> The first kept telling me that the tire was a new fad - something for the > folks who want to be > different. The second had no idea what I was talking about. I'm not > all that mechanically inclined, so I depend on my LBS (to my chagrin) > - though I hope to change this in the future and become more adept at > working on my bike.
650B is not new, rather it is a once well known size that has come back. The advantage of the 650B size is it allows a larger tire without radically changing the bike design to prevent the bike from being too high. Case in point, I put Big Apple 700x60s on a bike roughly the size of a 59 Hilsen. Big Apples are wonderfully compliant and handling was fine. On the other hand, I had to lean the bike way over to get on and off. I did not like the noticeably higher distance I was from the ground while riding. If you intend to use wider tires - and there are several wonderful 40 and above 650b choices out there online if not in the LBS - you should seriously consider the 650b. If you don't think you will ever go above 35 or so, 700 may make sense. On Feb 7, 10:51 pm, Zaelia <[email protected]> wrote: > Hello - I'm a new member to the group, and I'm in the process of > ordering an A. Homer Hilsen frame from Rivendell. I've been given the > option of both the 650B frame (56cm) and the 700c frame (55cm). After > conducting as much research as I can online and talking with my bike > knowledgeable friends, I'm still finding the decision to be > difficult. I'm not sure how much information I should give here, but > I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about my dilemma. > > My AHH will be primarily a commuter bike, but will also serve me on > longer weekend rides and perhaps some light touring in the future. > What I like about this bike is its ability to tackle a wider range of > conditions - road and off-road (nothing gnarly, mind you) - and it is > just a beautiful looking bike! In my adult life, I've only ever known > my current ride - a Rocky Mountain Fusion mountain bike from the > mid-90s. I'm looking forward to riding a bike much more suited to my > style of riding. The Fusion makes me work pretty hard and it's h-e-a- > v-y! > > Availability of the 650B wheels is my biggest issue. I have only > found two stores locally that can help me out with this (they don't > have anything in stock but would have to order), though I've not > conducted an exhaustive search. Talking with the folks at the local > stores was quite illuminating. The first kept telling me that the > tire was a new fad - something for the folks who want to be > different. The second had no idea what I was talking about. I'm not > all that mechanically inclined, so I depend on my LBS (to my chagrin) > - though I hope to change this in the future and become more adept at > working on my bike. > > I'm leaning heavily toward the 650B because of the many things I've > read about it on sites like 650B Palace (http:// > 650bpalace.blogspot.com/) and La Confrérie des 650 (http://www.cyclos- > cyclotes.org/650/index_ang.html). Even the Country Bike Shop > (http://www.countrybikeshop.com/) makes me feel the 650B is the choice I > should make. But still a lingering doubt remains. I can't imagine > I'll regret my decision, but I worry that I might. > > While I have you - the second part of this question might be what > width should I get? And what brands/models do you recommend? I know > much of this is subjective, but I'd be happy to read your thoughts. > Thanks. > > Cheers, > Zaelia -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
