650c Bike Recommended?
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650c Bike Recommended?
Hi all,
I recently discovered this wonderful site while I was doing some research on what bike to buy.. I found some great information here, so I felt like I had to join the community. Anywhoo.. I haven't rode a bike for about 10 years now, and I would like to get back into it for commuting purposes. I live in NYC, so most of my riding would be on the streets, but occasionally, I'd like to be able to ride on Central Park's bike paths. I'm a pretty short guy 5'5 with a 29" in seam, and initially, I thought I'd try out a couple of hybrid bikes.. So I tried a Trek 7200. This one was a small (15) with 700c wheels. My stand over clearance was almost none.. My crotch was barely touching the top bar.. So I thought maybe a 26" wheel type bike would be a better fit. I tried the Trek Navigator, which was a better fit (small size 14.5). The problem is, they're a bit on the heavy side. I live on a 3rd floor apartment, and would prefer my bike to be under 30lbs. So while looking through this forum, I learned about 650c bikes, and thought that this might be what I've been looking for. Seems like a good in-between the 700c and 26" sizes... Unfortunately, I don't even know where to get one of these. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated. I'd gladly provide more info if necessary. Thanks!
I recently discovered this wonderful site while I was doing some research on what bike to buy.. I found some great information here, so I felt like I had to join the community. Anywhoo.. I haven't rode a bike for about 10 years now, and I would like to get back into it for commuting purposes. I live in NYC, so most of my riding would be on the streets, but occasionally, I'd like to be able to ride on Central Park's bike paths. I'm a pretty short guy 5'5 with a 29" in seam, and initially, I thought I'd try out a couple of hybrid bikes.. So I tried a Trek 7200. This one was a small (15) with 700c wheels. My stand over clearance was almost none.. My crotch was barely touching the top bar.. So I thought maybe a 26" wheel type bike would be a better fit. I tried the Trek Navigator, which was a better fit (small size 14.5). The problem is, they're a bit on the heavy side. I live on a 3rd floor apartment, and would prefer my bike to be under 30lbs. So while looking through this forum, I learned about 650c bikes, and thought that this might be what I've been looking for. Seems like a good in-between the 700c and 26" sizes... Unfortunately, I don't even know where to get one of these. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated. I'd gladly provide more info if necessary. Thanks!
Last edited by radiohead; 01-12-09 at 12:45 PM.
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Definitely read this if you are going to base your choice on tire size: https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html. I'm not sure if 650C is what you mean--although I could easily be wrong (don't mean to offend). In any event, I would think that a 26"-wheel bike might make for an easier re-entry to the cycling world, and provide you with a greater variety of affordable, size-appropriate bikes from which to choose.
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You can convert an old 700c road bike to 650B and it will drop the top bar and inch or so. I did this with a single speed frame last year and it worked out pretty nice.
Rivendell has some reasonably priced 650b wheels.
Rivendell has some reasonably priced 650b wheels.
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thanks for that link SlowRoller! so if i read right.. in the site, it shows that a 650c is actually a 26x1, which is just a thinner 26" wheel size? The same diameter as the one the Trek Navigator has, but the Navigator is wider (26x1.95)? If so, then yea, I think that the 26" size wheel is better suited for me.. The problem is the weight. Could you please recommend a light 26" wheel bike?
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Thanks pathdoc! So if I decide to get a 700c frame bike, and convert it to the 650b, would it look awkward? Like would it leave a large space within the forks? And how much of a difference would it be? I felt like all I needed from the 700c wheels is for it to be an inch or two less, so I could gain that required stand over height from the top bar.
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thanks for that link SlowRoller! so if i read right.. in the site, it shows that a 650c is actually a 26x1, which is just a thinner 26" wheel size? The same diameter as the one the Trek Navigator has, but the Navigator is wider (26x1.95)? If so, then yea, I think that the 26" size wheel is better suited for me.. The problem is the weight. Could you please recommend a light 26" wheel bike?
26" can come in pretty narrow sizes as well. I got some 1.35" (34mm) slicks for my wife's bike. I've seen 1" as well (25mm) and they might be found even narrower.
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I've got 650 wheels with my Breezer and you'll find some added benefits with the smaller wheels. It's easier to carry and get in a vehicle. I don't see the reason for the 700 size for me. I've got a 30 inch inseam.
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No a 650B conversion looks fine.
Look at a few examples on this page.
https://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/cc-maker.html
Look at a few examples on this page.
https://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/cc-maker.html
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This thread has spurred my interest. What other changes would have to be made to put smaller wheels on a bike. (I'm only 5'6" myself and my used bike is just a tad tall for me). I would guess you'd have to get different brakes. Anything else?
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I would add that 650C and 650B are two different wheel sizes. You can convert a 700c bike to 650B, but my opinion is that in your situation, you are creating more work and expense than is necessary at the stage you are in (btw, I'm a fan of 650B, but that's a different story). So, as dwilbur3 points out, I would look at bikes with the typical 26" 559mm wheels. I don't have any specific recommendations on bikes, but I'm sure Specialized, Trek, and the rest all have good offerings for your purposes. Also, the differential in weight may not be that huge across these classes, probably on the order of a few lbs, but I'm not sure of this. Overall, ask your LBS for lightweight commuters with 26" wheels, possibly ones with aluminum frames if you are really worried about the weight. And, think about whether you need racks and fenders--and whether the bikes you are looking at can accommodate them. Good luck!
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Definitely brake reach. Also, I think rear spacing if you want to run wider 650B tires.
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Just to be clear: 650c is NOT the same as what most people would call 26". A typical 26" is 559mm, 650c is 571mm, and 700c is 622mm. 26" and 700c tires/tubes are pretty common (in the popular widths at least) while 650c much less so. You cannot put a 650c tire on a 26" rim or visa versa.
26" can come in pretty narrow sizes as well. I got some 1.35" (34mm) slicks for my wife's bike. I've seen 1" as well (25mm) and they might be found even narrower.
26" can come in pretty narrow sizes as well. I got some 1.35" (34mm) slicks for my wife's bike. I've seen 1" as well (25mm) and they might be found even narrower.
Also, does anyone have a Trek Navigator? If so, do you find the 3.0 to be heavy? I've only tried the 2.0 version and that was a bit heavier than what I would prefer. I'm hoping the 3.0 is lighter?
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Btw, these look pretty good to my eye: https://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes.cfm. Check out the town bikes. These come with racks, fenders, and lighting; aluminum frames; 26-inch wheels; and some nice pieces that you may grow to appreciate, like the internal gear hubs, which are usually lower maintenance than traditional derailleured bikes. You can ask your LBS to swap out tires if you want something different.
One thing to think about is the tendency for folks new to bikes (or that have been away from them for a while) to focus on bike weight and speed. If you are looking for a commuter as a person new to bike commuting, then I wouldn't make these the main parameters of your search. You most likely won't feel the weight when riding, only when you carry it up/down the stairs and you'll probably get used to it. If the weight differential is 10 lbs., then I can see choosing the lighter model, but again, most likely the variation will only be a few pounds, if that. As for speed, I don't know if you'll find it to be that important to you in the long run--particularly when commuting in a city, where there are stop signs and lights on most blocks.
I think reliability, comfort, and the ability to move things off your back and onto the bike, are important for a commuter.
Finally, these obviously are just my opinions The best thing is to keep asking questions, like you're doing. Also, let us know how your search goes!
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I think he meant 650b. Its a tire size common in France for use on tandems and loaded utility/touring bikes. The 650c was originally a wide tire but its now made only in narrow widths for time trialing and fast racing. Its not a good choice for all around-commuting. The 650b is excellent and lends itself to comfortable riding on even the roughest roads.
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I love my Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen. 650b. You can pry it from my cold dead hands.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluelem...7606322427028/
They also just came out with the Sam Hilborne model which will also be available in 650b.
https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=50-700
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluelem...7606322427028/
They also just came out with the Sam Hilborne model which will also be available in 650b.
https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=50-700
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Also a fan of the 650b -- I'm about your same inseam and the slightly smaller 650b wheel size can allow for a frame geometry that works well for people of our height. If you decide to go that way, I think you can find something you will be pleased with. But there are good 26" choices also. The Surly Long Haul Trucker in your frame size would be a 26" wheel. A lot of the commuter bikes - the REI/Novara Buzz and Buzz V for a couple of examples that pop to mind, but there are many others - use a 26" wheel.
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The Navigator was heavy because it's a lower end comfort bike. The front suspension fork,adjustable stem,suspension seatpost,and wide saddle are all access weight. Trek's FX series are alot lighter. Lots of rigid hybrids out there come in well under 30lbs.
At 5'5",you're not tiny. Plenty of smaller sized will fit you. I'd advise staying away from 650's unless you're willing to deal with limit selection of styles and special ordering.
At 5'5",you're not tiny. Plenty of smaller sized will fit you. I'd advise staying away from 650's unless you're willing to deal with limit selection of styles and special ordering.
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The best wheel size for you is 26" MTB.
650c is only available in narrow sizes for racing and can only be found in specialist/high-end bike stores. 650B is really niche so leave it to the fans.
Tyres for 26" MTB wheels size are universally available and come in size from 1" slick upwards.
For general purpose city riding on road and trail, a 1.5" is good. I am riding a 2" slick , the Schwalbe Big Apple which is very effective because of the flexy tyre casing.
Lightweight bikes for 26" are available, the Scott Sub and Cannondale Bad Boy are both tough, lightweight no-suspension city bikes based in old-style MTB/courier bikes, complete with all the threaded eyelets for accessories. You should be able to find others of this style at lower prices.
It is possible to switch the MTB wheels for 650C racing rims but it takes some knowhow; not for beginners.
650c is only available in narrow sizes for racing and can only be found in specialist/high-end bike stores. 650B is really niche so leave it to the fans.
Tyres for 26" MTB wheels size are universally available and come in size from 1" slick upwards.
For general purpose city riding on road and trail, a 1.5" is good. I am riding a 2" slick , the Schwalbe Big Apple which is very effective because of the flexy tyre casing.
Lightweight bikes for 26" are available, the Scott Sub and Cannondale Bad Boy are both tough, lightweight no-suspension city bikes based in old-style MTB/courier bikes, complete with all the threaded eyelets for accessories. You should be able to find others of this style at lower prices.
It is possible to switch the MTB wheels for 650C racing rims but it takes some knowhow; not for beginners.
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I agree with the several others that for the OP the 650 thing is a red herring.
The commuting 650 is of course the 650A*, used for decades in the USA on sturdy, useful bikes from Schwinn, Raleigh and other makers. These tires are commonly found in bike shops, small town hardware stores, suburban big boxes, etc.
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*The 650A tire size is also variously known as 26 x 1 3/8, E.A.3 and ISO590mm.
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*The 650A tire size is also variously known as 26 x 1 3/8, E.A.3 and ISO590mm.
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26 x 1 3/8 E.A.3 ISO590 doesn't have many tire/tread pattern choices as far as I'm aware.
the steel rims are quite indestructible however.
the steel rims are quite indestructible however.
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I converted my Raleigh Superbe to run on 700C wheels. There are plenty of tire choices available for the 622mm rim size. I had to change to drum brakes to get around the issue of brake reach. What the conversion has done is to make the All Steel Bicycle more rideable. A good deal of weight is gone when you switch out from steel rims.
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Last edited by tcs; 01-13-09 at 05:22 PM.
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Look for a 26" wheel bike with aluminum frame and without suspension. Have 26 X 1.5" smooth tires put in it. The weight saved with thinner tires will make it easier carrying up 3 floors. Try carrying it at the shop - there can be a lot of difference in comfort with various frame proportions and tubing sizes. You can get little padded bags that fit between the seat tube and the top tube to make carrying easier.