Originally Posted by
McMitchell
Question regarding 650B, since this now seems to be an “official” topic on this thread.
I have 700C 40mm WTB Nanos on Stan’s Grail tubeless rims, which I plan to use on forest roads, trails, rougher travel. I am looking for a set of wheels to use on the paved/ gravel roads I ride more regularly. As I understand the idea behind 650B, one uses a smaller rim to achieve a taller tire that can be run at lower pressures and absorb more shock. Which makes me think they may work for my conditions? I believe these tires typically wind up narrower too, although I understand that depends on the tire. I ask because it seems more people use them for rougher conditions.
As I previously mentioned, to much fan fare, I do not have a “road” bike. My Focus Cyclocross bike is close enough to a road bike for me. I like riding the Focus bike on the “paved” roads I ride regularly for many of the same reasons mentioned for people riding “road” bikes. I feel like I am flying compared to my MTN bike. It is easier to get up hills.....I stay in middle gears more of the time.....I like my bike for my conditions too, always looking for ways to make the ride more enjoyable though.
You use 650B so you can use wider tires that your frame geometry will not let you use in 29" due to lack of clearance, toe overlap, gearing, or excessive bottom bracket height. The wider 650B tires typically have more volume than narrower 29" tires at the same height so you can run lower pressures especially with tubeless. But you have to be mindful about tire clearance and minimum bottom bracket height.