Originally Posted by Heatherbikes

I have YET to do a 650b conversion despite how many years of planning and hoarding parts? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed again with my bikes and bits sprawling all over the place. I sold my perfect 650b frame conversion a vintage trek a few years ago to someone planning to actually build a 650b for his wife. I have a frame that I was going to build 650b but I do not think the clearance is good for even 32mm cypres tires. Another bicycle in mid catastrophe could take up to 38mm. I am now thinking of a 650b conversion of my raleigh sports, or my raleigh sprite both of which are in bad shape. I had taken an old raleigh sports and built up new 650a wheels for some insane period correct reason. I used drum brakes and IGH hubs so this is a very heavy bike and in dire need of mechanical help. not a good project idea!
My husband however did a 650b conversion using some of my hoarded 650b parts. An 80's lower end japanese bianchi that has space for 38mm tires and my precious honjo fenders. Tekto silver long reach brakes, left everything else as is. He hated the ride of this bicycle with 700c wheels, but found 650b improved the ride considerably. I think it is a very fast and light bike which of course looks stunning.
My concerns are rims and brakes.