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03-13-05, 08:06 PM
I wasn't sure where to put this thread so I chose this one.
It looks like the latest thing is the European 650B (584mm) wheel size is coming into vogue here in North America, or at least some shops and enthusiasts are trying to make them popular here for road touring and radonnuer/audux bikes. Some older eighties road bikes w/short reach brakes are being converted to 650B wheels and fenders with some success. There are now some purpose-built bikes like the Rivendell Saluki and some others like the Alex Singer. I was looking at some of them on the 650B website www.freewebs.com/650b/index.htm. They look pretty cool and I'm thinking of doing that to my Schwinn Premis I'm converting into a randonneur.
Any thoughts on this? It looks like there is a pretty good selection of rims and tires available, probably so this concept doesn't become stillborn because bike riders are afraid of not being able to get replacement tires during a tour or something like that. Do you think this is going to go anywhere? I hope it does.
I think they're for people that "get it" and it's probably a niche thing and won't enjoy mass popularity. I have noticed all the 650B bikes have fenders, they would look hideous without them!
It looks like the latest thing is the European 650B (584mm) wheel size is coming into vogue here in North America, or at least some shops and enthusiasts are trying to make them popular here for road touring and radonnuer/audux bikes. Some older eighties road bikes w/short reach brakes are being converted to 650B wheels and fenders with some success. There are now some purpose-built bikes like the Rivendell Saluki and some others like the Alex Singer. I was looking at some of them on the 650B website www.freewebs.com/650b/index.htm. They look pretty cool and I'm thinking of doing that to my Schwinn Premis I'm converting into a randonneur.
Any thoughts on this? It looks like there is a pretty good selection of rims and tires available, probably so this concept doesn't become stillborn because bike riders are afraid of not being able to get replacement tires during a tour or something like that. Do you think this is going to go anywhere? I hope it does.
I think they're for people that "get it" and it's probably a niche thing and won't enjoy mass popularity. I have noticed all the 650B bikes have fenders, they would look hideous without them!