Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Opinion On Wheelset Build...

I have a Custom Hybrid Frame that was made as a Fixed Mountain Frame but he(the builder) designed it to work well with 700c wheelsets as well. I'm considering doing something right between the two.

The rear spacing is 135mm so I will be using LeVeL Hubs.

Your opinions are valued.

What do you guys think of lacing them up to 650c Velocity Fusion Rims? Would the smaller rims make for a stronger wheelset?

What would be the advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks in advance.

your BB is going to be low.
really really low.

and 650c's really only come in one tire size. Skinny.

if you want an in-between wheel size, then maybe consider 650B.

but how do you plan on making the brakes line up?

IMHO, you should stick with 700c wheels and have someone who knows how to build a good wheel do the work. Sure a 650c wheel will be a little stronger becuase of the shorter spoke, however I would say that a really well built wheel > 650c wheel and a standard wheel build. If you are concerned with spoke length, use a high flange hub which about makes up the difference between a Low-flange/650c combo vs a high-flange/700c combo.

Check our Oddsandendos.com and spinlitecycling.com.

I am getting some wheels built up soon for my SS and honestly think the quality of the build ends up having more of an impact on wheel strength than just the components you use. Plus with a SS/FG setup, the rear wheel has so little dish you will end up with a really strong wheel regardless.

your BB is going to be low.
really really low.

and 650c's really only come in one tire size. Skinny.

if you want an in-between wheel size, then maybe consider 650B.

but how do you plan on making the brakes line up?

Excellent point. The frame has no bosses, drillings, nothing. It was made for training and track. I have to call him to find out for sure, but I believe he made the BB shell a little higher than normal. He used a Mountain Wheelset on it as well as a 700c. I'll give him a call though to confirm.

Here is a pic of it with 700C
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/swapmeet/ccc-1.jpg

Here is one with Mountain Wheelset
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/framebuilders/carloscruz/30.jpg

where are you planning on riding the bike ?

the bike looks pretty cool and well thought out...
why not use it with two wheelsets as it was intended ?

i can't think of any advantages 650C would have over 700C on the street..
ditto for 650B vs. 26" when wanting fatter tires on rougher terrain..
both the 650 sizes are a pain when sourcing tires/rims

the difference in bb height between a 22mm tire on a 700C rim and a 1.75" tire on a 26" rim would only work out to about 10mm... not much at all, really

I don't get it. You plan to ride a brakeless bike offroad/on trails?
Something tells me that a frame built for "training and track" won't work too good offroad...

No offroad riding. Just street. No knobbies.

I wanted a more versatile wheelset so I didn't have to buy two wheelsets.

I won't mind but it would be nice to save some money.

I wouldn't be able to interchange with my other bikes because of 135mm spacing.

I may take the fork to Bilenky to get it drilled for brake.

I've built lots of wheelsets, and three Velocity wheelsets, all different rim models. For some reason, I'm always 2mm short on my spoke length when building these up, so my new rule is +2mm on Velocity rim spoke length calculations. All other wheels I've built, never had a problem. Weird.

Oh, just go 700c, and if you want to go fast, put 23c tires on it, and if you want a more cushy ride, put some touring tires or cross tires on there. And I don't really know what you're trying to achieve.