, only the frame, forks, headset , BB, brake arms and derailleurs are original, everything else has been swapped twice.