Thread: 650B

Originally Posted by Dave Turner

650 is not a light at the end of a tunnel,but a train approaching fast. The whole MTB world is about to be rocked by 650 wheels. It will be awhile before it effects Europe of course, but for the US which is more open to and hungry for the latest and greatest, prepare for the impact, and yes the cycle will repeat and the biggest company's will have the cheapest most available bikes in that platform as well. The cycle repeats and the little guys like Turner Bikes work on a different set of ideals, Behind, maybe to many riders but at what standard.

Alright, I'm not implying that Dave Turner is some all-knowing industry sage, but I found this quote pretty interesting. With Fox putting a 650B fork on the market next year, it looks like we might see the growth of yet another mainstream wheel-size option. Curious what the more sensible TGR minds think?

so why is 650B better than 26, and useful when 29 is around?

I haven't ridden 650b, but I did some previous investigation because it seemed like a lower cost alternative to get some of the 29er benefits. What ultimately stopped me was the complete lack of tire choice. Its something that I wouldn't mind checking out. Although, I'm not sure the difference in feel will be enough to warrant a significant number of people from switching from 26/29.

It will take off if the industry makes it take off, ie. we start see bikes coming stock as 650b, shops push it, accessories are available. They're going to have to jump in with both feet.

Maybe this will be a good alternative for dh / free ride bikes. Lighter wheels, more maneuverable, lower BB etc etc than 29ers. The bigger wheels could be just that fraction faster in rough terrain. You get a big name to win a big race and the DH/29er haters may hop on the wagon.

From what I understand most Fox 26" forks fit 650b wheels already.

I know a few people who love them, though tire selection is definitely limited. Have some broad range options, but not much choice in between.

I was strongly considering going this route if I still were riding full suspension.

I'm curious to see what others here think too... it's an interesting option whether you build up an existing 26" frame or buy a new 650b-specific one.

I rode about 20 km on a FS Jamis 650b... Bottom line all the positives of 26 and 29 rolled into one obscure wheel size. It really worked well. At the time I was over 29 inch wheels as I jumped on board earlyish and HATED it. The Jamis felt like a 26 on the climbs but you noticed the added wheel size rolling through the rough stuff. So for me it worked. Does that mean the industry needs another wheel size? Probably not. Time will tell...

Why not? Not like we have a limit on wheel size(s). Again, I think being open minded to what works for your terrain and riding style, nothing wrong with that is there? Know how and what you ride and what works best for that. Options=good.

Originally Posted by bagtagley

Alright, I'm not implying that Dave Turner is some all-knowing industry sage, but I found this quote pretty interesting. With Fox putting a 650B fork on the market next year, it looks like we might see the growth of yet another mainstream wheel-size option. Curious what the more sensible TGR minds think?

I would vote yes for gay marriage in my area but that does not mean I want to marry a dude. Know what I mean?? More important question; if Dave Turner told you to jump off of a bridge, would you do it? What if the bridge was root beer color?

The longer we waste time on wheel sizes, the longer resources are being pulled away from hoverbike technology.

Just be aware of that.

Originally Posted by VTskibum

From what I understand most Fox 26" forks fit 650b wheels already.

Friend of mine did this on his Santa Cruz Blur, it fits but the clearance is a lot closer than I would
be happy with if riding someplace where rocks/sticks could wedge in the tire tread.

Originally Posted by Mr. Altagirl

I would vote yes for gay marriage in my area but that does not mean I want to marry a dude.

Somehow, I'm not convinced.

Is the bridge made in the USA? Is it carbon fiber?

FWIW, I'm a big fan on 650B on road/dirt road bikes. I'd buy a 650B cross bike with drop bars and disk brakes in a heartbeat. I modified my Sequoia to exactly that with a disk only on the front.

Wheel size is just like frame size, use the one that is right for the job. I run 650b on my FSR stumpy and a Haro Beasley. The other bike I ride the most is a fat bike with 29.5" tires.


650b has been around for a while, I do not get this is the latest thing stuff.


I did not know Mr. Altagirl is gay.

Originally Posted by bagtagley

Somehow, I'm not convinced.

Is the bridge made in the USA? Is it carbon fiber?

I vote for anything that is against the general popular opinion of most Utah'ns, it's the only reason I go to the voting booth.

The "Bridge" would be fully American in design. It will set the standard for spanning a short to mid un-travelable distance, making great strides in both inovation and conservation of the full production process. Unfortuantly, it will not be ready for at least two years (and a few months after each of the next 7 re-launch dates)

You know the snow at Alta must be bad when Mr.AG is posting in SR's in JANUARY.

My question is why can all the bike manufacturers tell you exactly how much stiffer this frame is then some other frame, (or even worse in roadies w/drag coefficients) but there isn't any significant scientific data of the performance "benefit" of bigger wheels ever touted by those same manufacturers? It's not like any of the bigger wheel sizes are new anymore. Could it be that they are just too lazy to do the tests, or because the data doesn't support the trend....hmmmm

I'll never forget switching from 24" rear wheels to 26" on the DH bike and being totally underwhelmed, but dropping 6-7 lbs on those bikes, now that was an eye opener.

Originally Posted by phatfreeheeler

I'll never forget switching from 24" rear wheels to 26" on the DH bike and being totally underwhelmed, but dropping 6-7 lbs on those bikes, now that was an eye opener.

Crazy talk. It took about 10 seconds on an old Big Hit to feel the rear end fighting forward progress. The BMX wheel on those things was a band-aid. I don't think there's any arguing that bigger wheels roll over stuff better.

Come on Bags, it was nothing a very minor adjustment in riding couldn't solve, and the shorter chainstays, and faster acceleration had other advantages. That's my point, SHOW ME THE DATA, or we are all just guessing. Humans suck as accurate data collectors.

I Converted my 2004 Marin Rift Zone to 650B this year. Mostly because I needed a spring project, but also because I was curious to try the wheel size. I am really happy with it though, the added roll over performance, and ability to maintain momentum relative to the 26 in wheels is noticeable. I am not super tall (5'10"), and the 29er frames that fit me all seem to have laggy turning and are harder to accelerate. My 650b does not feel like the 29ers I have ridden, but seems to have some of the bonus that is appreciated by 29er converts

I hold that wheel size and body size have some relation, for us middle size dudes, I think 650b has merit.

Originally Posted by phatfreeheeler

I'll never forget switching from 24" rear wheels to 26" on the DH bike and being totally underwhelmed, but dropping 6-7 lbs on those bikes, now that was an eye opener.

Did you run the 3.0 tires like most guys which essentially created a 26" wheel?

Originally Posted by zombinate

I Converted my 2004 Marin Rift Zone to 650B this year. Mostly because I needed a spring project, but also because I was curious to try the wheel size. I am really happy with it though, the added roll over performance, and ability to maintain momentum relative to the 26 in wheels is noticeable. I am not super tall (5'10"), and the 29er frames that fit me all seem to have laggy turning and are harder to accelerate. My 650b does not feel like the 29ers I have ridden, but seems to have some of the bonus that is appreciated by 29er converts

I hold that wheel size and body size have some relation, for us middle size dudes, I think 650b has merit.

What did the wheelset cost you, and what did you use to build it up?

We've got a WTB 650b wheelset and 120mm(I think...maybe 130) white bros fork and some Nevegals here if anyone is itching to try 650b. Priced. to. move.

Originally Posted by kidwoo

The longer we waste time on wheel sizes, the longer resources are being pulled away from hoverbike technology.

Just be aware of that.

How do you jump a hoverbike? Will it feel awesome as jumping a real bike?

Tire choices still pretty much suck for 29ers, so I can't say I'm really excited for a whole new wheel size worth of shitty tires.

Originally Posted by shirk

How do you jump a hoverbike? Will it feel awesome as jumping a real bike?

I have no idea but we need to quit farting around with making youtube videos about wheel sizes to find out!!

I'd rather just run fatter tires.