Re: [CR]Ride comfort of hiflange 27" Campy compared to low 700c?

(Example: Framebuilders:Masi)

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 14:25:08 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
From: "Louis Schulman" <louiss@gate.net>
To: Jeff Potter <jeff@outyourbackdoor.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Ride comfort of hiflange 27" Campy compared to low 700c?


Any difference that people say they feel is purely in their minds. To understand why this is so, read the various articles and FAQs on wheels and wheelbuilding by Jobst Brandt, at various locations on the web. The difference in the length of the spokes simply could not be sufficient to permit a noticeable additional "cushioning" effect at the wheels. If your spokes are so loose that your wheels supply cushioning, then you have much more serious problems to consider. Any properly made wheel should be almost completely stiff in the vertical plane under normal loads.

Louis Schulman Tampa, Florida

-----Original Message----- From: Jeff Potter <jeff@outyourbackdoor.com> Sent: Sep 8, 2005 12:31 PM 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? --

**** Jeff Potter
     **** *Out Your Backdoor * http://www.outyourbackdoor.com
     publisher of DIY culture ... bikes, skis, boats, books, music & much more ...
     4686 Meridian Rd., Williamston MI 48895 800-763-6923
     THE HUGEST-EVER OYB ISSUE #10 IS NOW AVAILABLE!