TI 650B

Hey you, AU! This is a prototype from Definitive more info when it breaks.

Kenda Nevegal Instock

The voluptuous 2.35" Kenda Nevegal is finally instock at Quality Bicycle Products. Your local shop can order them at their will. Over 50 units instock. No site of the 2.1" version yet. I'll keep a look out and notify when those hit!
Daily we are getting closer to the 2.1" Neo-Moto's arrival. We. Wait.

Developments

Xfusion has made it official for their newest Velvet release. The next gen Velvet will have a more standard offset, be offered in a 1.125" - 1.5" steer tube (as well as a standard 1.125"), and offer a 15TA option. I have an image of their catalog page, which I will post later.

In other news, 650BPalace will be collaborating with a frame manufacturer to assist with a design of a new 650B specific hardtail, and possibly a 5" travel frame. The process began today, so I'd rather keep the manufacturer under wraps. Wheels and tires will be shipping out tomorrow to designers can gear up and get more familiar with the format. More news as it comes!

Sharing 650B Links.

Some words from MTBR regarding Ahrens Custom Bicycles

• Ahrens on MTBR

Soma Fab info: B-Side Released

• Soma Blog
  
• MTBR

TEASING FROM JAMIS

The new MountainBike Magazine has hit news stands along with a 4 page feature about 650B.
Jamis is planning a 5" travel model for 2010. Frame sizes will include 13", 15",17",19"21". It's price is not yet publicized.
The articles also include the Ventana El Bastardo, Haro's Sonix prototype, the Haro Beasley 1x9 and inamges of the Beasley SS and White Bros Magic 650B fork.
The articles include interviews with Kirk Pacenti, Patrick CRosby of Haro, Craig Hoyt of Jamis, and Sherwood Gibson of Ventana.
Do what you need to get your grubby hands on thie issue! The cover has a photos of Eric Porter doing a wallride with the text GO BIG.

check it.

James Frames, Custom 650B

OK, my JP Boylan built frame is a complete bike, and refined! I had it built up in mid March, but it needed a few changes- which have occurred. The original build consisted of a too lengthy of a stem, and too high of handlebars. I've brought the steering lower and changed the fork from the X-Fusion Velvet to the Maverick SC32. This mandated a new front wheel, too. Luckily I had a matching rim laced to a Maverick 24/7 hub. The IRD Fire XCPro B* model Tires are very good, but I am waiting to mate my Pacenti 2.3" NeoMoto to the upcoming 2.1" Neo Moto on the rear.
I haven't taken this version off road yet, but pedaling in the neighborhood has me stoked for the trail.
Here is the final (hopefully) version of the James Frames 650B custom aluminum build. Unless, for some odd reason I choose to add gears...






JP is a great builder, who at one time worked for Dean Titanium, and I've heard he helped Walt of Waltworks get started. Check him out at www.jamesframes.com

(* I will be posting a write up on the IRD Firx 650B tire very soon)

CANNONDALE CONFIRMED

CANNONDALE'S 650B Test Confirmed
JB raced on 650B.

Modified, even.


For the complete article check out:

BIKEMAG

More on Haro Sonix 650B

I know a Haro rep in California, and he was kind enough to send me a few images of his freshly built 650B Sonix. Sean has this bad boy built with a X-Fusion Velvet, Ameircan Classic BXC's, Full XTR, and carbon steering components. Definetely and bike to lust over.
Thanks for the pics Sean Kneale!

Shamrock Cycles
Groovy Cycleworks
Yipsan
Igleheart

These companies have what in common??
They are all featured in the fresh edition of Dirt Rag's NAHBS coverage,
with their 650B off road bicycles.
You damn right.
Haven't gotten yours yet?
DIRT RAG

Bikelugs.com is blowing out ALL 650B merchandise. TIRES FORKS and RIMS all 650b specific with SLASHED PRICES! A Summer time sale? Who cares?! Just stock up on tires and rims, prices so low you won't want to pass this opportunity up! SALE LASTs UNTIL FRIDAY April 3rd.

Cannondale Rumors Swirl

You make the call. This is Jeremiah Bishop's bike (and his legs). Rumors are rising of Cannondale testing the 650B on the front of the Monavie-Cannondale.com team bikes.
Nothing official from the Cannondale camp, but I have gotten word that 650B Rims and Tires were sent to Cannondale some 18 months ago. (Little birds- chirp chirp)

Check MTB RACE NEWS for the full story.

We're Moving!

Be sure to adjust your book marks! This site is currently located at 650bpalace.blogspot.com but if you goto www.650bpalace.com you will be re-directed to the BLOGSPOT address. The new home will be the www.650BPalace.com , yes we will be a true dot-com.
The Blogspot addy will remain, but no longer updated.
Thanks!

This is all you need to know for now...

Not 650B Related...

Sorry, I couldn't pass the opportunity to post this informative Vid.
It's not in English, but you'll figure it out.



I guess I'll have 650B Palace bells made soon.

AMERICAN CLASSIC WHEELS

650B Racing Ralph
Originally uploaded by Cracked Headtube

The American Classic 650BXC wheelsets are now in stock! Currently only the geared version, though. This time it is NO JOKE! I pulled a goof last April 1, but this time the wheelsets are instock. They are to be sold as pairs only at this time.
Give American Classic a call for ordering details.
800-813-5545, 10am-6pm EST.

Little Birds....

Little birds have notified me of 2 650B hardtails in the works. I have a contact at the manufacturer., but he has yet to confirm, or even reply to my emails... I think the silence speaks volumes. The rumor is 2 hardtails, but we have yet to see the Fuji that was getting prototyped, so if we get one, I'll be stoked.
I can tell you that this company has been making mountain bikes for years, and is in MANY IBDs and have a few shipping warehouses throughout North America. Another hint would be to tel that some of their current hard tails can already fit the 650B knobbies on the market.
I'll keep you updated to any news that may break!

Without Further Ado...

I present the James Frames 650B Aluminum Hardtail.

JP and I began designing this bad boy nearly a year ago. Working with a custom builder with a wealth of knowledge, one can almost put the plan on autopilot. JP was very easy to work with, and we bounced ideas off one another over a few months and this is the end result. JP had never done a 650B before this, so there were a few hurtles to over come. One being (obviously) the new wheel size. I packed up my built Velocity Blunt with a tube and Neo-Moto and shipped it up to JP. He assessed the platform and we began working out the geometry. He quizzed me on my riding style, and what this bike's intended use would be. My preferences, and dislikes of my current bikes. I gave him a rough idea of the geometry I desired. He then emailed me a drawing, and we did some tweaking, shortly a revised drawing hit my inbox.
Originally I wanted an EBB so single speeding, as all my bikes become a ss at some point. I greatly dislike geared frames converted with a Singulator unit, and as this was a custom- I wanted it my way. Unfortunately JP doesn't offer EBBs in his aluminum builds. "Oh well" Plan B...SLIDERS. My VooDoo Bokor was equipped with sliding dropouts, which I never had a problem with, so I began a search for 7K series slider units. Enter Ahrens Bikes. I met Mike Ahrens at NAHBS last year (2008), and he was a super nice guy. I had him make some 650BPalace.com Wisecrackers and that transactions was east and smooth, so I gave him some more business. Mike manufactures small parts for custom builders utilizing aluminum frame bits. I purchased a set of sliders via the interweb, and Mike personally delivered them to me at Interbike 2008, with a huge smile, might I add.

The sliders then went onto JP in Colorado. At that point he had all the tubing in house and was able to begin fabrication and mock-up of the frame.

JP sent me a few images of the build process as things progressed.

(notice dropouts in fixture)

Then, around Christmas time an image of a complete frame hit my inbox. Next thing to decide was paint. James Frames even allows a choice of decal coloring, along with the paint job. We attempted a checkerboard within the font branding, but the words and graphic was just too cluttered. Instead I chose a goldleaf text with a primer grey paint job. Wet paint, not a powder coat.

The frame was delivered faced and chased (less facing of BB shell as JP finds it is no longer necessary). Here is the final product. The sliding dropouts give the chainstays a minimal length of 16.25" with the 2.3" Neo Moto, WOW.
I'll be building this rig of over the next week or so. LX Cranks and Hydro Brakes, X-Fusion Velvet set at 130mm, single speed for starters. Various bits otherwise, you'll just have to wait and see the final build. Hopefully I'll have it completed by next Saturday for an annual 6hr race, I've done since I have moved to Tampa.

For more information about this builder visit www.jamesframes.com

Sea Otter is Just Around the Corner...

...and Haro will be there. "Mr. C" phoned me this week to let me in a few bits of info.
Haro will have a fleet of Beasleys for those podering the effects of an in-betweener wheel size, ala 650B. He also wanted me to notify everyone there will be 2 650B Sonix at their tent as well. I have found out there are 4 650B Prototypes currently in the USA. The 2 brand managers of Haro are both rocking one, and a SoCal sales rep now has one in his possesion. I used to work with the outside rep, but he refuses to lend me the SonixB. The 4th prototype remains in the Haro HQ so they can nail down decal placement and final graphic choice. Once those decisions have been made Haro has promised to complete the build and send it to me, free of charge so I can ride it and laugh and point at others who do not have one, and must wait to pay full retail price of said bicycle. Everything in this post is true, with the exception of the last sentence. Too bad, so sad- for me. Here is a reminder photo of the VL equipped SonixB prototype. How do you like the color?

Linkin' it.

This was sent to my INBOX, so I figured I'd share with everyone.

MTOBIKES.COM

A chat with Sherwood Gobson of Ventana with a 650B mention.

By Overwhelming Demand

Here is the winning photo for the Kenda tire contest.
Congrats to Jim Schweppe, and bunny.
Kenda 2.1" Nevegals are en route!

Photo Contest Drawing

The 650BPalace hosted a photo contest sponsored by Kenda Tire. The prize is a pair of fresh off the boat Kenda Nevegals, either 2.1 or 2.35 width sizes.
I will post the winning image in a few days! I'd like to carry the suspense and force everyone to watch the vid!

NEW RIM MAKER

Vicious is debuting a double walled, eyeletted disc specific rim in a 650B, 27.5", 584 ISO.
There, ya'll happy?

More 650b Rims on the way!

Yesterday I received a call from a very well known manufacturer who is already bringing 650B product to the market. This call was to inquire if I would be at the NAHBS again this year; sadly I will not. Sadden by my reply, the ' very well known manufacturer' gave me a scoop! More 650B rims will be landing on US soil at the beginning of April, with a $40 (approx) retail price tag, per rim. It will be disc specific, and have eyelets. The rims will debut at NAHBS, so Friday evening I will post WHO will be releasing the rims. I already have a set on pre-order!

The Children of the Revolution is upon us.....

650B Tease

650B Tease
Originally uploaded by Cracked Headtube

My new custom, aluminum 650B hardtail recently arrived. Here is a bit of tease photo. I'll be building it soon, but before that I will be giving it a proper photo shoot!! Stay tuned!

WOW, WHAT A MONTH!

Well, I have neglected the 650B Palace for nearly a month, ug, I'm sorry. I will be merging the 650BPalace with a 29" wheel specific site come March 1. HA, no just kidding. I have excuses for not posting, but would rather NOT bore you with the details.
Here's some news for you 650B fans :

Definitive Cycles of Austrailia is SERIOUS about 650B for off road use. Stu shot me an email months ago to introduce himself as the Pacenti Tire distributor to AU. This morning I got word to their next venture: The Defcon. A steel mtb frame with sliding dropouts specifically designed around the 650B platform. Single speeders and gearies alike rejoice. It is expected to be spec'ed with double butted cromo tubing and available in S,M or L. Definitive has received 2 samples and will set one as a SS and the other geared.


To keep up to the minute tabs on Definitive Cycles follow them at:

http://definitivecycles.blogspot.com/

A US distributor is yet to be announced. (insert unhappy face here)

Kent Eriksen Masterpiece, a 650B Dual Boinger

The folks at the Eriksen camp sent these image over to me this morning. I've been bugging them since BEFORE Interbike 2008, but business has been busy, there always seems to be someone riding this bike! It's rocking a DT Swiss XCM130, with plenty of clearance, but it's not 650B approved. This is utilizing a Venata built suspension components!
This is one beautiful machine! www.kenteriksen.com for more details!

WIN NEVEGALS!

THE first 650BPalace photo contest is starting up! It's easy and open to everyone with a 650B'd bike, WORLD WIDE! The crew at Kenda had a few sample tires left over and wanted someone to get a set! I will be giving away a set of 650B Nevegals to one lucky winner! You can pick either the 2.35" or the 2.1"!! I HAVE BOTH!! This is an opportunity to win a tire that NO-ONE can buy yet! Drawing ends March 2nd! I'm giving you all of February to submit your photos!
Ok, the are a few details to abide by, so I know you're not stealing someone else's web image! I need SOMEONE, ANYONE to be in the photo, with the submiter's current 650b'd bicycle, holding a sign or piece of paper with "650BPALACE.COM" written, scribbled, or otherwise printed on it! The top five most creative will go into a hat(my favorite hat), then the winner will be randomly pulled. Just to make it legit, I will film the drawing and post it online! Be creative! Remember your current 650B bike must be in the image!
The drawing will be held on or around March 6th. I will get the winner's vid posted no later than Sunday, March 8th. Image submitting ends March 1at 12:05 AM EST.

Submit your images to: photocontest@650Bpalace.com
Please include:

1. your photo
2. e-mail address
3. Full Name
4. Telephone number
5. Shipping address
6. Nevegal 650B Tire Width request(2.1 or 2.35)
7. MTBR user name (if you have one)
   

**Each entrant is limited to a single submission, please don't try to get crafty and use multiple emails, please just be honest. GOOD LUCK

Haro Delivers, AGAIN!

Well, no delivery just yet. Haro released some spy photos of their 650B Sonix Virtual Link suspended bike. The Sonix takes a visual change, more toward the Xeon look. It will maintain the VL suspension design which remains proprietory to Haro.
Pesonally I like the new look of the Sonix, but the color doesn't do it for me. Yet, color doesn't make the bike fast, or better, or worse. So I could really care less for color. I sent an email to my Haro contact and pre-ordered my 650B Sonix. Obviously, they are not taking pre-orders yet, but I just want to let them know I ALREADY WANT ONE.

Haro

SNOWCAT SUPER RIMS

Snow Bikes, Adventure Bikes, what ever you may call them....The bikes with the huge tires, ready to float and roll over just about anything; are welcoming the 650B platform.
SnowCat rims of Alaska had this to say, "...snow riders, the 650b (27.5) size can provide some of the benefits of the 29ers without compromising fit and handling. If your MTB frame size is 17 inches or smaller, this new size has a lot to offer. And there’s even a 650b tire that works quite nicely on the snow: The Pacenti Neo Moto."
The current Snowcat rims are being offered in 29" and 26" with a width of 44mm. Huge. Yes. Light. Yes, to that too. Contact Simon at All Weather Sports, Phone 907-474-8184, web: http://www.allweathersports.com/winter/snowcats.html

We've hit 30,000!

The winner of the 30K prize contacted me this evening! An MTBR user is the winner!
Thanks to everyone who has visited the site since October of 2007. A lot of gear has come down the pipe since then and I'm excited to have mentioned most of it here! Lets keep the Hit Counter rising to show manufacturers that 650B is a validated platform!

Thanks again!

IRD Rubber is HERE!

The classic, ever-loved tread of Panaracer's FIRE XCPro has arrived from IRD in a 650Bx2.1" format!
I mounted up the Fire 650B's this morning and will hit the trails this weekend.
IRD sent me the Red and Black version, but it is also available in all black. They've maintian the aramid, fold bead, and weight came in at 635 grams for a single tire. The 2.1 knobby will be warmly welcomed with a price tag of $59 MSRP.
Merry Sales is the parent company of IRD(Interloc Racing Designs), as well as Soma and Pake Brands. I suppose this tire will nicely match the Soma B-Side, whenever that frame arrives.
The red and black FireB will also aestetically match the Rawland frames.


Your local bike shop can contact Merry Sales by calling 1-800-245-9959. This is a dealer specific line, so retail customer's please refrain from calling.

Quasis: GONE

Pacenti Cycle Design has shipped their last batch of Quasi's until April. These tires have been super popular since they hit the market! QBP should have a batch so resale by Jan 22. I assume they will sell out pretty damn quick, as I check last night, there were 36 people watching the Inventory Levels of that tire.
Where are all of these tires going?? Why don't you folks send me images of your full 650B Wheeled Bikes, and I'll add a photo Post featuring these bikes!
Bring it on!
jeremy[at]650bpalace.com

Updated Distribution List

Pacenti Tires can obtained through your Local Bike Shop, your LBS would get them from the places on this list!

http://www.bikelugs.com/about/index.php?strWebAction=650b

New Tire Enroute

Some new rubber is on it's way to me, right now!
You may recognize this tread, actually, most will. I'll get some sweet images posted once I have them in my possesion and mounted up!

Icon: Ridden

I threw on the fullface helmet this weekend and took the Icon to my local state park: Alafia. Great trail system there! The Icon was easy to pedal, never did I feel like it was too heavy of a bicycle. I haven’t weighed it, yet. I’m never too concerned with weight. I have a parts spec that I am familiar with so I can estimate a final weight pretty easily.

I feel the 130mm travel was a bit too much with the addition of 650B wheels. I will tune it to 110 and bring the front end down a bit to tighten up the steering. A few points the steering felt floppy. Just a few. I was pumping pretty hard, not pedaling and the bike just flew. Even with the light duty ( my opinion) ZTR355 Rims, the bike felt very stable throught the tight stuff, and it really opened up when the trail demanded. All in All, I am very much looking forward to the next ride on the Icon. I really want to hit the jump section of Santos (north of me) with 26” wheels. I figure in the 26” mode, it will be a mean jumper. Pump track and bmx jump destroyer. Not that 650B will limit me when jumping, I just want to do a general comparison. The dropout system is beautiful and simple. Sliding option gives a single speeder every option under the sun.

When climbing the Quasi slipped a few times when I pressed the front a little too much. A more meatier tire on the rear will be installed for the next ride.

Rad bike so far!
www.ridesoul.com

HIT COUNTER 30K!

If you're the reader that hits #30K on my hit counter, take a Screen shot and email it to me! jeremy(at)650bpalace.com I'll send you a sweet custom 650BPalace.com Prize prize! Hit Counter is at the bottom of the page!
To do a screen shot hit CTRL and PRT SCRN (above your HOME, PAGE UP,DELETE keys), then open up MS Paint, then hit CTRL and V (together), then SAVE AS a BMP file, then email that file to me!
BE sure to include your mailing address, too!

GOOD LUCK

650B: Iconic

I finish the Soul Cycle Icon build this evening, and pedaled around the lot.
I have the Velvet set at the ful 130mm, which is the top of the recommended travel for this frame. Regardless, the geometry feels much better than the VooDoo Bokor's.
The seat and chain stays has MASSIVE clearance for the 650B wheels. Pictured is a Quasi on the rear, but I have fit the 2.3" Neo without a chance of tire rub. SOO MUCH CLEARANCE.
I haven't measured the SS, but I nearly looped out when I picked up the front wheel for the first time.
If a longer travel hardtail is something you're looking for, want to run 650B wheels, and use a hydration pack, the Icon is up your alley.
Stop by again soon for some Icon action review.
Visit www.ridesoul.com for more info and to order YOUR Icon.

Soul Cycles Icon

Soul Cycles ICON with 650b Wheels

Soul Cycles ICON 650b Wheels
Originally uploaded by Cracked Headtube

NEW CONVERSION!
MORE to come very soon.

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!