It’s also not often a choice, as it depends on clearance. If you want to run bigger tyres (45mm+), 650B is often the only option. Not many frames take 50mm 700s.
It makes so much sense when you see it like that eh
I have a bit of a spiel I’ve been forwarding to people when they ask me about electric bikes. It’s not as simple as this diagram, but it’s good to not have to write the same thing over and over
Ive really opened myself up to some "well akshuley"s, so to clarify, its not totally accurate. Like i think its equivalent to a
42mm tyre. And the weight savings are well under 500g but still.
Another bonus is that they are a bit stiffer/stronger
Big tyres on 700c can feel like you are riding a horse.
As a pair they’re a reasonable example of what this 650b thing is all about, but they’re very different bikes in other ways. I’ve ridden them both on the same loops a few times now and although they feel very different with totally different SensationsTM, there’s not a lot in them speed wise. The Look has surprised me with its comfort on paved roads over <4hrs too.
But 650b opens up all sorts of rougher surfaces, and over longer distances. I’d much rather be on it for a whole day or more (I think. I haven’t ridden the Look that far to be fair).
This isn’t a thorough analysis with a strong answer. Just my thoughts
Incidentally, I replaced the 700c x 32mm wheel on the back of my commuter with a 650b x 55mm and it’s very comfy.
Dumang DK6 ergo with holy pandas (experiment with layouts)
Ergodox EZ with Kailh coppers (spare board, should sell it)
Keyboards to build / soon to buy
Pinky 4 with creams (see if I like linear)
Severed Duck 36 with choc blues (waiting for group buy to start)
Keyboards previously owned
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard (gave to friend)
Dygma Raise (sold to workmate)
But anyway, this discussion would probably be best in it’s own thread
For 650B, I own some VO Grand Cru long reach brakes. I had been keen on converting a roadie to them but can’t find any 650b rims. Found some ages ago on AliExpress for about $400 or so but now I can’t.
I could have sworn that some places the bits to build them yourself, but looks like stock is out…