The new version has a low bb compared to to the old version.
I think a 650b would fit with narrow tyres (just about) but begs the question why the hell would you want to buy a super slack hardtail and put weenie xc tyres on it. There are far more suitable frames out there if you want to do that sort of riding
I’m not sure that I would want to put 650b on there TBH. But i don’t want to be the only one at the STW disco wearing a tank top and national health glasses.
However jumping on your comments – i’m looking for something to replace my Soul. It’s too small. I will keep the Bfe for more extreme stuff, so the new bike would fullfil “everyday riding” inc XC.
I have had a 456 in the past, and it fitted me well and I like the ride – now, I’m guessing geometery has chnaged since ’07. I only sold it cos I had a buyer and I bought a soul frame on ebay …
So the Ti 456 is one choice
The xl solaris is the other …