Jeff, The high flange wheels I have had are only very slightly stiffer than the low flanges, barely noticeable and then only when on rough road or going through bumps and the like. I also find that a fairly large touring tire not pumped up to the pressure limit helps with ride cush. On the rear rack sway, just asking, but are you sure the center of the weight of the panniers was forward of the rear axle?? If not the bike will sway like a tail wagging a dog. Also having a rear rack with 2 points of attachment to the seat stays helps vs. 1 point at the brake bridge and distributing some of the weight forward in a handle bar bag or small front panniers helps too.
Dan Mazzeo Morrison, CO
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Potter Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 10:32 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Ride comfort of hiflange 27" Campy compared to low 700c?
I'm presently riding lowflange Campys and 27" Weinmann Concaves on my 25" Paramount sport-tourer. They seem very nice. However, I do like the looks of hiflange and I have a chance to make a trade for a set of 700c, same rims. But does hiflange ride noticeably differently? I've heard they're stiffer. This is a big bike and I weigh 180. I noticed my rear load on the Blackburn rack sway on my last tour with 20 pounds on it. It made me muse about integral and/or steel racks---but maybe hiflange plus smaller wheels would firm up the ride. But maybe flex is no real biggy---I don't load-tour much. I sure do love a cushy ride! Maybe I'd be giving up too much cush when switching to from hi 27" to lo 700c. Ideas? --
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Jeff Potter
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