Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - 650c rim frameset compatibility

I currently own a set of 650c rims and do not know what size frameset to purchase in order to assemble/create a fixed-gear bicycle.

I'm looking to do this in order to gain knowledge in bicycle mechanics, as well as see if I would like the feel of a fixed-gear bicycle. Hence, I don't want to invest a great deal of money. I would like to economize by using them instead of purchasing 700c rims.

These rims were installed on my Mountain bike a few years ago to make it more road friendly, as this was my interest at the time. Can I use 650c rims on a used/new frameset for a fixed-gear bike? I currently have a road bike (Klein Navigator - 52cm frameset) with 700c rims, as this is a good fit considering my size (I'm just under 5'7" tall). I'm thinking the 650c rims would give me more control, lower center of gravity for a fixed-gear bike, which may be more difficult to navigate than a free-wheeled bicycle. I was told by an online bike dealer that 650c rims would correlate to a 46cm frameset and that if I'm sized to a 52cm frameset with klein that I would need to go with something similar with a fixed gear using 700c rims. If this is true, what size rims do/did taller riders use for track bikes in the past or currently use? I thought all track bikes used 650c rims. Thanks for your help! Dennis

I thought that most of the track bikes out in the world ride with 700c wheels.

Thread moved to SS/FG

thanks
hi565-mod

Track bikes use 700.
650s used to be popular with triathletes and time trialers. You may be able to find an older tri or tt frame on ebay that will use these rims.

does this mean the end of the 650c tires & wheels ??? hope not.

Some frame manufactures only design 50 cm frames and under for 650 because of the compromises required to fit 700s in such a small frame. It's just a matter of you finding one either new or used or someone suggesting a manufacturer here.

Your best bet would be to try to find an old 70's bike boom 10 speed with 26" wheels, and use the frame

Check your local thrift store or garage sales

it is possible to use 650c on a normal bike but it would lower you bb considerably what I would do assuming you are a person of small stature is try to find an older track bike that was made for a smaller person with 650c size

I have a friend in san francisco that rides an australian bike that is 650c she is pretty short like 5'4" but her bike is super sweet

look for them they are out there on ebay every now and again you can also look for prusuit frams tomassini made a couple 650 models

just heard 46cm iro mark v

you're going to end up with something you don't want to ride if you go with dekalbsteel's suggestion(it'll be rediculously heavy) or you'll end up with such a limited choice of tires that you may end up regretting the decision to use them at all, i think you should just choke up the little bit of money and buy some new rims, this is kinda like saying "i have this french threaded bb and i want to build a fixed gear bike, what are my options"

you're going to end up with something you don't want to ride if you go with dekalbsteel's suggestion(it'll be rediculously heavy) or you'll end up with such a limited choice of tires that you may end up regretting the decision to use them at all, i think you should just choke up the little bit of money and buy some new rims, this is kinda like saying "i have this french threaded bb and i want to build a fixed gear bike, what are my options"

I agree completely. Pony up $130 for a wheelset from bicyclewheels.com and save yourself $300 worth of trouble.

650 wheels in a 700 frame would lower the BB height, increasing the chance of grounding a pedal on a tight corner so watch out.

However I ride a 24" (520) fixie and love the extra control they give me: really short wheelbase with out any tight clearances and no feet overlapping with the front wheel and it folds!, see http://www.minty-ai.net/bike . tire and rim choice is a ***** and I could only go with the ENO hub since the frame has vertical dorpouts.

650 wheels in a 700 frame would lower the BB height, increasing the chance of grounding a pedal on a tight corner so watch out.

However I ride a 24" (520) fixie and love the extra control they give me: really short wheelbase with out any tight clearances and no feet overlapping with the front wheel and it folds!, see http://www.minty-ai.net/bike . tire and rim choice is a ***** and I could only go with the ENO hub since the frame has vertical dorpouts.

hmmm a bit of some over sensitive sensorship here, I typed in ***** (as in a female dog) and look what happens. What if this was a serious comment about dogs?

If you're 5'7", there's no reason on earth why you should
be riding 650c wheels. Just huck them on eBay and pick
yourself up a set of 700s.

Here's my 650c bike... Originally bought for my wife but it fit me perfectly so the wife is now getting something else... I'm 5'4 by the way...

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7463/dsc2750vc2.jpg