Choose Wheels Based on Your Riding Style
The right 700c wheels depend on how and where you ride. Different setups can prioritize weight, aerodynamics, durability, tire compatibility, or everyday reliability.
- Road riding: Consider weight, aerodynamics, and ride feel for training, racing, or everyday road cycling.
- Gravel riding: Look for wheels with rim widths and construction suited to wider gravel tires and mixed surfaces.
- Track and fixed-gear riding: Check for the appropriate hub configuration for your bike and drivetrain.
- Commuting and everyday riding: Durability and reliability may be more important than saving weight.
- Performance-focused riding: Consider carbon wheels when lower weight or aerodynamic performance is a priority.
Do You Need One Wheel or a Complete Wheelset?
Your reason for replacing or upgrading your wheels will determine whether you need a front wheel, rear wheel, or complete wheelset.
Front 700c Wheels: Choose a front wheel when replacing or upgrading it separately. Check the axle standard, brake compatibility, and rim specifications before ordering.
Rear 700c Wheels: Rear wheels also need to match your drivetrain. Check the axle and brake setup, along with the freehub or cassette body required for your cassette.
Complete 700c Wheelsets: A wheelset includes both front and rear wheels and is useful when replacing or upgrading both wheels at the same time or building a new bike.
If you’re considering other wheel sizes or setups, explore our full range of bike wheels to compare more options.
Choosing Between Alloy and Carbon
Wheel material can affect weight, ride characteristics, durability, and price.
Alloy 700c Wheels
Alloy wheels are a dependable choice for everyday riding, training, commuting, and riders looking for a practical balance of performance and value. They can also be a good option when replacing a wheel without moving to a higher-priced carbon setup.
Carbon 700c Wheels
Carbon wheels are popular with riders who prioritize performance and weight. Depending on the rim design and depth, carbon wheels may also offer aerodynamic benefits, making them a common upgrade for road and gravel bikes.
Make Sure Your New Wheels Work With Your Bike
Not all 700c wheels are interchangeable. Before buying, check your bike’s specifications to make sure the new wheel is compatible.
Consider these key factors:
- Axle size and spacing: Confirm that the front or rear axle matches your fork or frame.
- Brake setup: Check whether your bike uses rim brakes or disc brakes. For disc wheels, also confirm the rotor mounting interface.
- Freehub or cassette body: Match the rear wheel to your drivetrain. Depending on the wheel, options may include Shimano HG, Shimano HG 11/12-Speed Road, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo N3W, and other configurations.
- Rim material: Choose alloy or carbon based on your priorities for performance, weight, durability, and budget.
- Tire and rim compatibility: Check the rim’s internal width and recommended tire range. Make sure your frame and fork also have enough clearance for your intended tire size.
- Tubeless compatibility: If you plan to run tubeless tires, confirm that the wheel supports a tubeless setup and check whether tape, valves, or other components are required.
Checking these specifications before ordering can help you avoid compatibility issues and find a wheel that works with the rest of your bike.
700c Wheels Across Different Brands
Colorado Cyclist carries 700c wheels from brands such as DT Swiss, Fulcrum, Quality Wheels, ENVE Composites, Reserve wheels, Zipp, Vision, and Campagnolo, with options for different riding styles and bike setups.
When comparing wheels, consider the intended use, rim dimensions, hub configuration, drivetrain compatibility, and other specifications that matter for your bike.
FAQs
Are 700c wheels the same size as 29-inch wheels?
700c and 29-inch wheels share the same 622mm bead seat diameter, but the wheels and tires are typically designed for different riding applications. Rim width, tire compatibility, frame clearance, hub standards, and intended use still need to be considered.
If you’re looking specifically for a mountain bike setup, see our 29 mountain bike wheels.
Can I put wider tires on 700c wheels?
It depends on the rim’s internal width, the manufacturer’s recommended tire range, and the clearance available in your frame and fork. Check all three before moving to a wider tire.
Can I use road 700c wheels on a gravel bike?
Sometimes. The wheel needs to match your bike’s axle, brakes, drivetrain, and tire requirements. Rim width and tire compatibility are especially important if you plan to use wider gravel tires.
Can I replace just one 700c wheel?
Yes, as long as you choose a compatible replacement. Match the wheel size, axle standard, brake system, drivetrain requirements, and appropriate rim and tire specifications.
Are all 700c wheels tubeless-ready?
No. Tubeless compatibility depends on the specific rim or wheel. Check whether the wheel is tubeless-ready and whether rim tape, valves, or other components are required before setting it up tubeless.
What is the difference between 700c and 650b wheels?
700c wheels have a larger rim diameter than 650b wheels. The two sizes can affect tire choices, clearance, and bike handling differently. Only switch between them if your bike is designed to support the alternative wheel size.