26er weels on 27.5 frame

[gunslinger 586@gmail.com]

I was wondering if i can put 26er weels on 27.5(605b) frame. Until i can get 27.5 weels

[Iwan Kemp]

Hi and welcome to Bike Hub.

 

Technically its possible, but the reduced height will have a huge knock on effect on the bikes geometry and handling. Don't know how you much you know so excuse me for assuming for the sake of this that you know very little

 

http://www.dreambike.com/images/ventana/salt11geo.jpg

 

The smaller wheels will lower the bike and with it the BB height. The will lower the centre of gravity and give it a planted feel, but chances are you will hit rocks and roots very often when pedaling. Rolling over obstacles could also be a challenge as the ower BB height could lead to damage to the chainring or crank when knocked against a rock, tree trunk or root. Hit one hard enough and you will come down with the bike.

 

As long as you are aware and adapt to these you should be okay, but that's a very short term solution. Best would be to ride 27.5" wheels on that frame in order for the bike's design to make sense.

[gunslinger 586@gmail.com]

Thanks and jea im just starting to learn more

[johanpre44]

Just to add a bit more specifics,

ISO Rim diamiter for 650b/27.5" is 584mm, and for 26" its 559mm. This is a 25mm difference which will drop the BB by 12.5mm if 26" wheel is used on the 650b/27.5" frame. Doesn't sound like much but the rock-strikes on crank ends are very scary when it happens (and can through you off the bike...).

 

If you ride smooth trails or tar it will obviously not make much of a difference (BB height on Road bikes can be 50mm less than Hardtail MTB).

 

Changing tires on a 26" MTB from 2.3" wide to 1.5" wide slicks have a very similar effect (+-10mm drop in BB height).

[porqui]

As soon as Tokai opens you want 27.5 wheels no later!

[popcorn_skollie]

It really depends on the bike.

If you can get your hands on a pair of these it should make for some interesting fun in the meantime...

http://www.treefortbikes.com/images/raw/TR0082.jpg

[PhilipV]

A mate of mine had a wheel issue on his bike and put his 26inch wheels back on for a while. He said the handling was the same and he only worried about pedal strikes.

Do it until you can afford the 27.5 wheels, but do it with proper fat tyres to give a bit more height.