Replacing wheels on Motobecane Mirage
05-28-20, 12:03 PM
#1
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Replacing wheels on Motobecane Mirage
My bike, a Motobecane Mirage, has steel 27" rims. I'd like to convert to aluminum 700c rims to save some weight, and I'm probably going to get them from eBay, because I'm cheap 
What should I look for in a wheel? Will I be able to reuse my current cassette, or will I have to buy a new one? If I do that, will I need to replace my chainring as well? (I already need to replace my chain)
What should I look for in a wheel? Will I be able to reuse my current cassette, or will I have to buy a new one? If I do that, will I need to replace my chainring as well? (I already need to replace my chain)
05-28-20, 12:43 PM
#2
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If you can lower your brake pads by 4mm 700C will work. If you can find wheels that have the same OLD that will work - otherwise you'll have to cold set the rear stays and the brake bridge on the Mirage is fragile as I recall. Or you could just buy 27" wheels on the bay with the proper OLD.
05-28-20, 12:45 PM
#3
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I'd suggest the wheels that come with Sun M13II polished rims. If peel off the stickers, they look like the Rigida rims that came on the Grand Touring and other models. Make sure you have enough room in your brake slots to move the pads down 4mm first. If new wheels come with quick releases, throw them away. External cam QR don't work with horizontal dropouts.
Your bike is sized for 120mm rear wheels. The frame will need to be respaced to use the slightly more modern 126mm (6/7 speed) size. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
You will need a new freewheel (not a cassette) and chain. You will not need new chainrings.
Your bike is sized for 120mm rear wheels. The frame will need to be respaced to use the slightly more modern 126mm (6/7 speed) size. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html
You will need a new freewheel (not a cassette) and chain. You will not need new chainrings.
05-28-20, 01:01 PM
#4
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If you're cheap, go to craigslist where you can select from donor bikes with matching 27" wheelsets and get 'em for free.
An example would be finding a donor for $60 with a Suntour Cyclone rear derailleur, matching 27" wheelset, horrible paint, and bent fork. Sell the derailleur for $60, and toss the donor frame (sans components) in the recycling bin.
An example would be finding a donor for $60 with a Suntour Cyclone rear derailleur, matching 27" wheelset, horrible paint, and bent fork. Sell the derailleur for $60, and toss the donor frame (sans components) in the recycling bin.
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