Can some 26inch MTB frames fit 700c wheels ?

[Stavros94]

Hi !

 

Is it possible that some 26inch frames will take 700c wheels ? If so how will I tell them apart from ones that can’t ? Iv heard it’s possible ?????

[Grease_Monkey]

Hi !

 

Is it possible that some 26inch frames will take 700c wheels ? If so how will I tell them apart from ones that can’t ? Iv heard it’s possible ?????

Yes they can. A 29er or 700c wheel with road bike tyres (25 to 28c) is roughly the same overall size as a 26” wheel with 2.2” mtb tyres.

 

You can tell them apart by the fact that they will have skinny road tyres on them and not mtb tyres.

[Stretched@Birth]

Hi !

 

Is it possible that some 26inch frames will take 700c wheels ? If so how will I tell them apart from ones that can’t ? Iv heard it’s possible [emoji848]?

I have a Giant XTC 26” frame with 29” wheels and 35C tyres. The rear wheel fits, just. I had to file some material away on the bridge between the chain stays for it to fit.

 

Also remember, the hub spacing is different between MTB hubs and road hubs. So make sure the hubs on the wheels you choose fit the frame.

[Stavros94]

Thanks for that ! I figured the hubs are different widths I’ll have to have a look around for a suitable frame to do this on.

 

Was hoping for 32 or 35c tyres for a gravel build and breath some new life into a old MTB frame.

 

Maybe if I use 29er rims with gravel tyres it will fit without the hub issue ?

[Thermophage]

Hi !

 

Is it possible that some 26inch frames will take 700c wheels ? If so how will I tell them apart from ones that can’t ? Iv heard it’s possible ?

Yes

40c commuter tyres. Need a shorter A2C *** though.

Edited May 7, 2021 by Thermophage

[ChrisF]

Thanks for that ! I figured the hubs are different widths I’ll have to have a look around for a suitable frame to do this on.

 

Was hoping for 32 or 35c tyres for a gravel build and breath some new life into a old MTB frame.

 

Maybe if I use 29er rims with gravel tyres it will fit without the hub issue ?

 

Also consider going with 27,5 x 35C gravel tires in the 26" frame ....

 

I was surprised at the wide range of 27,5 gravel tires.

[Stavros94]

Yes

40c commuter tyres. Need a shorter A2C *** though.

Two questions what is an A2C (I’m abit of a noobie) and where can I find a ridged fork like yours ? super rad build and is exactly what iv been thinking of doing ! Edited May 7, 2021 by Styvie

[Stavros94]

Also consider going with 27,5 x 35C gravel tires in the 26" frame ....

 

 

 

I was surprised at the wide range of 27,5 gravel tires.

Yes most definitely! And at the moment the 650b gravel size seems to be more in stock than the 700c

 

Thanks for that !

[DieselnDust]

My Cannondale CAAD4 and CAAD5 hardtail frames could accommodate 700c wheels. The CADD4 took 700x23C wheels comfortably with the Headshock Fatty Ultra. The CAAD 5 could take cyclecross wheels with the lefty fitted. Would have made an awesome gravel bike today

[Thermophage]

Two questions what is an A2C (I’m abit of a noobie) and where can I find a ridged fork like yours ? Mine will have to have gears as I stay in one hell of a hilly part of the country super rad build and is exactly what iv been thinking of doing !

Sorry, A2C is Axle to Crown. The rigid fork on my bike in the pic has a much longer A2C than would be idea. It lifts the front end and thereby also slackens the seat angle, making pedalling odd etc, but you can get around it. The forks are available in places. Just check google RSA or COM for rigid forks etc.

[NotSoBigBen]

Perfect example I guess ... 26" frame with pure mtb wheels and 700x38c tyres!

[Underachiever]

Thanks for that ! I figured the hubs are different widths I’ll have to have a look around for a suitable frame to do this on.

 

Was hoping for 32 or 35c tyres for a gravel build and breath some new life into a old MTB frame.

 

Maybe if I use 29er rims with gravel tyres it will fit without the hub issue ?

Should fit perfectly. 

 

Tolerances on certain parts of the frame might be tight for a 35-38c, but 32 will fit most frames without any mods.

[droo]

Thanks for that ! I figured the hubs are different widths I’ll have to have a look around for a suitable frame to do this on.

 

Was hoping for 32 or 35c tyres for a gravel build and breath some new life into a old MTB frame.

 

Maybe if I use 29er rims with gravel tyres it will fit without the hub issue ?

 

A MTB 29" disc wheelset will do the job, 29" and 700c are the same size. 

 

The disc part is important, rim brakes don't work well on spokes.

[Steady Spin]

A MTB 29" disc wheelset will do the job, 29" and 700c are the same size. 

 

The disc part is important, rim brakes don't work well on spokes.

 

Can confirm that. Running 29" MTB wheels with 700x40 gravel tires. Works super well. 

[ChrisF]

Can confirm that. Running 29" MTB wheels with 700x40 gravel tires. Works super well. 

 

My "not" gravel bike, as per the collective Hub wisdom", runs 700x50C on 29" rims.    

 

 

But that is actually not the OP's question ....    He wants to know if it will fit inside a 26" frame.  The answer to that question seems to vary between different frames .... 

 

 

Maybe the OP needs to confirm the exact frame details (sorry, dont recall if this was posted).  Test fitting a set to the frame may be the best way to be 100% sure.

[DieselnDust]

A MTB 29" disc wheelset will do the job, 29" and 700c are the same size. 

 

The disc part is important, rim brakes don't work well on spokes.

 

 

 

and it has to have 135mm QR hubs for the rear and 100mm QR for the front.

26ers didn't have through axles .......mostly.....

Some had Thru axle forks

Edited May 7, 2021 by DieselnDust