Originally Posted by
lukasz
A very simple question: could we rattle off some frames that would make good 650b conversion candidates? I'm looking for steel, obviously, but nothing heavy duty. I don't plan to go touring on this thing, so the lighter/more sporty the tubing the better. I am also fine with never sticking something like a 42 in there. 38 would be plenty for me. Have at it!
(or link me to the website that I missed when using google to try to figure this out on my own)
To answer the original question, 80's Miyata frames make decent conversion candidates. I converted a 1984 310 successfully. Originally I just used long reach Tektro calipers, but once I was convinced the bike was worth riding with 650b, I had canti bosses brazed on and increased the fork rake slightly to lower the trail and improve handling with a front load. This frame just fits Hetres without fenders, or comfortably fits 38mm tyres like the Grand Bois Lierre with Honjos. It would probably fit Hetres with a fender if the chainstays were manipulated (ie thumped to increase clearance).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_wasa...7625227549739/