650b is a fad

late · 2011-10-07 11:00:17

Nice looking bike, werkin. :thumb: What frame is that? Custom?

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10-10-11 | 04:18 PM

#26

BluesDawg

just keep riding

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 13,560

Likes: 44

From: Milledgeville, Georgia

Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S

Nice looking bike, werkin.

What frame is that? Custom?

10-10-11 | 04:33 PM

#27

Werkin

Full Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 467

Likes: 4

From: Texas

Thank you BluesDawg.

It's an off-the-shelf early model Ruben frame from Traitor Cycles with recent version fork.

10-10-11 | 08:28 PM

#28

BlazingPedals

Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 12,551

Likes: 798

From: Middle of da Mitten

Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Catrike Speed

Quote:

Originally Posted by irwin7638

The greatest popularity for the 650b comes from converting old road bikes into more versitile city bikes.

Marc

Um... OK... so, it's a way to put fat tires on an old road frame. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to convert a mountain bike, which can already take fat tires?

10-10-11 | 08:32 PM

#29

BikeWNC

Climbing Above It All

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 4,146

Likes: 3

From: Basking in the Sun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

Um... OK... so, it's a way to put fat tires on an old road frame. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to convert a mountain bike, which can already take fat tires?

Or use a cross bike?

10-10-11 | 08:35 PM

#30

BluesDawg

just keep riding

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 13,560

Likes: 44

From: Milledgeville, Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

Um... OK... so, it's a way to put fat tires on an old road frame. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to convert a mountain bike, which can already take fat tires?

Sure. Unless you wanted to have a road bike frame.

10-10-11 | 08:46 PM

#31

Fred Smedley

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 1,704

Likes: 3

650B is wonderful if tight singletrack is your forte. Better footprint and traction than 26" and better quickness than 29er.

10-11-11 | 11:30 AM

#32

Werkin

Full Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 467

Likes: 4

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

Um... OK... so, it's a way to put fat tires on an old road frame. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to convert a mountain bike, which can already take fat tires?

It is a way to run wider tires with a similar rolling diameter as most road bikes were designed for. Not all mountain bikes can fit a larger rim also. I have an MTB with plenty of room for width, but the front suspension fork brace and the top pull front dérailleur prevent use of a 650b rim with a tire wider than 32mm/1.25 inch mounted. Overall diameter increases when tire width is increased.

10-11-11 | 01:59 PM

#33

bobbycorno

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 2,454

Likes: 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Werkin

...not to mention that most MTBs ride (and handle) like a truck on pavement. There's a lot to be said for a light, responsive bike with cush tires. Especially here in the land of chipseal.

SP
Bend, OR

10-11-11 | 02:12 PM

#34

irwin7638

Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 3,119

Likes: 159

From: Kalamazoo, Mi.

Bikes: Sam, The Hunq and that Old Guy, Soma Buena Vista, Giant Talon 2, Brompton

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

Um... OK... so, it's a way to put fat tires on an old road frame. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to convert a mountain bike, which can already take fat tires?

Not necessarily. I wanted a Soma Buena Vista frame for my city bike. But wanted larger than 28mm tires for city riding,650b was the only size. On the other hand my touring bike can take big tires but doesn't work anywhere near as well in the city. It's really a question of fitting the tire you want on the frame you want rather than compromising.

Marc