Forum menu
Whats the deal with 650b bikes? What is the point, surely its just not enough of a difference from a 26er with big tyres?
Discuss...
already been discussed a million times.
the answer is "just because"
See also "blue bikes" or "aluminium bikes".
I didn't mean to question the point, more the what does it offer, as i'm not 'down' with different sized wheels on MTB?
which came first, the wheels or the tyres? unless i've missed something i'm amazed you can even get half-decent tyres for another wheel size.
[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/650b-anybody-riding-this-wheel-size ]This thread is your friend[/url]
if you like sitting on fences get a 650b
650B (in an MTB sense) came about directly because of the limitations of 29ers.
1) Are bigger wheels smoother over rough ground? - Yes
2) Do 29ers have geometry tweaks resulting in slower steering? - Yes
3) Does 650B address both of these issues? - Yes
650B is the biggest wheel you can design an MTB around without having to abandon traditional 26" geometry
650B/MTB wasn't thought up by a marketing department, but by Kirk Pacenti - A US frame builder - looking for a practical solution for sharper handling and towards the future of full-suspension bikes.
650B may not be a huge amount bigger than 26" wheels with FAT tyres, but that difference is worth something. Many people wouldn't think anything of spending 50% more on an MTB component just to lose 10% of the weight.
I would rather race on my 2.1" 650B tyres than roll about on 3.0" 26" DH beasts weighing 2kgs each - and declare the 650B rider a chump cos his wheels are only slightly bigger 😉
650b a bit like 29er some marketing bloke invented it and told you it was better to sell more bikes because the market was slowing up.The same as single speed and hub gears and 1x 9 and 10 speed and...
God those blokes who decided on 26 inch wheels in the 70s were rubbish ,didn't know a thing did they?
I'd try it, tried 29er but that just feels wrong, we all have different frame sizes, why not wheels?
Aren't 650b wheels just for people who think 29ers are getting too common?
No one decided on 26 inch wheels. They were the only tyres available is all - came from beach cruisers. Have you actually seen the bikes they rode then?
What beach cruisers or late 70s early 80s mtbs? I still ride early 80s stuff
650 b was around in the 70s
650B best of both worlds with no drawbacks other than the limited tyres/rims and the price of them.
650B worst of both worlds with no benefits. And limited tyres/rims and the price of them.
You can argue it both ways 😉