650B versus 650C Wheels
 

My Saluki came with 650B wheels. The Velocity Synergy 32/32 wheels with Shimano XT hubs/skewers work just fine. But I'm just wonderin' ... just sayin'.

Is there a difference in how the 650B wheels/tires feel in comparison to 650C wheels/tires? Would switching from 650B to 650C raise the height of the bottom bracket and top tube a bit? Is one set more "rugged" than the other?

I don't know for sure because I haven't done anything with 650B wheels yet.

I assume that 650C wheels will have a slightly smaller rim diameter. You might have brake reach or tire clearance issues. The easiest way to find out for sure would be to find somebody who has a 650C wheel bike and trial fit their wheels onto your bike.

650B is 584mm diameter, 650C is 571mm, so 13mm, or about 1/2 inch.

I'm guessing that most brakes will adjust, assuming the current brake shoes are not at the bottom of the adjustment slot. but you do lose b-bracket height and pedal clearance. Note that Rivendell tends to make bikes with low b-bracket height to begin with.....

Both Sun and Velocity make 18-19mm width road rims in 28 spokes. $40 -$60 at Sheldons.

Michelin and Conti both make 650C x 23mm tires.

Definitely check a wheel to see how it fits. Maybe ride them a bit to see how the bike handles. It always amazes me how minute changes on the bike can make a huge difference, not always for the better.

Steve B.

Good points. The size 50 Saluki w/650B wheels already sit pretty low, and there is a tendency for pedal contact with the road if leaning sharp into turns. A 650C would increase pedal contact in the turns.

Also, conventionally the widest 650C wheel is 23mm, which would be a more uncomfortable ride when compared to 650B wheels with 32mm tires. Case closed!

I think it is obvious that 650B wheels are "above average" where as 650C wheels are just "average"...
Seriously, I did not know 650 wheels came in two sizes!:eek:

Three sizes ... there are 650A wheels too. 590mm diameter.

Rivendell is attempting to repopularize the 650B and is bringing it out on more bikes. Having short legs, I hope they succeed.