On Aug 15, 10:29 am, RoadieRyan <[email protected]> wrote: > Is it possible the "retreat" from larger sized 650b is simply a > business decision? I get the impression, no hard facts, that there is > less demand for larger sizes, especially over say 62 cm, than the mid- > range, so it would follow that demand larger sizes spec'd for a "non > traditional" wheel size is pretty niche. > > With a tough economy, constraints on manpower and financial resources > it would make sense to me that Rivendell would build to meet the > greatest demand in order to maximize sales and revenue. Not that the > bottom-line drives their business but it is a big consideration. And > for those folks who really want a larger size designed around 650b > there is always a Riv custom, so its not like they are left with no > options. > Unfortunately, I agree that in this economy, Riv like many other retailers, have to pick and choose what moves. 650b wheel size is limited and does not appear to have the same momentum it had a few years ago when it was new.
This is probably going to get me flamed, but 650b appears to have reached its peak. There are a certain amount of enthusiasts who support it wholeheartedly and will continue to push it as the next best thing to slice bread - think Kirk Pacenti, Jan H and Riv, of course. Then there are others who use 650b wheels to convert old "racing- style" bikes to make more useful by allowing fatter tires and fenders. But really how many people are actually doing this? May be a few thousand? Definitely, not enough to support its growth. Basically, the demand for 650b is not going to grow until one of the biggies like Trek, Specialized or Giant decides to do it and can get shops to support it. Despite 650b being an "old" size, shops appear to be reluctant to support yet another wheel size that it has to *educate* its customers. Good Luck! -- 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.
