just got a 27" frame and fork set, and i plan to use 700c wheels on it (it's going to be a fixie so the rear brake doesn't really matter).

what kind of ill effects, if any, should i expect in each of the two scenarios?

1) stock 27" fork, 700c front and rear wheels

2) (new) 700c fork, 700c front and rear wheels

thanks.

just got a 27" frame and fork set, and i plan to use 700c wheels on it (it's going to be a fixie so the rear brake doesn't really matter).

what kind of ill effects, if any, should i expect in each of the two scenarios?

1) stock 27" fork, 700c front and rear wheels

2) (new) 700c fork, 700c front and rear wheels

thanks.

1. Cheaper. Gets great tire / fender clearance when using long reach brakes.

2. May change handling. Finding 700C forks with good clearance can be tough, you'll want to pick your fork with care.

--Shannon

thanks for the info. here's the problem with brakes--the fork ( and frame) is for canti brakes, and 700c rim sits too low for the brakes to work.

thanks for the info. here's the problem with brakes--the fork ( and frame) is for canti brakes, and 700c rim sits too low for the brakes to work.

You need a new fork..

--Shannon

No you don't.

You probably need different brakes, older brakes had more vertical movement and could contact a wider range of rims.

May have to do some vintage shopping for brakes - but cheaper than a fork.

No you don't.

You probably need different brakes, older brakes had more vertical movement and could contact a wider range of rims.

May have to do some vintage shopping for brakes - but cheaper than a fork.


Is this true for cantilevers? I know that older sidepull and centerpull brakes had more reach, but most cantilevers I've seen have little vertical adjustability.

--Shannon

Should be able to get a set of vertically adjustable or even made to fit brakes for a pretty minor amount of dough, probably check out somewhere like Sheldonbrown.com first to start the hunt.

I converted an old 27-inch Trek to singlespeed, and on a whim, I tried the wheels off my wife's (rarely ridden) 700c Bridgestone. There was enough adjustment in my cantilever brakes that it was a straight bolt-on, with just a brake fiddle to make it work.
That doesn't help you with your brake problems, but as far as handling and feel go, I couldn't tell any difference at all with the new wheels. I just don't think that's a worry. Plus you get a MUCH wider tire selection.
If you can't find brakes that work, check Sheldonbrown.com (or maybe a bike shop) for "drop bolts." They're bolts that go through the hole in the fork, then drop down so you can lower the brakes enough to work with 700 wheels.