kipibenkipod
08-09-07, 01:38 PM
Hi,
Why the whole industry moved to 700 instead of 650?
Tnx
Why the whole industry moved to 700 instead of 650?
Tnx
Touring - The move from 650 to 700 wheels
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : The move from 650 to 700 wheels
Mchaz
08-09-07, 04:57 PM
Just speculating, but 700c is the closest metric sized rim to 27" (the old road standard).
NormanF
08-10-07, 01:56 AM
Hi,
Why the whole industry moved to 700 instead of 650?
Tnx
Actually, its undergone something of a revival. The 650B standard used to be commonplace in France with loaded touring bikes and utility bikes. Sheldon Brown has an article on converting old road bikes to 650B.
Why the whole industry moved to 700 instead of 650?
Tnx
Actually, its undergone something of a revival. The 650B standard used to be commonplace in France with loaded touring bikes and utility bikes. Sheldon Brown has an article on converting old road bikes to 650B.
grolby
08-12-07, 04:13 PM
Just speculating, but 700c is the closest metric sized rim to 27" (the old road standard).
The 27" size was developed very specifically to compete with 700C-wheeled bikes coming out of Europe. It was never at any time the "road standard," and only ever had widespread use in Britain and the USA. It eventually was displaced entirely by the older, still dominant, more diversified 700C standard.
My guess would be that the 700C size grew rapidly in acceptance and diversity of use in the 80's as it began to be accepted as the "large wheel" road standard in much of the Western world (and as racing designs and fashion began having more influence on what your everyday citizen was riding around). With a massive array of quality (and not so quality) 700C rims and tires of different widths becoming available, it became easier to spec bicycles to the desired price point by using 700C components.
This is just a theory, but it makes economic sense. By the way, the 650B size does survive in France, although it is definitely a drop in the bucket at this point. Hopefully, it will stay alive and gain popularity on both sides of the pond.
The 27" size was developed very specifically to compete with 700C-wheeled bikes coming out of Europe. It was never at any time the "road standard," and only ever had widespread use in Britain and the USA. It eventually was displaced entirely by the older, still dominant, more diversified 700C standard.
My guess would be that the 700C size grew rapidly in acceptance and diversity of use in the 80's as it began to be accepted as the "large wheel" road standard in much of the Western world (and as racing designs and fashion began having more influence on what your everyday citizen was riding around). With a massive array of quality (and not so quality) 700C rims and tires of different widths becoming available, it became easier to spec bicycles to the desired price point by using 700C components.
This is just a theory, but it makes economic sense. By the way, the 650B size does survive in France, although it is definitely a drop in the bucket at this point. Hopefully, it will stay alive and gain popularity on both sides of the pond.
NoReg
08-12-07, 09:55 PM
Kogswell Porteur is a nice tourer in 650b