650b Conversion of a Panasonic TE2
 

It must be the boredom of winter. I have this old Panasonic Team Europe II that I think would be cool with 650b tires. Any successful 650b conversion stories out there?
Thanks!

There have been a handful of successes: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...0B-Conversions

:p

I was thinking the same thing a few days/weeks ago. I want to do something weird with a IGH that has a FW or cassette on it and was thinking a 650b might be interesting.

Not to hijack your thread.... but what is the real difference between 650c (like small road and Tri wheels) and 650b? is there a diameter difference or does the 'B' just take a bigger tire?

650C has a 571mm rim and 650B has a 584mm rim -- in the beginning, 650C actually had the widest tires, since the goal was for all "650" wheels to have the same outside diameter with tires installed. ;)

Thanks!

Exactly so, Hoss:

650A=EA-3="English 26"=26x1-3/8=BSD 590
650B= 26x1-1/2"="Demiballon"=BSD 584
650C= 26x1-3/4"=BSD 571

Convert the inches to metric, add up the numbers, and they are all 650mm-ish in diameter.

Isn't there a whole forum section for 650b conversions?

It's not uncommon; FWIW, I plan on building up my new 'trailer park rescue' Panasonic as a 650b commuter. The geometry is kinda perfect for it: it's a 26" lugged frame w/ 47cm chainstays & fully 60mm worth of BB drop. Btw, here's my 650b conversion Trek 820:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=293022

107cm wheelbase & rides like a Cadillac.

Still, the Team Europe is a pretty nice straight-up sport bike; just out of curiosity, what promts you to try it with 650b wheels?