Dnez

I just found a 86 Schwinn Sprint at a tag sale, and was hoping to buy a new wheel set to save some weight. I went to the local bike shop, and they did find a replacement bolt on 27 x 11/4 in their catalog, which were aluminium instead of the original chromed steel. I wouldn't mind buying a set of 27s if it is my only option, but I was told by a friend that 700c wheels should fit the bike, and I would prefer having an easier time finding new tires in the future.

I've tried for awhile to find the answer online, but haven't been lucky. Has anyone swapped 27s for 700c? If so, are there any changes in manufacturing that would keep me from being able to switch to any bolt on 700c that I haven't thought of?
Any info would be greatly appreciated so I can get out on the road.

bikemig 

If the bike has caliper brakes (not cantilevers, and I believe the Sprint has calipers), then switching to 700c is not a big deal. Either the existing brakes have the reach for 700c wheels (the pads need to drop down 4 or so mm) or you should be able find calipers that will do the job. This is no big deal and people do it all the time.

Dnez

It does have calipers. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

SurferRosa

JMO, but this is not the kind of bike you should be upgrading with new wheels and brakes.

Aluminum rims in size 27" are a good upgrade for this low level schwinn, but you will want to find a used set or an inexpensive donor bike.

Panaracer Paselas are really good 27" tires, a great value, and readily available in several widths.

Dnez

I'm a novice when it comes to upgrading bikes, so I'm open to opinions. Why not switch to 700c?

Rage

The cost to benefit ratio is kind of off, is what SurferRosa means.

bark_eater 

If you think you will like tinkering with old bikes, it might be worth investing in a reasonable wheel set. If another bike pops up you can switch the wheels over and your 1/2 way to "restored" I've gotten a lot of miles out of a 700c wheelset with cr-18 rims and Quando sealed bearing hubs. The hubs take a free wheel and have a 126mm rear spacing which fits a lot of "classic" bikes. I got them from Velomine but their available everywhere.

Sun CR18 Road Bike Sealed Bearing 700c Wheelset 126mm Rear [73651] - $129.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

nlerner

You also have to make sure that the new rear wheel has the same axle spacing as the one you’re replacing. As gear clusters grew, rear spacing went from 120mm, to 126, to 130, and even 135 for some tourers and mtbs. New wheel sets are likely to be one of the wider spacing.

madpogue 

A 1986 bike will most likely have 126mm rear spacing, esp. if it's 6-speed. As said, you're much better off looking for a used aluminum wheelset from that time.

ryansu

As @SurferRosa mentioned 27" tires are readily available, don't believe anyone who says they are scarce, just look at Amazon and Bike tires direct and see for yourself. Another option for a used wheelset is a bike Co-op if you have one near you. As others mentioned Velomine and Amazon both have 27 and 700c wheelsets available just be sure to check the spacing on the rear as has been mentioned. I think RJ the bike guy on YouTube did a 27" to 700c conversion but its not really necessary unless you want very narrow or very wide tires, you have 4 widths to choose from in 27" tires. I might suggest that unless the wheels on your Schwinn are trashed get some new tires, make sure its safe and can shift and stop, and ride it for a while before making upgrades just to be sure it fits and that you like it. You may find its too big or too small or you may find it fits like a glove. I have been guilty of spending $$ on upgrades only to find the bike is not quite right and lamented not riding it more first. Have fun and post pics when you have enough posts.

browngw 

I have a couple of 70's bikes with 27x1 1/4 wheels that I very much like riding as is. Both have Panaracer Pasela PT tires which are excellent. An older frame of this type will never be a carbon sprinter but might be a very nice vintage ride. Alloy rims will improve braking. Lots of used 27" wheelsets out there as well.

John E

The wheels do not even have to match. I use big rear rack panniers on the Peugeot, and the aftermarket fork has less rake than the OEM unit. I have a 27 x 1-1/4" tire in back for the load and a 700Cx28 in front to reduce toe-to-tire overlap. Works like a champ.

I always recommend replacing steel rims with aluminum, if the price is consistent with the quality and condition of the bicycle. If you make only three upgrades, they should be KoolStop brake pads, new brake cables (housings and center wires), and aluminum rims.