Ahrens Update!

Mike Ahrens sent us a few images of his newly built 650B Prototype. Enjoy.

Ahrens Bikes, sweet Proto B'r.

Mike Ahrens was kind enough to share some images of his 650B prototype. Photo'd here, it had just returned from the polishers. Hi-Shine! Nice Ahrens CS and SS yokes, dropouts and 7000 Series BB shells are available to frame builders, or tinkerers. Check out their page on the web at www.ahrensbicycles.com . They also sponsor the Vanderkitten Team. Meow. On top of all that, they produce the WISECRACKER, for your bottle opening pleasure!

A "Fox Alert" Follow-Up

Yes, the F29 is approved to work with a wheel larger than a 26" (i.e. 650B).
Yes, Fox is covering their rear with this notification.
Yes, the Neo-Moto, at 702 (+/- 5mm) is close to many large-volume 26" tires on the market. Rock Shox does not recommend the use of 650B wheels either, BUT will that stop us from using them? Probably not. Anyone out there completely read their suspension fork owners manual? A lot of the things we do and ride would be considered 'out-side the realm of standard use' for many forks. Fork manufactures have loads of liability on their shoulders as it is. Now we, as consumers, are dabbling with things many of the makers have not. When I called X-Fusion about the Velvet, back in July, they hadn't heard much of anything about the 650B MTB wheels. Carl at Vicious was probably just putting the Neo-Moto in a Fox Fork for the first time that same month. White Bros. didn't change ANYTHING to their 650B fork besides machining the sliders half-way between 26" and 29" designs.
FOX and RS ARE just covering their butts with their official (Only FOX) releases.
Manitou, on the other hand, is attempting to cobble a 650B fork together from parts they currently offer (or offered- old stock stuffs).

You can rest assured, when news like this is released you'll find it here on the 650B Palace blogsite! THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT

FOX ALERT!

A message from the FOX FACTORY:

As many of you know the FOX forx do FIT the Neo-Moto, but Fox doesn't recommend it. Use EXTREME CAUTION!
...as you were.

VooDoo Bokor 650B'd

My Voo Doo Bokor show'd upFriday, just as we were closing! I'm super excited to build this one up! Clearance is looking good! The Sliders on the rear allow for good clearance, and room to move back. SO, I'm building this as a Single Speed to begin with. I'm out of shifters and rear dérailleurs! I guess I have too many projects going on! 650B bikes are sucking my life force.....AAHHH. I'm hooked.
17" Bokor frame
X-Fusion Velvet R up front.
American Classic SS hubs on Velocity Blunts, not American Classic rims.
I'll finish the build this weekend! Last night I had enough time to face and ream the head tube and install headset, and face and chase the BB. The BB wasn't bad, but the head tube NEEDED it.
The Prebuild:

ss clearance

cs clearance

Slap hands with Haro!

A little bird dropped these off in my mail box.

Haro is playing around with their Sonix line, and built a custom rear triangle to accept The Ne0-M0t0 tire from Pacenti. Look like they're taking a page from my book, and using the killer X-Fusion Velvet R. Seriously, its a perfect fork for 27.5" wheels. I spoke with Jill from Haro at interbike, and this is exactly what she mentioned for the Sonix line in regards to the possibility for 650B wheels. If this build interest you, stop by MTBR's Haro forum and let them know. For Sonix owners ( like myself) a True 650B Sonix may only be a rear triangle away!
These images were sent via thrid party, but originated with Haro. I had also read they may be doing a 29" version of the Sonix in the future.

Putting puzzle pieces together...

The folks over at Rock Lobster have been doing some thinkin' outside the box! The R.L. Team Mechanic has this steed beneath'm now. "Fun" To quote him, "Fun." A cruiser like ride for getting to the races in style, and aboard 650Bs. If you read his Blog, http://rye-spinnwrenches.blogspot.com, Rye is still in paint mode with the custom fork, which, in my opinion, looks stellar. I really dig lugged disc forks, kinda like our 650B MTB wheel...New-Retro. WHO KNOWs where he found them Super Champ B'r rims, but he sure put'm to good use. (Note: Baby Bear was the original name for the NEO-M0t0, same time, same manufacturer, different name).
Good Work Rock Lobster.... I dig it.

Food for thought...

With Kenda announcing they will be entering the 650B market and supplying, possibly, 3 tires, one thinks GT would quickly jump on board. It seems GT tends to specs good ol' Kenda rubber on A LOT of their bikes. Their 29'r offering was pretty weak, with the Peace 9'r. An EBB equipped frame without a disc brake option....very odd. They could have very well used less expensive horizontal drops, a cross over from their BMX line perhaps. Oh well, I'm not designing the bikes, so who am I to talk. I digress... GT, wanna hop aboard the 650B Members Only club? C'mon in, the water's fine!

Ventana, loaded on B'r

This bike began its life as a pile of aluminum tubes waiting for 26" wheels. Then one day a man added 27.5" wheels, it was only then was the pile of aluminum tubes truly happy....

This El Chamuco sports 6" on the reat and 5" on the front, perfect if you ask me. At full compression 6mm of clearance remains between the tire and seatube, perfect. As a 26" bike the BB was a bit low, now 650B equipped has just that much more clearance, perfect. Too bad Ventana doesn't have these in production anymore.....but perhaps a production B'r based on this platform can bring light to a retired model.....hmmm, ponderous.
Check out the rest of the Ventana Line HERE
Thank you SUB160

To clear things up on clearance!

I've hi-jacked a few images from MTBR regarding clearance with FOX FORX.

MTBR User Peanutbutter:(older Fox Forx)

MTBR user ssMike:(newer Fox Forx)

ssMike also offered up this image: 3 bikes, 3 wheels sizes, 1 love.
see more of SSMIKE's rants at http://blackmountaincycles.blogspot.com

You know you want it!!

Kirk Pacenti is raffling the 21st Century's FIRST MTB 650B. GO HERE TO GET A RAFFLE TICKET!

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=5556

The raffle will run through March 10th, 2008. There will be a minimum requirement of 400 tickets sold for the raffle to be valid. If fewer than 400 tickets are sold the raffle will be extended until the minimum is reached.
The price of the raffle ticket will not include the Bikereg.com service fee of $4.60. If the minimum of 400 tickets are not sold after a reasonable extension period, the raffle may be ended and winner drawn or participants may receive full refund, less the Bikereg.com service fee of $4.60. This decision will be made at the discretion of Pacenti Cycle Design.
NOTE: All proceeds from the raffle will be used to produce more 650B tire designs. So, if you think 650B wheels are a good idea show your support by buying a ticket! This bike is used but in excellent condition. The bike will be professionally tuned, packaged, insured and shipped world wide at no cost to the raffle winner.

GO NOWNOWNOW!

Fuji Knows, just like Bo.

News break!

Fuji, owners of SE Bikes ( formerly known as SE Racing), is testing the 650B wheel size. Will it be enough to put Fuji on the map in the MTB world? Lets hope they believe so. The SE Bikes seems to sell well, and for '08 they've brought in a line of fixie/SS skinny tire bikes. They also have the Stout 29" SS. Last I knew they had the BM Flyer, an aluminum geared ready 29" bike ( I guess they discontinued it). Hope they jump in the 650B market!

Sale on 650B Compatible Forks!

If your stop by often you probably read that the Manitou Nixon Comp 145 accepted the Neo-Moto without problems.
GreenFish Sports is closing them out for $249 in the QR Version (CLICK HERE)

BikeNashBar has the 20mm Thru version for $199 (CLICK HERE)

Any of you freeride, beef-eaters with 1.5 headtubes wanting to try 650B for shredding CAMBRIA BICYCLE OUTFITTERS should be on your TO-DO List. The Manitou Stance BLUNT is UNDER $100 (CLICK HERE)
I may have to get one because its so ridiculously cheap.

And for you rigid riding folks, pick up the Surly 1x1 Fork at Cambria also

Haro Sonix "Type B"

Ok, I hope to hit the trail later this morning with the Maverick equipped Haro Sonix VL120. I have a little more tweaking to do, but she'll run just fine for now. I just finished building this set of wheels, and installing the fork. I haven't yet installed the travel reducers, as I was unable to get the tire close enough to the crown to worry. I'm not going to cut them down initially. It was recommended to me to have some fab'd. Anyone up to the task, pro-bono? I can email out the current spacer spec, and what I would need made. A future market perhaps? And no, my saddle isn't properly adjusted.

A true Gem.

Peter Verdone at PVDWiki.com, telling it like it is. Through his eyes.
He built a 650B from the ground up, fabricated the frame, and did his homework for fork compatibility.
Check it out here:(click Photo)

A long way Down.

Expect to see 2 hardtails 650B models from the BMX roots company HARO. This won't be any time soon, keep watching for conversion possibilities until 2009 models hit.
I currently have the Sonix with the virtual link as my FS ride. (650B equipped) I couldn't run a Ne0-M0T0 on the back though, so I picked up a cheap, low knob substitute. It clears with the stock front derailleur changed. I'll post an image tomorrow, as I am currently swapping out forks. My alternative tire was an ebay purchase, and I wouldn't recommend it for substantial off-road use.

What makes a Maverick???

Magically, a nice man wearing a brown uniform stood before me, asking for a signature, whilst holding a box. A purdy SC32 showed up at the office today. We all examined it thoroughly, and I decieded it needed a 650B wheel in it. First up, I'll use it for 26" application, but soon after, you bet yer bottom, I'll be chopping those 29er travel reducers in half, installing them and I'll have myself a SC32B, perhaps the first one. Hm...lucky me. STAY TUNED!

MTBR Username: Peanutbutter

A Quote from MTBR:

"older fox forks

---

i just got back from a ride on a converted kona unit with neo-motos and what is i think a 2004/05 fox vanilla. the tire has penty of clearance in the fork, and barely fits with the rear wheel jammed forward, so if youve got a good gear ratio and can slide it back a tiny bit, there is no problem.
summary: neo-moto fits older fox models!"

I guess it's safe to say the Neo-Motos fit the Kona Unit, as well. The Unit is one of my favorite bikes from Kona, very versatile, and I love steel...
I am contacting Peanutbutter to try and get a photo of his/her conversion!

The folks over at RAWLAND Cycles are NOW retailing Neo-Moto tires directly from their website.

WWW.RAWLANDCYCLES.COM
Help support the first US based 650B dedicated company!!!
They have nice caps too, and coasters so you don't ruin your work bench due to sweaty beer.

Over coming the Plauge.

OK I've survived...let the bloggin' reconvene!!

SO I visited a shop a few weeks ago WITHOUT my camera, but still posted my findings. I have since revisited that shop, camera in hand, to complete the task. So here they are.

Caonnondale Prophet, with fully compressed shock. No tire rub. Though the front derailleur come close. My assistant: Gary Palmer. The 2nd Tampa rider on 650B MTB wheels. Welcome aboard.
Now the Scott Spark 30:
Great clearance throughout the rear wheel travel. I'd love to get this bike on the trail, B'r equipped. Plenty of chain and seat stay clearance to keep you moving.
Specialized Enduro.
Front dérailleur rubs when shock is emptied, and in granny gear. Nice pedals, eh? Otherwise, I believe this could be converted.
*****I'd like to add a disclaimer. Using 650B wheels on a standard 26" wheeled frame MAY void the bike warranty. Check with the bike's manufacturer to confirm warranty policies. I am in no way currently affiliated with any frame manufacturers featured on this blog. I will do my best to answer questions asked, within my realm of knowledge. If I don't know the answer, I won't BS you. As always please support your local bike shop. Thanks and please, keep stopping by for more updates!!

Still alive.

Sorry for the lack of post this week, I'm battling a fierce cold. I have load of images to upload and info to share. This evening I'll get some pics up!
I returned to the Specialized and Scott Dealer, and visited another shop too! Images coming soon!

A refresher

BeadSeatDiameter
BSD the usual suspects:
700c = 622mm
650B = 584mm
26" = 559mm

Some other guys:
650c = 571mm
700b = 635mm
Schwinn S-6 = 597mm

HAYES BLOG LINK

SUN-RINGLE/HAYES BLOG (click for link)

EQUALIZER RIM 650B Candidate

BREAKING NEWS FROM SUN-RINGLE

I received word that Sun-Ringle is SERIOUSLY tossing around the 650B rim for MTB use.
Kirk Pacenti (www.bikelugs.com) contacted me, and had this to say:

" They are expecting the first samples of their new "Equalizer" series 650b rims in a week or so. The Equalizer rims will be available in 21-29mm widths, but it sounds like the 650b version will only be offered in the 27mm width initially. They also plan to offer this rim built up into their Charger wheel system in the 650b size. http://www.sun-ringle.com/contentpages/mtb/wheelsets/allmountain.php5

If you are interested... please contact directly as they are attempting to gauge interest in the wheel size before mass production begins. http://hayesbicyclegroup.blogspot.com/"

Looks like the Hayes Bicycle Group, owners of Sun-Ringle, Hayes Brakes Systems, Wheelsmith, and the Answer/ Manitou line, is on point, and seeing the potential of our Revived wheel size, 650B. Personally I'm excited to see ANOTHER company showing serious interest and going the mile to produce a test line.

Thanks SUN-RINGLE!

LBS Visit Part 2

I visited University Bicycle Center this evening wielding the 650Bs.

You all will be happy to read these results. Unfortunately my camera was dead, so images will have to wait. I did take some nice notes.

Results:

Cannondale

• Prophet 2008 - FIT!! About 4mm clearance on the stays.
• Carbon Rush 2008 - No FIT. There is a bolt on brace that the Neo-Moto hits, prohibiting wheel rotation.
• F3 - FIT! The front derailleur come very close, leaves andmuck will get stuck. And seatstay bridge may have been too close for some folks liking.
  
• Headshock Ultra- No Fit, there is a schrader valve contacting tire,no good.
  

Specialized

• S Works Stumpjmper FS - No FIT
• 2007 Enduro Elite - FIT! Front derailleur has 1.5mm clearance, could probably adjust it for better clearance, or just run a single ring.
• 2008 Myka Sport, the ladies version of the Hardrock- FIT! Surprisingly a great FIT. Even the stock fork fit the 650B, a RST Capa T26 ML, fit with clearance less than the Fox, but did not rub, about 5mm.

Last, my favorite discovery.
SCOTT SPARK 30: FIT!!
This Carbon Fiber chassis will definitely see some B'r wheels from someone in the future. Good clearance all the way around! It came setup with a Rock Shox fork that didn't fit the 27.5" wheels, but the rear fit nicely!

** Please note, the full suspension models listed did not have the air released from their shocks to check travel clearance, I will do more research when the camera is again charged**
Sorry for the lack of images this time, I'll return to the shop for a photo session. MORE TO COME. Kona is next on the list!

LBS Visit part One.

This weekend I stopped by the Trek Store in Lakeland, FL. Their mechanic, Chris helped me out, pulling bikes from the racks, and throwing the 650B wheels into them. We on found ONE model there that could accept, Fisher's FAT POSSUM. A single pivot all mountain ride, similar to Santa Cruz's Heckler. BUT, with the shock emptied of all it's air, the tire would hit the seat-tube, and the front derailleur's cable stop. This would occur ONLY if you totally bottomed out the shock. So, it would be a gamble. I pedaled the Fat Possum LX around the lot, B'r equipped, it felt much like a traditional 26" wheel, and looked the part too. The rear end had the clearance at the Seat and chain stays to fit the Neo-Moto.
For Forks, we found 2 QR models just big enough to handle the 650B wheel. First the Manitou Nixon, Comp with 145mm Travel. The Reverse Arch allowed the Neo-Moto, but not by much. As did the Manitou Stance ( equipped on the Fisher "Bitter"). I'll be swinging by another shop Monday after the j-o-b. Its a non-trek store, again, I'll have my camera and wheels! Check back soon!

A long Saturday of B'r

Tomorrow I'm hitting up a few bike shops with the 27.5" wheels in hand to shove into some frames. Any fit request? I'll have my camera to document those that work. Forks too. . . Post your request in the next 15 hours. GO!

username Steelbike

Steel Bike posted his new B'r ride on MTBR

Gunnar Ruffian Single Speed built on Velocity Synergys

I don't think Gunnar uses horizontal dropouts any more. I'm pretty sure they moved to Sliders or EBB. Nice to see the V-Brakes were still being used with a bit of clearance left! Thank you SteelBike for your post!