Would there be a problem with having two different sized wheels on my bike? ?

Question

I am thinking of running a 700c front wheel and a 27in rear wheel (bigger). I have seen bikes with larger front wheels and I don't see a problem with that, but my fear is that if i'm braking hard downhill with a larger rear tire, I may go over the handlebars. Is it safe?

Answer 1

Why do your think that you would go over your handlebars with a larger back wheel? That will not matter at all. The only thing to watch for is that the brakes align well with a smaller wheel - and they should, as mentioned in the first response.

Answer 2

Well.....your logic is running in reverse.  Really it's not an issue at all, but if it were, you'd want to have the larger wheel in front to theoretically offset your weight balance to the rear (counteracting, somewhat, the angle of the hill you're descending).  

The two wheels are close to the same size for all practical purposes here, but you may run into problems getting your brake pads to adjust far enough up/down in the caliper arms to contact the rim surface.  Honestly, though...just straighten out your arms a bit and shift your butt backwards if you need to brake hard on an incline.  Most road brakes aren't strong enough to toss you over the bars anyway unless you're going at very slow speeds....many can't do it at all.  But shift your weight and you'll be fine.  

Answer 3

700c and 27" are so close to being the same size, they will match up close enough so the brakes will work on the 700c wheel. The 700 is just alittle smaller.