UKC

Hi, Ive got a steel frame hardtail bike (Dialled Bikes Prince Albert) which has clearance for either 26" wheels as originally intended, or 27.5" (650b). Im thinking of running this with rigid forks, and will get the appropriate length to maintain the original geometry (its suited for 120-140mm travel). What im wondering is would there be any negative effects on handling by raising the bike by 0.75" (1.9cm) ?

In reply to Pesda potato:

A higher bottom bracket makes the bike a tiny bit less stable, as it raises your centre of gravity, but if you're going to run rigid forks, then you're presumably not planning on pushing the limits too much... In reality, though, the difference won't be quite as much as you've stated, because the real difference in diameter of the two wheel sizes is actually less than the nominal 1½", - the tyres you run could make almost as much difference, themselves.

In reply to The Wise Old Elf:

Wise words mr elf, do others agree?

In reply to Pesda potato:

I would be thinking of using 2.2 / 2.4" tyres probably so the same as what I had on it as a 26".

In reply to Pesda potato:

Unlikely that raising the bike alone makes much difference, but getting the fork length right is critical.

CB