Originally Posted by
HTupolev
Depends on the frameset and the brakes. You're in a better position to know this than we are since you have the bicycle on hand. If not, Paul Motolites will likely work as a solution, albeit a pricey one, and the brake leverage may or may not end up attractive.
What's the motivation for using 650b over 26er?
Just kind of thinking out loud and looking at options. Interestingly, I ran into a guy the other day with the same sort of idea I have (drop handle, rigid MTB conversion). He has been using 26" wheels, and like most of the comments above, agreed it's the far simpler solution and satisfactory for a do-it-all bike. I am reconsidering!
I appreciate all the comments. Maybe this thread will be a short cut to decision making for someone in the future too.