The wheels on the bus go round and round… Hang on a sec this ain’t a bus…
Anyway driven by needing a smaller frame and the frame choice above I have ended up with 27.5″/650b tyres, which are making a come back. The size of the wheels with a small frame ensure the bike still looks in proportion and I think means it rides nicer too. I certainly get comments about that.

From a touring point of view it is not the idea wheel to have general cycle touring wisdom says 26″ is an easier find but I am hoping by choice of high quality parts and care I shouldn’t have any issues I can’t resolve (fingers crossed).

I went for Halo Vapour rims, not from really knowing anything about them but more because they come in blue (my favourite colour) and I was recommended them. They also take the larger size of tyre width which is good for touring on rough ground and my slightly irrational fear of falling down a drain grate.

The hubs are Miche Technology XN, not the best money can buy but not the worst. I went for a high spoke count with 32 spokes on the hubs to make the wheels strong. At the start I had two normal hubs, but as the Big Adventure became more serious and I did more touring I got another front wheel built with a SON Dynamo 28 hub in it. This provides the electricity I need to keep navigating and connected to the world. I will talk about the charging system else where. I have had some issues with the rear real getting wobbly which has come from the bearings disappearing :O or wearing quickly. I am going to have to watch this on the tour and take some good quality replacements with me.

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Final part of the wheel the tyres, I have gone for a tubed system for two reasons, less stuff to faff with and I am allergic to the main ingredient in the tubeless liquids. So I have got Panaracer Rimbo tyres on the bike and they have been amazing in 18 months I have had one puncher which was after going through some rough gravel on the Pennine cycle way. Considering I ride on everything including the occasional broken glass it is pretty impressive. The are starting to look a little worn and don’t quite have the grip I would like for dirt/mud when I tour… so for the big adventure I am going to switch to the tried and tested, widely praised Schwaube Marathon Plus. Not quite my dream tyre as I would like the Marathon Plus Tour with slightly better off road performance but I am going to use what is available for my wheel size and they have such a bomb proof reputation. They will be one of the last things I do to the bike before I leave to minimise any wear before I go.