I ran 650b Cliffhangers with 43mm Panaracer Gravel King slicks for a bit on
an AHH. No issues, but I wouldn't be confident going with anything skinnier.
On the wheelset, I personally prefer handbuilt wheelsets but I would have
no heatburn running Deores with straight gauge spokes. I'd probably
I can't speak to Cliffhangers but I used to ride 28-30mm tires on 25mm(OD)
Mavic A719 rims. I never thought twice about. I see now Mavic list the rims
as for 25-47mm tires. In Road racing circles it's common to pair a 25mm
tire and 25mm rims. Velocity may be covering their legal agreements
Treefort bikes:
$145 for rear:
https://www.treefortbikes.com/Quality-Wheels-Rear-Wheel-Clydesdale-XL-Rim-Brake-700c
$110 for front:
https://www.treefortbikes.com/Quality-Wheels-Front-Wheel-Clydesdale-XL-Rim-Brake-700c
The front seems to be available everywhere else for $125.
Limitations on
