Can You Use A 27.5 Fork On A 26 Bike?

If you’re a bike enthusiast, you may know about its parts. But, do you know if you can put a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork? We shall help you answer this.

If you’re intending to replace your bike’s wheel, you’re likely to get confused as to which fork to put it on. Getting it right is important. So, can a 26-inch wheel go well with a 27.5 fork?

It is possible to put a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork. It’s important to take note that the installation will be easy if the two are disc brakes ready. However, if the fork makes use of rim brakes, the calipers won’t work well. The braze-ons will be a bit elevated and affect the calipers.

We will review the requirements of doing the installation in using a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork. It is imperative to know how to go about the process and the things to consider in order to avoid affecting the functional ability of your bike. So, if you’re thinking of putting a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork, this information will come in handy to help you.

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‍Overview

As a bike enthusiast, you feel fulfilled with your bike because you can do so much with it. You can run your errands quite easily since it gives you the flexibility of moving from one place to another with ease. The challenge comes when you have to install a wheel on a fork and you don’t know how to go about it. If your bike has a 26-inch wheel and you need to put in on a 27.5 fork, we will show you how to go about it.

What you need to Put a 26-Inch Wheel on a 27.5 Fork

There are three things to put into consideration when putting a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork. As you know, it’s not easy to get things right if you’re a newbie in this area. But, as long as you’re using the required components and putting in place expected considerations, you’ll be on the right track.

The things and requirements to put into consideration include: clearance, adequate hub width, and disc brakes.

Clearance

For you to have the right installation of a 26 inch wheel on a 27.5 fork, there has to be the appropriate clearance. Generally, 27.5 forks have a good amount of clearance for 26-inch wheels. So, if your bike needs a 26-inch wheel, there is enough clearance that 27.5 forks offer for you to have an effective installation. Be that as it may, it’s imperative to calculate the distance from the fork’s blades close to the crown if you’re using a road fork and seek to use larger 26-inch wheels.

On the other hand, if you’re running an MTB fork, it will be possible to install wheels that are wider because of the smaller size of the rim. As you install a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork, make sure that the clearance capacity is able to handle the process effectively.

Adequate Hub Width

The width of the hub is another point you should consider when doing the installation. The width has to be proper for the installation to be successful. Fundamentally, the axles and hubs have to be matching with the frame and the fork.

Make sure that the wheel is not too narrow or wide for dropouts. If the wheel happens to be too narrow or wide for the dropouts, it will be difficult to install the components effectively. Therefore, make sure that you are deliberate in the width of the hub as it will allow the installation process to be efficient.

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes come in handy because they make it easy to swap wheels.  It is easy to swap wheels with disc brakes because, irrespective of the size of the wheel, the rotors will always be at the same position. Because of this fact, you won’t need to worry about the size of the wheel. If you have a wheel that’s smaller or larger than the design of the fork, you’ll still be able to install. As a consequence of using disc brakes, you’re sure that you’ll be able to put a 26 inch wheel on a 27.5 fork.

It is worth noting that disc brakes are the viable option for the installation process. Other types of brakes are likely to create problems. The capacity of the bosses they mount relies on the size of the wheel. If the wheels are smaller, there is need to set up the braze-ons in a way that allows the fork to fit well. Smaller wheels deem it necessary for the braze-ons to be beneath the fork for the brake shoes to fit well with the rim.

Expected Geometrical Changes

There are expected changes on your bike when putting a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork. It is likely that there will be a lowering of the bottom bracket after putting a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork. That’s why you need to take the necessary steps to prevent such consequences. If you don’t want to lower your bike’s bottom bracket, it is essential to equip them with features that make them fatter.

The lowering of the bottom bracket might seem as a little adjustment, but it has significant effects on your ride. The geometrical changes will be noticeable if you’re riding your bike in a terrain with a huge amount of obstacles. It is for this reason that you should put measures to protect your bike if the changes are visible. An example of the measures to take includes the installation of a bash guard. The measure helps to safeguard the chain-rings and your bike as a whole.

There are times when the lower bottom bracket may reach the frame and, as a result, moves nearer to the ground. This can lead to the pedals reaching the ground when a rider is leaning to turn. With this in mind, it is important to try as much as possible to avoid the major geometrical changes that may affect the effective functioning of your bike.

Wrapping Up

If you have a bike, you’ll have to do some maintenance from time to time. The more you use your bike, the more you’ll have the need to do some replacements from time to time. Among these replacements is installing a wheel on a fork. If you’ll have to install a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork, don’t be worried because it will be possible for you to do so. As long as you follow the right procedures and requirements, you can use your bike as long as possible.

Make sure that there is adequate clearance, required hub width, and make use of disc brakes. This will help you to be successful in the installation process. If you do this process right, you’ll be able to put a 26-inch wheel on a 27.5 fork. Something else you need to understand is that as you do the installation, there’s a likelihood of causing modifications on your bike. In order to make sure that you don’t cause major alterations on the geometry on your bike, it’s imperative to install a wheel on the rear as well.