Classic & Vintage - Shogun 1000 --> 650B Conversion

I've rescued this Shogun 1000 and I think that it will make a pretty good 650B conversion. Any thoughts?
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Southpaw Boston used a Shogun 1500 for his 650B conversion. Is the 1000 similar to the 1500 in anyway?

Anyway, he had canti bosses moved (or added?) Lower for the new wheel size. It's one of my all time favorites on the forum. A really well thought out bike.

Here is his thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/719206-Shogun-650B-conversion-completed-pic-intensive!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5517043293_ec4ebc8786_b.jpg

I've done one 650B conversion, and I used these guidelines for the key measurements (brake reach, bottom bracket height, clearance between chainstays and fork blades, etc.):

http://www.bikeman.com/bikeman-blogs/650blog/1771-650b-conversion-guidlines

Another useful bit of info is that tire height above the rim is about equal to the tire's width. That will help you get an idea of what size tire will fit underneath the fork crown and rear brake bridge, and how much room you'll have for fenders.

I can't see the brake mounting for that frame. Tektro makes a long-reach brakeset, in both a recessed and a nutted mount version, that is popular for 650B conversions.

That's all just general advice. I'm sure some folks will weigh in with their advice based on the geometry of that particular frame.

Southpaw Boston used a Shogun 1500 for his 650B conversion. Is the 1000 similar to the 1500 in anyway?

Anyway, he had canti bosses moved (or added?) Lower for the new wheel size. It's one of my all time favorites on the forum. A really well thought out bike.


I've seen this bicycle and it is certainly a work of art. I believe that Shogun used very similar frames (if not identical) for the 1000, 1500 and 2000 models.

I've done one 650B conversion, and I used these guidelines for the key measurements (brake reach, bottom bracket height, clearance between chainstays and fork blades, etc.):

http://www.bikeman.com/bikeman-blogs/650blog/1771-650b-conversion-guidlines

Another useful bit of info is that tire height above the rim is about equal to the tire's width. That will help you get an idea of what size tire will fit underneath the fork crown and rear brake bridge, and how much room you'll have for fenders.

I can't see the brake mounting for that frame. Tektro makes a long-reach brakeset, in both a recessed and a nutted mount version, that is popular for 650B conversions.

That's all just general advice. I'm sure some folks will weigh in with their advice based on the geometry of that particular frame.

Thanks for the link...very helpful. This frame does not have cantilever bosses but I think that I will have them installed. The frame is straight and doesn't have any dents or other damage. The paint isn't too bad but it's got enough scratches and blemishes that it is probably worth it to get it powder coated. I figure that as long as I'm getting the frame powder coated I might as well have cantilever bosses installed also.

Sounds interesting I am doodling in head with a 650b idea involving a 3spd IGH with 8spd cassette to therefore eliminate the FD. The link thoughtly provided by MKeller is very helpful indeed. I thought I was getting a smaller wheel and would need to use maybe a 48, 50T or bigger ring to compensate for the smaller tire.

The big question is.... would a 650B bike really feel much different than my '89 Equinox cross bike with 700x32 Pesela tires on it?


Oh sorry to hijack your thread, this is a good looking Shogun but I don't see the 'bad paint'.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=292513&d=1357672935

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=292516&d=1357673210

I've seen this bicycle and it is certainly a work of art. I believe that Shogun used very similar frames (if not identical) for the 1000, 1500 and 2000 models.

I'm not too familiar with Shogun's numbering scheme, but generally speaking their road model hierarchy went from 100-1000, with 1000 being the higher end, so figure a higher quality, thinner tube set. Does your 1000 have any identifying tubing decals? Most Shoguns used Tange tubing, and Tange made a whole range of tube sets.

Shogun's touring models were, I believe, the 1500 and 2000, the 2000 being the higher end. Both used Tange 2 tube sets, which are thicker for touring, but still double butted chromoly. I might imagine the 1000 having Tange 1 tubing, which was thinner. Should be a nice frame!

Geometry-wise, I have no idea how the 1000 compares with the 1500.

Keep us posted! Could be a very interesting conversion. And +1 to using bikeman's guide for 650B conversions. All good info.

The big question is.... would a 650B bike really feel much different than my '89 Equinox cross bike with 700x32 Pesela tires on it?


Bianchigirl, if you've never ridden on 42mm 650B tires, you don't know what you're missing! A 32mm Pasela can't compare.

Oh sorry to hijack your thread, this is a good looking Shogun but I don't see the 'bad paint'.


On the whole, the paint really isnt that bad. There are just a few small places where there is some surface rust that needs to be removed, like around the cable guides on the top tube.

Bianchigirl, if you've never ridden on 42mm 650B tires, you don't know what you're missing! A 32mm Pasela can't compare.

And there are plenty of 700 x 32mm tires that are far better than Paselas!

I might imagine the 1000 having Tange 1 tubing, which was thinner. Should be a nice frame!


The decal is mostly worn away but from what is left I believe that this frame is made from Tange 2 tubing.

Well...I've made some progress.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55799645@N05/sets/72157633205113703/

Looking real nice!

Finally got things pretty much finished yesterday afternoon. Now if the snow here in MN would just melt...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8666982462_85707c028c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55799645@N05/8666982462/)

wow. moar pix pls.

He's got an entire flickr set... just click on his photo and it will bring you to it.

FatSwede, that is one fantastic looking conversion! You've done a great job! How does it ride?

He's got an entire flickr set... just click on his photo and it will bring you to it.

FatSwede, that is one fantastic looking conversion! You've done a great job! How does it ride?

southpawboston, so far so good but I haven't really been able to ride it more than a couple of miles. We still have quite a bit of snow here in MN. As soon as the snow goes away and things dry up I'll put some more miles on it. I think that I still need to fine tune the derailleurs and brakes just a little bit. I have to admit that I copied some of your ideas after seeing your Shogun conversion. I hope that is OK. I originally bought this Shogun not knowing exactly what to do with it but then I saw yours and thought that it might be really fun to put 650B wheels on it.

The one thing that I have left is to put front and rear lights on it. I've ordered one of the new Busch and Muller Luxos U lights from my LBS. They are supposed to arrive in a couple of weeks. I would also like to get some Carradice bags to put on it.

southpawboston, so far so good but I haven't really been able to ride it more than a couple of miles. We still have quite a bit of snow here in MN. As soon as the snow goes away and things dry up I'll put some more miles on it. I think that I still need to fine tune the derailleurs and brakes just a little bit. I have to admit that I copied some of your ideas after seeing your Shogun conversion. I hope that is OK. I originally bought this Shogun not knowing exactly what to do with it but then I saw yours and thought that it might be really fun to put 650B wheels on it.

The one thing that I have left is to put front and rear lights on it. I've ordered one of the new Busch and Muller Luxos U lights from my LBS. They are supposed to arrive in a couple of weeks. I would also like to get some Carradice bags to put on it.

I'm guessing your 1000 might ride better/faster than my 1500, which was their touring model, and kind of slow compared to more racing-type geometries of the same era. I've noticed this after several long rides with it. I believe the 1000 was their racing (or at least "sport touring" or "sportif") model? And it looks like it might also have higher trail/less fork rake, so chances are it will handle rear bags better than front ones. But you'll have to discover this all for yourself. Better to try various bag locations with bags you might already have before buying new ones!

I'm guessing your 1000 might ride better/faster than my 1500, which was their touring model, and kind of slow compared to more racing-type geometries of the same era. I've noticed this after several long rides with it. I believe the 1000 was their racing (or at least "sport touring" or "sportif") model? And it looks like it might also have higher trail/less fork rake, so chances are it will handle rear bags better than front ones. But you'll have to discover this all for yourself. Better to try various bag locations with bags you might already have before buying new ones!

That's probably good advice. I don't really intend to put a lot of weight on this bike and any bags I use will probably be more on the small end of the spectrum.