Re: [CR] 700c v 27" Timeline

(Example: Framebuilding:Paint)

Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:05:01 -0600
To: Wayne Bingham <veloclassique@gmail.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Mark Stonich" <mark@bikesmithdesign.com>
In-Reply-To: <a5a5db6f0912251337v268f250dx404cb5d135d6eba@mail.gmail.com>
References:
Subject: Re: [CR] 700c v 27" Timeline


At 12/25/2009 04:37 PM -0500, Wayne Bingham wrote:
>Even though they were certainly fading in popularity, 27" wheels were
>certainly not obsolete in the early 80's. Trek's 1983 high-end touring
>frame/bike (it was available both ways) model 720 was built for 27" wheels.
>The explanation I remember hearing was that Trek still believed that a
>"touring" cyclist would have better luck finding 27" rims and tires in
>remote areas, as opposed to 700c. I'm not really sure if either that
>perception or the reality was the case at that time though.

My Trek 720 has the brake pivots mounted so high that, with narrow 700s, the pads would be moving as much downward as inward when they contact the rim. I assume this was to give maximum leverage with 27s. Might work with wider 700s, but IMHO the bike is built too light for loaded touring. It really shines as a fendered day tripper, with 27" narrow rims & 28mm rubber. Those 47mm chainstays and small diameter seatstays make it a great choice for a long day on bad roads. While it's a bit squirmy with a big load on the rear, as Jan would say "It planes.".

My '86 Jack Taylor Super Tourist has the rear canti pivots positioned for 27" and the fronts for 700. The Mafac tandem cantis offer enough adjustability that my 27" Mod 58s work at both ends

Since the rear dropouts are old campi 1060s with 5x 0.9mm eyelet threads and the fork has SunTour, I assumed the fork was a replacement. But the serial numbers match. Idiosyncrasies like this are part of why British bikes interest me.

In '85 I bought my younger son a Bridgestone 500 with 700s. I gave those silly rims away and built him a proper set of 27s :-(

Mark Stonich;
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