Originally Posted by
John N
OK, in some areas size does matter, i.e. frame size, handlebar width, etc. But what about wheel size, i.e. 650 vs 700?
I am looking to replace my stolen Co-Motion Americano but there is currently a 4-8 month build time depending on the builder. Arrgh.
I have an option for a bike with a 650 wheel size but I would prefer the larger wheel diameter of a 700c to help smooth out the bumps. Plus, I am old school enough so I am somewhat reluctant about that size due to whether it will go away some time in the next 10-15 years. Who knows.
I ride a mix of both paved & off-pavement routes, maybe a 70/30 ratio, but nothing technical as this is strictly for touring. I tour in the USA, Mexico, and Europe.
Has anyone here ridden both a 700 and a 650? If so, what are the differences.
Any thoughts and comments, i.e, limitations with the 650?
Thanks, John
first of all, crappy about the theft.
So from what you describe the 70/30 pavement gravel riding, and from my experience using 700 and 26 over the years, it seems to me that 650 would be my preference partly because its in the middle of the two, and my preference for wider tires would mean that 650 probably has more options for wider (fitting in frame etc)
I do like the quicker steering aspect of 26, although I'm aware frame geometry is a part of this aspect, so 650 gets my nod over that.
I know a lot of excellent tire options are there for 650, and yes this has reduced what is available for 26 now, but I would expect 650 to be very popular for ages to come.
I haven't ridden on larger 700 or 29 wheels on rougher surfaces with tires any larger than 32, so I don't really have that experience, but given that your riding seems close to my riding experience (70/30 and not specifically off road stuff) and the fact that I'm ok on my smaller 26 wheels, one would think that 650 woiuld be great--with the option of using bigger tires for certain situations if the frame can handle them width wise.
I personally like how on my 26 bike that I can slap on tires with chunkier tread over 2 inches easily , for different trip ideas, so while we get back to the specific frame limitations of a new bike for you, being able to put wider is a lot of fun. Don't know how wide you've ever ridden, but 2.2 to 2.5 tires can really open up where you can ride---if thats something that appeals, and makes all the difference of being able to ride more competently on various looser surfaces.
thats my take anyway