It is a pretty frame and in genreal I am a fan of Rivendell. My opinion is that 650b is a great marketing manuver to the serious bike affinado and not much more. I ride bikes with 27' and 700cc wheels and both use 32mm tires w/ fenders. I can't really tell much difference. It is a nice frame for sure but to limit myself from the starting point as to choices going forward (tires, rims etc.) would not be worth it. If I were able to buy a Rivendell, I would go with the A. Homer Hillson. YMMV