Bikes Tips

Can I Put 700c Wheels On A Mountain Bike?

Written by John Tomac

It is generally possible to install 700c wheels on a mountain bike, but it is important to consider whether or not the bike is compatible with this type of wheel and if it will affect the performance of the bike.

700c wheels are a common size for road bikes and are typically larger than the wheels found on most mountain bikes, which are usually 26 inches or 29 inches in diameter. The frame and fork of a mountain bike are designed to accommodate these larger wheels, so they may not have enough clearance to fit 700c wheels. Additionally, mountain bikes are typically designed with a suspension system to absorb shock and handle rough terrain, which may not be compatible with the rigid frame of a road bike.

If you are considering installing 700c wheels on a mountain bike, it is important to carefully evaluate the compatibility of the bike and the potential impact on its performance. It may be necessary to make modifications to the bike, such as changing the fork or installing different brakes, in order to safely and effectively use 700c wheels. It is also important to consider the type of terrain you will be riding on and whether or not the bike will be able to handle it with the new wheels.

What Does 700c Wheel Means on a bike?

700c refers to the diameter of the wheel and tire, not the width. The “c” in 700c stands for “ISO diameter”, which is a standardized measurement used to describe the size of bicycle wheels. The number 700 refers to the diameter of the tire in millimeters when it is inflated and installed on the rim.

700c wheels are a common size for road bikes and are typically larger than the wheels found on mountain bikes, which are usually 26 inches or 29 inches in diameter. 700c wheels are designed for smooth, paved surfaces and are not as suitable for off-road terrain. They are generally lighter and more aerodynamic than larger wheels, which makes them well-suited for road cycling and racing.

It is important to note that 700c wheels may not fit all bikes, as the frame and fork must have sufficient clearance to accommodate the larger size. It is also important to use tires and tubes that are compatible with 700c wheels and to ensure that they are properly inflated for the best performance and safety.

Can I Put 700c Wheels On A Mountain Bike – 29er MTB?

It is generally possible to install 700c wheels on a mountain bike, including a 29er, but it is important to consider whether or not the bike is compatible with this type of wheel and if it will affect the performance of the bike.

29er mountain bikes are designed with larger wheels, typically 29 inches in diameter, and are intended for use on off-road terrain. These larger wheels offer several benefits, such as increased rollover ability and a smoother ride on rough trails. However, they also require a larger frame and fork to accommodate the larger size.

If you are considering installing 700c wheels on a 29er mountain bike, it is important to carefully evaluate the compatibility of the bike and the potential impact on its performance. In general, the frame and fork of a 29er mountain bike may not have enough clearance to fit 700c wheels, which are typically larger than the wheels found on most mountain bikes. Additionally, the suspension system and other components of the bike may not be compatible with the rigid frame of a road bike.

It is also important to consider the type of terrain you will be riding on and whether or not the bike will be able to handle it with the new wheels. In general, 700c wheels are not as suitable for off-road terrain as larger mountain bike wheels, and may not provide the same level of traction and stability.

If you are determined to use 700c wheels on a 29er mountain bike, it may be necessary to make modifications to the bike, such as changing the fork or installing different brakes, in order to safely and effectively use the new wheels. However, these modifications can be costly and may not always be practical. It is generally best to use the wheels and tires that are designed and recommended by the manufacturer for the best performance and safety.

Can You Put 700c Wheels On A 26” Bike

It is generally possible to install 700c wheels on a bike with 26-inch wheels, but it is important to consider whether or not the bike is compatible with this type of wheel and if it will affect the performance of the bike.

The frame and fork of a bike must have sufficient clearance to accommodate the larger size of 700c wheels, which are typically larger than the wheels found on most mountain bikes. If the frame and fork are not designed to accommodate 700c wheels, it may be difficult or impossible to install them without making significant modifications to the bike.

Additionally, the suspension system and other components of the bike may not be compatible with the rigid frame of a road bike, which is typically designed for use on smooth, paved surfaces. If you are considering installing 700c wheels on a bike with 26-inch wheels, it is important to carefully evaluate the compatibility of the bike and the potential impact on its performance.

It is also important to consider the type of terrain you will be riding on and whether or not the bike will be able to handle it with the new wheels. In general, 700c wheels are not as suitable for off-road terrain as larger mountain bike wheels, and may not provide the same level of traction and stability.

If you are determined to use 700c wheels on a bike with 26-inch wheels, it may be necessary to make modifications to the bike, such as changing the fork or installing different brakes, in order to safely and effectively use the new wheels. However, these modifications can be costly and may not always be practical. It is generally best to use the wheels and tires that are designed and recommended by the manufacturer for the best performance and safety.

Are All 700c Wheels The Same Size?

Not all 700c wheels are the same size. The 700c size designation refers to the diameter of the tire when it is installed on the rim and inflated, and the “c” stands for “ISO diameter”, which is a standardized measurement used to describe the size of bicycle wheels.

However, within the 700c size range, there can be variations in the width of the tire and the size of the rim. For example, a 700c tire may be designed to fit a narrow road bike rim or a wider touring rim. Similarly, the tire itself may be narrower or wider depending on its intended use and the type of bike it is intended for.

It is important to use tires and wheels that are compatible with each other and with the bike. Using the wrong size or type of tire on a particular rim can lead to problems such as poor performance, instability, and even accidents

Are Mountain Bikes Faster With 700c Wheels?

It is generally not accurate to say that mountain bikes are faster with 700c wheels. Mountain bikes are designed with larger wheels, typically 26 inches or 29 inches in diameter, and are intended for use on off-road terrain. These larger wheels offer several benefits, such as increased rollover ability and a smoother ride on rough trails.

In contrast, 700c wheels are a common size for road bikes and are typically designed for smooth, paved surfaces. They are generally lighter and more aerodynamic than larger wheels, which makes them well-suited for road cycling and racing. However, 700c wheels may not be as suitable for off-road terrain as larger mountain bike wheels, and may not provide the same level of traction and stability.

Additionally, the frame and fork of a mountain bike are designed to accommodate the larger size of mountain bike wheels, and may not have sufficient clearance to fit 700c wheels. The suspension system and other components of the bike may also not be compatible with the rigid frame of a road bike.

Can I Use Road Bike Wheels On A Mountain Bike?

Road bike wheels are typically designed for smooth, paved surfaces and are not as suitable for off-road terrain as mountain bike wheels. They may not provide the same level of traction and stability on rough trails, and may be more prone to damage from obstacles such as rocks and roots. Additionally, road bike wheels are generally lighter and more aerodynamic than mountain bike wheels, which may not be ideal for off-road use.

The frame and fork of a mountain bike are designed to accommodate the larger size of mountain bike wheels, and may not have sufficient clearance to fit road bike wheels. The suspension system and other components of the bike may also not be compatible with the rigid frame of a road bike.

If you are considering using road bike wheels on a mountain bike, it is important to carefully evaluate the compatibility of the bike and the potential impact on its performance. It may be necessary to make modifications to the bike, such as changing the fork or installing different brakes, in order to safely and effectively use road bike wheels. It is also important to consider the type of terrain you will be riding on and whether or not the bike will be able to handle it with the new wheels.

What Are The Challenges Of Putting 700c On A Mountain Bike?

There are several challenges to consider when putting 700c wheels on a mountain bike:

  1. Compatibility: The frame and fork of a mountain bike are designed to accommodate the larger size of mountain bike wheels, and may not have sufficient clearance to fit 700c wheels. It may be necessary to make modifications to the bike, such as changing the fork or installing different brakes, in order to safely and effectively use 700c wheels.
  2. Performance: 700c wheels are typically designed for smooth, paved surfaces and are not as suitable for off-road terrain as larger mountain bike wheels. They may not provide the same level of traction and stability, and may not be able to handle the rough terrain and obstacles commonly found on mountain bike trails.
  3. Handling: Mountain bikes are designed with a suspension system to absorb shock and handle rough terrain, which may not be compatible with the rigid frame of a road bike. Using 700c wheels on a mountain bike may affect the handling and stability of the bike, making it more difficult to control on rough terrain.
  4. Cost: Making modifications to a mountain bike in order to use 700c wheels can be costly and may not always be practical. It is generally best to use the wheels and tires that are designed and recommended by the manufacturer for the best performance and safety.

Overall, it is generally not recommended to use 700c wheels on a mountain bike due to the potential impact on performance and handling.

About the author

John Tomac

John Tomac is a retired American professional cyclist who is considered one of the greatest mountain bikers of all time.

He won numerous national and international titles during his career and also competed in road racing events such as the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

Tomac now works as a coach and commentator and is also involved in charitable organizations that support disadvantaged youth and promote the sport of cycling.

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