Originally Posted by
Bandera
See post #31.
In looking at a 650B build as a test for a possible replacement winter/wet bike the current market is producing unnecessarily overbuilt equipment for my riding style and terrain.
Looking at "The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles" the constructors of the 40' & 50's were building Lightweight machines for long distances at pace on the rough secondary roads of the era. A minimalist approach to design adopting the new tech of the era.
Now?
What I'm seeing in the 650B marketplace is admittedly retro-stylish in a nod to the classic French Rando bikes but lacking the application of technical advances incorporated by modern road machines, definitely not in the spirit of the constructors. Very pleasant machines to ride I'm sure but an 853 frameset in a suitable geometry w/ 1 1/8" threadless steerer, low spoke count wheels, and a complement of braze-on fittings would be a low bar to set for a modern-ish 650B machine.
In a niche market even that isn't too much to ask in 2016.
-Bandera
I don't think the wheels of the 40's and 50's were any lighter than what we have today (correct me if I'm wrong). As far as your specification, an 853 frame as you describe could be ordered today from any one of many custom framebuilders.
As far as being unnecessarily overbuilt, I'm not sure what you're referring to. I assume you're limiting the discussion to steel framed production bikes? Low trail, 650b? Or just 650b?
If you're not finding what you're looking for in a production frame, then it's because there's not a big enough market for it.
Note also that if you're asking for super light weight rims for 650b, realize that, for most, the reason to go to 650b is to allow for wider tires in standard frame designs. The wider tires require wider rims, which of course will be heavier, so you can't have your cake and eat it too. If you're willing to go with disc brakes, you can make them lighter, even with carbon fiber.