2 New 650B Bikes!

Though not mountain bikes, Rivendell Bicycles is offering two new 650b wheeled bikes in 2009.
The Betty Foy is ladies mixte frame. Lugged, and Taiwanese produced.


And the
Sam Hillborne is the traditional version.
This bike uses 650b wheels on sizes 48cm & 52cm.


To quote Rivendell on 650B,
"The wheels are 650B. Five years ago, were rare in the U.S., but no more. It's well-supported in this country--it's even trendy--and has a secure future."

Good work Grant.
Check out www.rivbike.com for additional info!

What would you say if...

What would you say if I offered you a 2.1" knobby 650B tire? What if you already had a matching tire on your 650b rig, but its was a little too big, or a little too heavy?
Would you ask for a lighter, narrower version of the Neo-Moto? Would a 2.1" version suffice? What if we scraped off 100g from the existing 2.3" Neo? Would you ride it? Would you love it? Would you love me? I hope not, you should love Pacenti Cycle Designs.



That's right, your prayers have been answered. A 2.1" version of the acclaimed Neo-Moto is in the works. MTBR's BEST, just got a little smaller! The Neo was the precedent for 650b knobbies, and won't go down without fight! Pacenti has pushed the production of the Mini-Moto, a 650b x 44 tire, back in favor of the narrower Neo. Quite the line up of tires is emerging!
Meanwhile, Kenda has yet to deliver their 2.3 and 2.1 Nevegal in the 650b format.
Cross you fingers for a Pre-Sea Otter release of the 2.1 Neo!!!
Pictured is the 2.3" Version

So, now, planned/scheduled 650b Knobby tires are as followed:
Pacenti Neo Moto 2.3"
Pacenti Neo Moto 2.1"
Pacenti Quasi Moto 2.0"
Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.2"
IRD/Pana Fire XC Pro 2.1"
Kenda Nevegal 2.3"
Kenda Nevegal 2.1"
WTB Wolverine 2.2"

I think there are enough tire companies onboard to suggest this as a viable wheel size!
Forks? Hello? ...Bueller?

Low and Behold

Just before the Thanksgiving holiday the new issue of Adventure Cyclist arrived in the mail (thank you subscriptions). I look forward to this periodical with my rising interest with long distance riding and the potential of just, one day, getting lost (way lost) on my bike. Anyways, there is no mention of 650B wheels or bikes in the current Nov/Dec 2008 issue, but, alas, a 650B wheels bike graces its cover.
The Rivendell Saluki is, and has been, available so sometime now. It also was one of the base insparations for the original Rawland line of bikes: the Sogn and Olaf. The Saluki is available with canti-lever brake posts or traditional caliper style mounting. Grant Petersen is the mastermind at Rivendell. Stop by their website at www.rivbike.com.
As for the Adventure Cyclist, they are an awesome organization AND magazine. www.adventurecyclist.org for more info!
Aaron Teasdale and his son, Silas, grace the cover. Aaron also acts as the Deputy Editor for the Adventure Cyclist publication!
For now, go get lost on your bike!

The VooDoo Takes Yet Another Form

DSCF0398
Originally uploaded by Cracked Headtube

I've converted the BOKOR to a 650B Mtb Fixie. I gave it a ride this evening as the sun dropped. Definitely a different ride style. I had a few fixies years ago. One was a Surly Steamroller that I toyed with as an off-road fixed. I built this wheeled using the SUN cr18 650B. As some have posted the tire fit pretty tight, but went on similar to a tight fit with some wire bead tires. I've dealt with worse, that for sure. 39x15 gearing. I kept it to the local gravel levy, paved roads to get there and grassy, rocky levy climbs.

NOT 650B Related, sorry.

FOR LOCAL TAMPA AREA FOLKS
650B Wheeled Bikes to Test Ride!

Hard to Find?

I fired up MTBR.com this morning and low'n'behold: Pacenti Quasi Moto Tires on the homepage, on sale!

Check out www.bikeman.com for more info!

Pricing issue?

(THIS POST IS A RESPONSE TO MTBR THREAD LOCATED AT http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=5090089#poststop)

We'll try to work on a price guide for your viewing pleasure.

Yes, I PURCHASED these tires to report on them. I bug companies about providing 650B product and once they offer it, I'll do my best to buy it.
2 reasons:

• To back-up my interest.
• Provide an informative narrative for the product.

Buying anything could be a risk. A [I]MAJORITY[/I] of MTBR users are men, and with most guys buying techy type stuff as in 650B wheels and components who do their research. I started 650B Palace to report to consumers the movings of 650B. When the Pacenti tires hit I initially bought 2 pair. When the Quasi's came in I was lucky enough to get a proto set for testing and review. I've also purchase more, since. No, I do not buy at retail, but I show my support by buying and testing and reporting. I don't get paid for my post, nor do I sell add space on my blog. I do it for the consumers and to show the industry the potential demand for this product. I pass along results I find because I love this sport and the progession of movers and shakers. Folks willing to push the envelope. Tires are a tough thing to manufacture. There is a lot of tooling involved, and (with everything), prices must be pass along to the end user. The 29er movement was happy to have 1 tire in the beginning. With 650B MTB tires we are sitting with 3 tires CURRENTLY available to the market, only 20 months since Kirk Pacenti debuted this idea at NAHBS 2007. That is some swift moving on the behalf of tire designers and makers. 3 Currenty with 3 more very close to release. 6 total potentially 24 months after the idea hit the (small) mainstream. 3 continents are reporting on this format and, in my opinion, that is HUGE news.
Price is one things but to ask for something, then say I'm not gonna buy because it costs too much is pretty weak. Especialliy when compared wit the 26" or 29" version. Be an educated consumer, and attempt to realize where the money must go for us to have these products.

Schwalbe RACING RALPHS

More 650b Tires have landed!
Schwalbe's Racing Ralph is now offered in a 650Bx 2.25.
Claimed weight it 555g, with a folding bead. These tire mounted up great! I will not be able to give a test ride until (possibly) Sunday.
Other News:
My own Quijano Bike Co custom 650B frame is all finished, painted and built. True Temper OX steed! The RRs are fitted to it currently and this will be my new 650B component tester. Unless, I get another frame....hmm. Perhaps.

I designed and built this frame, so I'm super stoked to get to the trails! The new tires showed up today and I wasn't even expecting them. Too bad I'm photographing a wedding tomorrow, otherwise I'd be attending the local Fat Tire Fest in the Alifia River State Park. Alas, the bike will be on display, but not test riding will be done. Liability reasons.
I will post more soon!

NEW TIRES

Well, everyone knows they are coming, but I haven't seen anyone else with them yet. I have a new set of 650B tires on the way. I'll post image when they arrive! Which ones? You'll just have to wait until next week!

Pacenti Cycle Designs BLOWOUT

Over at BIKELUGS.COM prices are low, right now!
Free shipping on tires!
30% off all Rims
50% off all forks!

If your into frame building stuffs check-out the other gear,too!

SALE <-----Follow Link

General Site <----- Follow Link

Quite the Steed

IMG_2358.JPG
Originally uploaded by YiPsan bicycles

This bike is another YipSan, a 650B Cross bike. Or is it a Drop-bar mountain bike? Given the compent choice and fork choice I'd go with 650B-CX.
Lovely colors with matching bar wrap, and the brown leather Brooks brings it home!
Pacenti Quasi Motos in effect!

YipSan at it Again!

IMG_2371.JPG
Originally uploaded by YiPsan bicycles

Renold Yip makes some stellar bikes. He just "get's it"
I am quickly becoming a huge fan of his work. He's a super nice guy, to boot.
Looks like he's built another SS 650B Mtb, with what looks like a custom painted Rock Shox Psylo. Follow the photo's link to more of Renold's YipSan bicycle images.

Forces of Nature!

Shawn Force shared this with 650BPalace.
It is his Marin Quad XC, 650B Equipped. It was photographed with Neo-Motos, but his local terrain does not need such an aggressive tread so he has stepped down to the Quasi-Moto.
Forces of Nature Cycling is located in St Joseph, MO. Reach them at (214) 748-3647. They are working at putting together more than a few 650B MTBs.

Renold Yip is at it again!

IMG_2231.JPG
Originally uploaded by YiPsan bicycles

Renold of YipSan Bikes builds some nice rigs. Here is a tire clearance shot of a project just completed and it at the Rocky Mountain Bicycle Show this weekend! Check out his Flickr page for more images.

650B in OZ

http://www.bikelugs.com/about/index.php?strWebAction=article_detail&intResourceID=82

Read it and live it.

Inter Bike 2008

Inter Bike 2008
Originally uploaded by Cracked Headtube

Vicious Cycles Mambo Sun SS
We nick-named this the Lizard Bike, because of the saddle. Which I failed to photograph. Vicious has teamed up with Fizik to offer matchin saddles to their killer paint jobs. The saddle on this bike looked like lizard scales! Wicked.

Inter Bike 2008

Inter Bike 2008
Originally uploaded by Cracked Headtube

Vicious Cycles Ti Mambo Sun.
Vicious had American Classics initial run of 650B wheelset. From my understanding both 27.5" bikes were sold in the course of the show, complete. The geared, Ti Mambo Sun was suppose to be Carl's personal bike, much like the Ti Mambo Sun shown at NAHBS but was sold, again...

On Hiatus.

Sorry for the lack of content on 650B Palace, but things are now back and running.

Some news for the readers:
I currently have 2 650B MTB Projects in the mix one Aluminum with kick ass sliders from Ahrens MFG, and one steel geared. I will post images and info as I get closer to the finale. A third possibility is in the works with another manufacturer. Lots of content to come!

The folks over at Soma contacted me before Interbike to get some wheels, which I am currently packing for shipment. Soma's prototype B Side has been put through the ringer and they are in need of a new rear wheel. I haven't seen any images of the production BSides, but rumor has i we all will soon.

I updated my Flickr with some images of Interbike. I didn't get around as much as I had liked, but I did manage a few pictures of 650B gear.

Rawland Cycles gradded #1 of Bike Magazines Top Ten of Interbike 2008! Yahoo! Great Folks there at Rawland! Loads of energy for such a quiet booth! Literally, I got goose-bumbs walking into their booth!

Quasi-Motos: THE DEMAND

Pacenti Cycle Design recieved MTBR's Tire of the Year with the Neo-Moto in a 2.3", but it seems the Quasi Moto is in short supply! J&B, QBP, are out, but I'm not sure about Hawley and I KNOW Merry Sales has some.

Another Dirt Rag Review

I don't recall if I added this to the site or not.

A while back I DO remember showing this bike on the 650B Palace, but now there is a review out. Due to Interbike ramp-up activities I haven't been able to read last month's Dirt Rag.



This deserves a good read, for sure.



ENGIN IN DIRT RAG