Re: [CR]Ride comfort of hiflange 27" Campy compared to low 700c?

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2004)

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 09:58:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Thomas Adams" <thomasthomasa@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Ride comfort of hiflange 27" Campy compared to low 700c?
To: Jeff Potter <jeff@outyourbackdoor.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <p04330117bf4616b5ecee@[192.168.0.2]>


Those who claim to be able to feel the difference say high flange are a bit stiffer than low, but how much is the question.

Having ridden both flange sizes, I'm of the opinion that frame design, saddle comfort and tire width/pressure all greatly overshadow the flange height's effect on ride. If you find the 700c are uncomfortable, then slap on some big fat rubber. Panaracer Pasela's should fit your paramount fine, and at sizes up to 35mm, the tire is cushy while still being reasonably fast. Also available in steel bead, which you will need for the Weinnman rims. If you can get a good deal on the new wheels, try em out. But try to make the trade while keeping the old wheels if you need to switch back. One experiment is worth 100 theories.

One further caveat: make sure your brakes have enough reach remaining so you can drop the pads the 4-5 mm needed to reach the 700c rims. My old Paramount used 27 inch wheels and a Weinmann 750 (750mm or vertical reach!! ) brake on the rear with the pads all the way down in the slots: you could not use 700c rims with those brakes on that frame, and I shudder to think of trying to find a longer reach brake. You could pass a golf ball through the rear brake arch on that bike.

Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ

Jeff Potter <jeff@outyourbackdoor.com> wrote: I'm presently riding lowflange Campys and 27" Weinmann Concaves on my 25" Paramount sport-tourer. They seem very nice. However, I do like the looks of hiflange and I have a chance to make a trade for a set of 700c, same rims. But does hiflange ride noticeably differently? I've heard they're stiffer. This is a big bike and I weigh 180. I noticed my rear load on the Blackburn rack sway on my last tour with 20 pounds on it. It made me muse about integral and/or steel racks---but maybe hiflange plus smaller wheels would firm up the ride. But maybe flex is no real biggy---I don't load-tour much. I sure do love a cushy ride! Maybe I'd be giving up too much cush when switching to from hi 27" to lo 700c. Ideas? --

**** Jeff Potter **** *Out Your Backdoor * http://www.outyourbackdoor.com publisher of DIY culture ... bikes, skis, boats, books, music & much more ... 4686 Meridian Rd., Williamston MI 48895 800-763-6923 THE HUGEST-EVER OYB ISSUE #10 IS NOW AVAILABLE!

_______________________________________________

---------------------------------
Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.