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!

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.