Originally Posted by
Bandera
Perhaps you need to understand that there is a natural
cycle of cycling for individual development with a progression from "Junior" through "Emeritus" that has nothing to do with technical fads or doo-dads. It's about getting out on the the bike, however it is configured.
Not much has changed in
how I ride in over 40 years, and why would it?
How a heavy 650B vs a much lighter 700C wheelset performs vs current fasion/hype s the subject of this post, not my Age.
-Bandera
When I'm in shape, I can hang with some of the fast group rides here on my 650B bike. Wheels are A23 rims, shimano 5700 hubs, double butted spokes. Tires are the Compass 38mm regular version. Don't know what the wheelset weighs , but the bike is 24.5 pounds as ridden.
My go-fast 700C bike does indeed feel zippier than the 650B bike, but I only built the go-fast bike this summer and have not been in as good shape this season. However , the 700c bike has similar wheels: A23 rims, 5800 hubs, double butted spokes. 25mm GP4000s tires. The fast bike is 22 pounds.
I wish I had some objective ride data comparing the two bikes to share, but I don't track that stuff. My impression is the 700c accelerates and climbs better, but I certainly don't feel slow on the 650B and it's still really fun to ride.
If it matters, everyone will think you're a really strong rider when you do a group ride on a 650B bike with fenders. People tend to assume it's a heavy touring bike. I did feel that the 650B gave me a clear advantage on twisty descents, so smooth and it just sticks to the road while some other riders are getting rattled around by the terrible pavement on some of the local roadie hills.