Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Just out of curiosity...

...anyone ever converted their track bikes (that they ride on the street) from 700c to 650b?

would be interested to see if this is possible given the tight clearances of something like a bareknuckle, and using a 650b x 38 tire

just a hypothetical question - don't hurt me

Sheldon's article about exactly what you're asking is here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/650b.html

Hey, thanks for the response.
I've actually read that article, and I know it pertains to road bikes with tight clearances too, but I guess I was just curious as to whether anyone has done it with a track bike in particular. I know it shouldn't be that different, but just curious. A lot of the 650b conversions I see are just old road bikes.

i've never done it, but i feel like the main issue would be what frame you have, and what width tire it allows between (particularly) the seat stays. even if you use a smaller wheel which gives more room between the rim and the brake bridge (or fork crown), that might not quite give you enough room left-to-right for 35's or 38's

the other thing, as alluded to in sheldon's article, is a lower BB... greater chance of pedal strike on a fixed gear.

Track frames don't have the clearance.
http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle/100152/1979_Colnago_Pista_forkcrown/web.jpg?ver=12600218390001

I might give it a go (but keeping slim tyres). Track frames have high BB's so the loss in height isn't such a huge issue. Also used 650c Hed3 triathlon wheelsets go for cheap on ebay because no one wants them!

Track frames don't have the clearance.
http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle/100152/1979_Colnago_Pista_forkcrown/web.jpg?ver=12600218390001

650b is smaller.

"By switching to 650B from 700C, you suddenly gave clearance enough for medium-width tires, say 35-38 mm width, and for fenders, so you don't need to be a "fair-weather" cyclist. "
-Sheldon

the outer diameter of a wider 650B tire is about that of a small 700c. There will be minimal drop in bottom bracket height.

As well, 650B is not the same thing as 650C,

Cant you get a bigger fork??.

but yea, like someone said, pedal strike!

So basically all you need are these.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/silver-sidepull-brakes/15-026