Ragley trig owners…let’s talk wheel size…

What's the definition of gravel for you? My Trig spends most of its time doing light XC duties and I tend to split the wheels by seasons - 650b x 47 knobblies (WTB Sendero) for the the muddier half of the year and 700c x 43 (Gravelking SK) for the drier, faster months.

I've got 45mm 700c tyres on mine.

I’ve got 45mm 700c tyres on mine.

that’s interesting, what are the clearances like? Surely that would potentially change from brand to brand?

What’s the definition of gravel for you?

for me, not so much a definition but more of a “where would the big bikes be overbiked” so if I’m taking the “quick (gravel) bike” out, it’s more a case of pootling along bridleways, train lines, mild singletrack and some road, national cycle / walking routes etc just out for the (preferred) off road miles more than anything, will also be used for occasional commuting duties so a bit of road riding too, I guess you could call it light XC duties as @frogstomp says

Budget will only allow for one wheelset for the foreseeable so wondering if smaller wheels with different tyres would be more beneficial than bigger wheels with (likely) one

that’s interesting, what are the clearances like?

WTB Raddlers - clearance totally fine even in mud.

Rims slightly narrow, but fitting some 25mm internal ones shortly so I'll report back if that's a problem.

Reasonably confident it won't be.

My Trig came with 650b wheels and tyres and I preferred the way it rode with the 650's compared to 700 .... Wish id not sold my small Trig frame now 🙁 ...... Oh and 5 foot 6 here as well

I'm delighted with the way mine seems to make the 650b/47mm tyres feel like they're no chore on tarmac.  Everywhere else, it's nimble and fun.  I'm currently on WTB Ventures, which I find to be surprisingly adaptable, both quick and yet manage to be grippy off road.

I did look at perhaps buying some (seriously) cheap Prime 700c wheels in the CRC yardsale but in the end decided that even at £140, it wasn't something I had any need for at all.  And I'm 5'11" on a large.

I rode my Amazon for several years on either 700x40 or 650x47 tyres. When I got around to buying a proper gravel bike I opted for the 650x47. That was simply based on my riding on the trails I ride. I dont think there's a right or a wrong answer and I reckon that some part of every ride sees me on the less optimal option at some point 🙂

Also consider that, should you ever wish to load it up for bikepacking, the smaller wheels will give you more space betwixt saddle and tyre for your seatpack. I'm 170cm and this is a consideration for me.

Mine was stock and I used it for the same stuff you describe. Kept meaning to try 700c but never got around to it as it worked well with the oe 650b. Then I sold it and bought an XC HT as drop bars suck ass.

Thanks for all the comments, folks

starting to lean towards 650 now as there does seem to be more cases for rather than against

makes a little more sense as it came stock with that size also, must be a good reasoning behind it

I find on small framed gravel bikes I struggle with toe overlap sometimes with a 700 x 40+ tyre, but never with a chunky 650b tyre. Some people don't seem to notice/mind it but for me it's annoying so I normally go for 650B.

I had an older Ragley Trig and used 27.5 x 2.1 Continentals I think it was (maybe 2.2 even?).