A link to Dirt Rag's interview with Mr Kirk Pacenti.
Thanks to Dirt Rag for it's continued coverage of the 650B growth!
March 22, 2012
March 15, 2012
Big Tire News Bulletin
Vee Rubber will be offering 11 650b tires, all are expected to be released by Interbike 2012.
Meet Vee Rubber's new 650B Family:
( Both in a 2.4" width, the images for the Fluid and Flow tires are pending)
Vee Rubber is quickly becoming the 650B production leader!!
March 03, 2012
More Pacenti Stuff!
More fine rims from Pacenti Cycle Design:
Looks like we will be getting a classic box section rim as well as a slightly narrower MTB rim with eyelets.
In more wheel news, recent activity on MTBR has fingers pointed at Ritchey for 650B wheel and tire development.
February 28, 2012
New Pacenti Tire: the MEGA-MOTO
This JUST hit my inbox! The Mega-Moto will the 5th 650B tire to be released by Pacenti Cycle Design. A 650Bx2.4" large casing tire! I warned everyone of this a month back, and Pacenti has delivered. Be sure to stop by BOOTH 429 at this years North American Handmade Bike Show to see them in person!
Look for a new Pacenti Cycle Design website to debut soon too!
February 23, 2012
More Tires at 2012 Taipai Show
2012 is sizing up to be a great year and huge leap forward for 650B. Lets get those forks on the market!!!
February 14, 2012
How About a Spot of Carbon for Your 27.5" Tea?
One word for you:
Not long ago I had the absolute pleasure to talk with Jason Schiers, the head honcho and founder of ENVE COMPOSITES. We laughed, we cried, get spoke of 650b. No seriously, we did. The folks at ENVE are hip to 650B. They've ridden it. In carbon. HUH, what? WHO? Yes. Carbon 650B hoops.
Jason spilled the beans, ENVE has some awesomely modular tooling allowing them to make 26" wheels & 29" wheels. Mr. Schiers said it was pretty easy to just split the difference and do a 27.5" rim. Back in 2009 or 2010, Kirk Pacenti approached ENVE to lay up some carbon 650B rims, so obviously SOMEONE was pretty serious and made some "prototypes".
As of right now ENVE does not have plans to add their half-brother 650B wheel to their line. They are going to wait it out, since their tooling is 650B friendly they are standing by, but with no commitment.
What do you think? Is 650B Ready for a kick ass carbon ENVE wheel? Leave your comments below. I bet ENVE has their ear to the ground on this potential.
Not long ago I had the absolute pleasure to talk with Jason Schiers, the head honcho and founder of ENVE COMPOSITES. We laughed, we cried, get spoke of 650b. No seriously, we did. The folks at ENVE are hip to 650B. They've ridden it. In carbon. HUH, what? WHO? Yes. Carbon 650B hoops.
Jason spilled the beans, ENVE has some awesomely modular tooling allowing them to make 26" wheels & 29" wheels. Mr. Schiers said it was pretty easy to just split the difference and do a 27.5" rim. Back in 2009 or 2010, Kirk Pacenti approached ENVE to lay up some carbon 650B rims, so obviously SOMEONE was pretty serious and made some "prototypes".
As of right now ENVE does not have plans to add their half-brother 650B wheel to their line. They are going to wait it out, since their tooling is 650B friendly they are standing by, but with no commitment.
What do you think? Is 650B Ready for a kick ass carbon ENVE wheel? Leave your comments below. I bet ENVE has their ear to the ground on this potential.
February 08, 2012
Magura is Working Hard!
These just popped up, moments ago. I was listed the second "view".
2012 Magura Thor 150 with a 15mm Maxle Lite system!
With the Pacenti Neo-Moto2.3
With the Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25
Magura's got some 'splainin to do!!
More info to follow!
January 01, 2012
650B Forks
Official 650B Fork List
(not 26" Convertables, but true 650B forks, approved by the respected manufacturer)
White Bros
Loop 80 TCR tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 464mm
Loop 100 TCR tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 484mm
Loop 120 TCR tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown =504mm
Loop 130 TCR tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 514mm
Loop 140 TCR tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 524mm
Loop 150 TCR tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 534mm
All WB forks use 15mm Thru Axle interface named QtapeR15
Fox Racing Shox
Float 32 (Tapered Only)
100 or 120 FIT iCD
100 or 120 or 140 FIT CTD Remote
100 or 120 or 140 FIT CTD w/Trail Adjust
Talas 32
140 FIT CTD Remote
140 FIT CTD w/Trail Adjust
Float 34
150 FIT CTD Remote
150 FIT CTD w/Trail Adjust
Talas 34
150 FIT CTD Remote
150 FIT CTD w/Trail Adjust
Float 40 Dual Crown FIT RC2
40R Dual Crown
X-fusion
Enix RL2. 80,100,120 travel modes, internally set, 1.125" Steer tube, . A to C= 499mm@120
Enix RL2R, 80,100,120 travel modes, internally set, 1.125" Steer tube, A to C= 499mm@120
Velvet RL2 DL, 130mm, tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 509mm
Velvet RL2R 80,100,120, 130mm, tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 509mm
Velvet RL2 80,100,120, 130mm, tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, Axle to Crown = 509mm
Vengence 140/ 170 travel settings, tapered or 1.125" straight steer tube, A to C = 565mm@170
Sweep RL2 DLA 130-160 tapered
Sweep RL2 160
Sweep RL2 130
Sweep RL2R 120
Magura
TS8 R 120 XC/AM DLO2 damping, Maxle Lite 15mm axle, tapered steerer,
TS8 R 150 AM, Albert Select+, 15mm axle, tapered steerer,
TS8 R 150 LS AM, Albert Select+, 15mm axle, tapered steerer,
Rock Shox
Revelation 120/130/150, Tapered Steer only, 15mm Maxle Lite interface(2013 Release)
December 30, 2011
News About!
I spent a few minutes on the phone yesterday and gathered some useful tidbits of information, the abridged version:
Pacenti working to release new sizes of their tire line. Other things changing behind the scenes, but all in order to move forward and grow the line!
More Big "S" rumors are swirling, but don't ask them directly, you'll get the cold shoulder. They seem to be keeping their lips sealed about 650B development.
December 03, 2011
Turner Bikes: 650B Prototype Confirmed
In a recent interview with David Turner, his company Turner Bikes, plan to produce a DW Link 650B Trail bike based off the 5.Spot. Dave is currently testing the bike, and will likely see production once Sultan demand has been fulfilled.
Read the Article at The Straight Dirt
November 12, 2011
29er Full Suspension Builder to Begin Building 650B FS
Fort Lupton, CO.
Lenz Sport, a custom frame manufacturer and proponent for full susser 29ers, will begin working on a 650B veriosn of their 3" travel Revelation full suspension frame. Their production hasn't yet begun, but has been confirmed by 650B Palace. An e-mail from Lenz Sport eludes to the potential of a longer travel 650B frame to follow the Revelation.
The Revelation will feature monocoque aluminum tubing, a tapered headtube, 3 inches of movement- traveling on cartridge bearings, an anodized finish, and can be built with an 80 or 120mm fork.
This will be one mean XC race machine and will definitely be found on trails across the US.
Lenz Sport, a custom frame manufacturer and proponent for full susser 29ers, will begin working on a 650B veriosn of their 3" travel Revelation full suspension frame. Their production hasn't yet begun, but has been confirmed by 650B Palace. An e-mail from Lenz Sport eludes to the potential of a longer travel 650B frame to follow the Revelation.
The Revelation will feature monocoque aluminum tubing, a tapered headtube, 3 inches of movement- traveling on cartridge bearings, an anodized finish, and can be built with an 80 or 120mm fork.
This will be one mean XC race machine and will definitely be found on trails across the US.
Check out the LENZ SPORT website HERE
October 31, 2011
650B from 26" Convertible List
HELP US BUILD THIS LIST
Information has been based off supplied data from the fine members of MTBR.com
THANKS!
Brought to you by 650B Palace.com
650B from 26” Convertible List
A)
·
Airborne
o
Zeppelin Elite
·
Azonic
o
Revenge
o
Steelhead
B)
·
Banshee
o
Scratch
·
BMC
o
2008-11 Team Elite
·
Bianchi
o
SASS
o
BASS
o
PUSS
o
DISS
o
MUSS
·
Brodie
o
Cruzado
o
Catalyst
o
1-Ball
C)
·
Canfield
o
Balance
·
Cannondale
o
2003 Gemini
o
2007 Prophet
o
Taurine
o
F3
o
F4
o
2007 Rush
·
Commencal
o
2009 Meta 5.5
·
Chumba
o
HX1
o
Evo
D)
E)
·
Evil
o
Sovereign
o
Revolt
·
Ellsworth
o
Epiphany
F)
·
Foes
o
XCT
o
FXR
G)
·
Gary Fisher
o
Fat Possom
·
GT Bicycles
o
Peace Single Speed
o
2010 Force
o
2010 Force Carbon
o
Zaskar Carbon
H)
·
Haro
o
Sonix LT
o
Xeon
I)
·
Ibis
o
Mojo
o
Mojo HD
·
Ibex
o
Atlas
·
Intense
o
Uzzi VP
J)
·
Jamis
o
Exile
o
2007 Dragon Team
o
Dakar
o
Parker
o
2010 Xam2
K)
·
K2
o
Factory 6.0
o
Apache 2.0
·
KHS
o
2008 XCT 555
·
Kona
o
Unit (with sliders)
o
2007 Coiler
o
Cowan (with sliders)
o
Humu
o
A’ha
·
Knolly
o
Endorphin
L)
·
Litespeed
o
2010 Ocoee
M)
·
Marin
o
Rift Zone
o
Wolf Ridge
o
Mt. Vision
·
Mountain Cycle
o
Fury
·
Merida
o
FLX 900
·
Morewood
o
Zula
o
Shova
N)
·
Novara
o
2008 Method
·
Nicolai
o
Helius AC
O)
·
Orange
o
R8
o
Patriot 6.6
o
Alpine
o
Five
o
ST4
·
Orbea
o
Occam
·
On One
o
2005+ Inbred
o
Scandal
P)
·
Pivot
o
Firebird
·
Pipedream
o
Sirius R853
Q)
R)
·
Ragley
o
Piglet
o
Mmmbop
S)
·
Salsa
o
Ala Carte
§
vertical dropout
§
swinging dropout
o
El Santo
·
Santa Cruz
o
2008 Heckler (shock limit needed)
o
Bullet
o
BLT2
o Nomad (shock limit needed)
o Blur TRc
o Nomad (shock limit needed)
o Blur TRc
o
BLT Carbon
o
2011-12 Blur XC Carbon
·
Scott
o
2007 Spark 30
·
Schwinn
o
2008 Homegrown LTD
·
Sette
o
Serum
·
Sinister
o
Ridge
o
Splinter
· Simplon
o Racorblade
Soma
o Racorblade
Soma
o
Groove (2.1” tires)
·
Soul Cycles
o
Titan
o
Hooligan
o
Icon
·
Specialized
o
2011 Camber
o
Myka
o
2007 Enduro Elite
o
1998 Stumpjumper HT
o
S-Works Carbon HT
o
2008 Carbon Epic
o
2008 Pitch Pro
o
2010 Stumpjumper
o
2009-11 Stumpjumper FSR
o
2005-06 Rockhopper ht
o 2010 Epic AL
o 2010 Epic AL
·
Spooky
o
Darkside
·
Surly Bikes
o
1x1
o
Instigator
o
Pugsley
o Troll
o Troll
T)
·
Transition Bikes
o
TransAm
·
Trek
o
Scratch
o
2009-11 8500/8000
o
Fuel 9.9 (2.1 Nevegal tested)
·
Titus
o
2001 Switchblade
o
2002 Motolite
o
Eleven
o
Fireline
o
2008-09 Guapo
o
Quasi-Moto
·
Turner
o
2006 5 Spot
o
2008 Sultan
o
2008 RFX
U)
V)
·
Ventana
o
El Chamuco
·
VooDoo
o
Bokor ( with sliders)
o
Bizango
o
Wanga ( with sliders)
o
Sobo
W)
·
Weyless
o
2004 XP
X)
Y)
·
Yeti
o
2006 575
o Arc (year needed)
Z)o Arc (year needed)
Information has been based off supplied data from the fine members of MTBR.com
THANKS!
October 24, 2011
My Jamis Dragon 650 Test Ride - A Grade A Trail Bike
Well I picked up a shop Dragon 650 demo bike (not a Jamis corporate demo bike)last Sunday thanks to Aaron at Storrs Center Cycle in beautiful Storrs, CT. Aaron owns a really nice shop and is definitely a pro-650b local bike shop owner. He currently has two 17" Dragon 650s on the floor as well as a 17" Jamis Nemesis hardtail. If you are a CT resident or a New Englander not too far from Storrs, I would recommend paying a visit to Aaron's shop if you are a 650b fan or even just 650b curious. If you want to find them via the web his shop's site is at http://www.storrscentercycle.com
Aaron sent me away with a size 17 Dragon 650 and it fit great at my 5'9" height. Prior to leaving his shop, Aaron took some time to adjust the handlebars and dial in the White Brother Loop fork (more on the fork later) to make sure everything was good to go for my test ride at Nassahegan State Forest in Burlington CT.
I was able to go for a solid 2.5 hour test ride and the bike performed great. The steel frame felt very quick, and snappy and the ride was nice, not a harsh feeling to this frame in my humble opinion. I think Jamis did a great job on the geometry of this bike. The 68 degree head tube angle was nice and comfortable, yet the bike felt extremely responsive, and not at all slack or sluggish feeling. Yet at the same time the 120mm of travel up front was a really nice "sweet spot" for trail riding. The bike was very quick to accelerate (possibly due to nicely spec'd American Classic wheels paired up with 2.1 Nevegal tires), and it felt very nicely balanced in the air when I was able to launch it off a few natural trail jumps and whatnot. Traction from the 2.1 Nevegals was excellent right now as our trails are now littered with leaves (which can make things a bit slick at times).
Climbing on this bike was also very very good. Even with 120mm of front end travel and a slack 68 degree HT angle, the Jamis tracked well on our short steep, techy climbs at Nassahegan. I never felt the front wheel wander and I was able to sit and spin up climbs very effectively and efficiently. It was a bit of a different feel for me to sit and spin up stuff as I normally ride single speed, but I enjoyed the climbing ability of this geared Dragon 650 immensely.
Now about that fork! The White Brothers fork is the real deal. One of the nicest forks I've ridden - and that was with it coming right out of the box. I was the first guy to ride this bike. The Loop rides a bit high in it's travel which was nice for this type of bike in my opinion. I never felt the fork pogo-ing or anything during the ride. It was great while climbing, and there was no major fork dive whatsoever while negotiating techy/tricky trail features at Nassahegan. The fork was just super smooth and sort of just disappeared beneath me as I put the Drgaon 650 through it's paces. The 15mm thru axle front end allowed the bike to steer incredibly well and there was little or no fork deflection under rough rocky terrain and through some of the longer rock garden sections of trail on the loop I took. Really came away impressed with the Loop! If you have a chance to check one out - do it!
Being a single speeder for the most part over the last few years, I rode the Dragon 650 in the middle ring the whole ride - and if I had one of my own I think I'd build it as a 1x9. Our trails around here don't really call for a big ring for trail riding, and even a granny isn't necessary except for a few climbs (or when fatigue sets in). The drive train worked very well (combination of Deore level cranks and an SLX rear derailleur) and shifting was crisp and precise. For other parts of the country the three chainrings up front might be great (or possibly a 2 chain ring-bashguard combo would be excellent as well).
As I said, the Dragon comes set up with 2.1 Nevegals and they hooked up great in our fall conditions. I think 2.3s would fit, but there isn't gobs of tire clearance in back. However the 2.1s are a good pairing with the American Classic 650b wheelset that comes stock on the bike. The 16.73" chainstay length is sweet. Great for getting the front wheel up and onto trail obstacles, great for wheeling drops, great for climbing. As I mentioned earlier, the front end never wandered on climbs and the bike has a nice upright comfortable riding cockpit position - definite trail bike geometry. It is great bike geometry for long rides, but also a helluva lotta fun for a quick 2.5 hour trail ride as well. With a swap of some components like cranks, stem, bars, seatpost the bike could definitely be lightened up and still raced if one were to choose to do so.
While riding this bike, I kept thinking how perfect it would be for someplace like the Kingdom Trails in Vermont or some other trail network in the USA that offers miles and miles and miles of sweet singletrack to ride - linking them together for an epic day or long weekend in the saddle. This bike would just kill it in East Burke at the Kingdom Trails - I definitely would love to spend a weekend up there on this thing. I think it would be a blast.
Overall I came away very impressed with the Jamis Dragon 650. The Dragon has been a highlight of the Jamis mountain bike lineup for years and years. In fact, when mountain bikers hear the word Jamis - the Dragon is probably the frame that comes to mind first. They've been doing this Reynolds 853 frame for a long time, and this newest iteration in 650b guise is spot on for this wheelsize. The frame is well built, the paint is a stellar Shamrock green metallic color with just the right amount of logos (not overdone) and it has a classic trail bike hardtail look to it.
I find it refreshing that a company like Jamis is committing serious resources to the 650b platform and the 2012 Jamis Dragon is an excellent example of how serious they are about the merits of 650b bikes.
Overall it was a grin inducing 2.5 hours of trail riding for me. I want to thank Aaron again for providing the demo bike and I hope his offer stands for more weekend loans on the Dragon 650 as I'd like to take it to a few other Connecticut Trail systems to further my testing of the bike.
Pros:
Great feeling Steel Frame
Excellent Trail bike Geometry
Nice American Classic wheelset
White Brothers Loop fork (Stellar)
Cons:
Stock grips are just so so - but nothing to worry about
WTB Silverado - not friendly to this rider's sit bones at all
A few heavy components (Syncros Stem, Bars, Seatpost, crankset)
Overall Impression/Grade
If I were to give the Dragon 650 a letter grade - I'd definitely give it an A grade for the first marking period. Here's hoping that I get a chance to put it through it's paces for a couple more marking periods before all is said and done.
Aaron sent me away with a size 17 Dragon 650 and it fit great at my 5'9" height. Prior to leaving his shop, Aaron took some time to adjust the handlebars and dial in the White Brother Loop fork (more on the fork later) to make sure everything was good to go for my test ride at Nassahegan State Forest in Burlington CT.
I was able to go for a solid 2.5 hour test ride and the bike performed great. The steel frame felt very quick, and snappy and the ride was nice, not a harsh feeling to this frame in my humble opinion. I think Jamis did a great job on the geometry of this bike. The 68 degree head tube angle was nice and comfortable, yet the bike felt extremely responsive, and not at all slack or sluggish feeling. Yet at the same time the 120mm of travel up front was a really nice "sweet spot" for trail riding. The bike was very quick to accelerate (possibly due to nicely spec'd American Classic wheels paired up with 2.1 Nevegal tires), and it felt very nicely balanced in the air when I was able to launch it off a few natural trail jumps and whatnot. Traction from the 2.1 Nevegals was excellent right now as our trails are now littered with leaves (which can make things a bit slick at times).
Climbing on this bike was also very very good. Even with 120mm of front end travel and a slack 68 degree HT angle, the Jamis tracked well on our short steep, techy climbs at Nassahegan. I never felt the front wheel wander and I was able to sit and spin up climbs very effectively and efficiently. It was a bit of a different feel for me to sit and spin up stuff as I normally ride single speed, but I enjoyed the climbing ability of this geared Dragon 650 immensely.
Now about that fork! The White Brothers fork is the real deal. One of the nicest forks I've ridden - and that was with it coming right out of the box. I was the first guy to ride this bike. The Loop rides a bit high in it's travel which was nice for this type of bike in my opinion. I never felt the fork pogo-ing or anything during the ride. It was great while climbing, and there was no major fork dive whatsoever while negotiating techy/tricky trail features at Nassahegan. The fork was just super smooth and sort of just disappeared beneath me as I put the Drgaon 650 through it's paces. The 15mm thru axle front end allowed the bike to steer incredibly well and there was little or no fork deflection under rough rocky terrain and through some of the longer rock garden sections of trail on the loop I took. Really came away impressed with the Loop! If you have a chance to check one out - do it!
Being a single speeder for the most part over the last few years, I rode the Dragon 650 in the middle ring the whole ride - and if I had one of my own I think I'd build it as a 1x9. Our trails around here don't really call for a big ring for trail riding, and even a granny isn't necessary except for a few climbs (or when fatigue sets in). The drive train worked very well (combination of Deore level cranks and an SLX rear derailleur) and shifting was crisp and precise. For other parts of the country the three chainrings up front might be great (or possibly a 2 chain ring-bashguard combo would be excellent as well).
As I said, the Dragon comes set up with 2.1 Nevegals and they hooked up great in our fall conditions. I think 2.3s would fit, but there isn't gobs of tire clearance in back. However the 2.1s are a good pairing with the American Classic 650b wheelset that comes stock on the bike. The 16.73" chainstay length is sweet. Great for getting the front wheel up and onto trail obstacles, great for wheeling drops, great for climbing. As I mentioned earlier, the front end never wandered on climbs and the bike has a nice upright comfortable riding cockpit position - definite trail bike geometry. It is great bike geometry for long rides, but also a helluva lotta fun for a quick 2.5 hour trail ride as well. With a swap of some components like cranks, stem, bars, seatpost the bike could definitely be lightened up and still raced if one were to choose to do so.
While riding this bike, I kept thinking how perfect it would be for someplace like the Kingdom Trails in Vermont or some other trail network in the USA that offers miles and miles and miles of sweet singletrack to ride - linking them together for an epic day or long weekend in the saddle. This bike would just kill it in East Burke at the Kingdom Trails - I definitely would love to spend a weekend up there on this thing. I think it would be a blast.
Overall I came away very impressed with the Jamis Dragon 650. The Dragon has been a highlight of the Jamis mountain bike lineup for years and years. In fact, when mountain bikers hear the word Jamis - the Dragon is probably the frame that comes to mind first. They've been doing this Reynolds 853 frame for a long time, and this newest iteration in 650b guise is spot on for this wheelsize. The frame is well built, the paint is a stellar Shamrock green metallic color with just the right amount of logos (not overdone) and it has a classic trail bike hardtail look to it.
I find it refreshing that a company like Jamis is committing serious resources to the 650b platform and the 2012 Jamis Dragon is an excellent example of how serious they are about the merits of 650b bikes.
Overall it was a grin inducing 2.5 hours of trail riding for me. I want to thank Aaron again for providing the demo bike and I hope his offer stands for more weekend loans on the Dragon 650 as I'd like to take it to a few other Connecticut Trail systems to further my testing of the bike.
Pros:
Great feeling Steel Frame
Excellent Trail bike Geometry
Nice American Classic wheelset
White Brothers Loop fork (Stellar)
Cons:
Stock grips are just so so - but nothing to worry about
WTB Silverado - not friendly to this rider's sit bones at all
A few heavy components (Syncros Stem, Bars, Seatpost, crankset)
Overall Impression/Grade
If I were to give the Dragon 650 a letter grade - I'd definitely give it an A grade for the first marking period. Here's hoping that I get a chance to put it through it's paces for a couple more marking periods before all is said and done.
October 18, 2011
Jamis Bikes: Committed
Jamis seems to be quite proud about their 650B offerings for 2012! We at 650B Palace share their excitement! More to come about the Jamis 650B 853 Dragon complete bike!
October 13, 2011
Tubeless Ready 650B Rim? Sure, why not?
Pacenti is at it again! This time the fine 650B proponent brings us the TL28! A tubeless friendly,28mm wide MTB rim. Much like the stellar P35 it will be available in 26, 27.5, and 29" flavors. No discrimination from this company! Much love for all sizes! Boasting a 409g weight for the 650B version! WOW. Nice number for sure.
High fives for Pacenti Cycle Design!
Look for them in shops Mid-November.
High fives for Pacenti Cycle Design!
Look for them in shops Mid-November.
September 15, 2011
My 650b Bike
I should have done this last night - but it was late and I forgot. Here's my current 650b bike. It is based around a 44 Bikes SnakeDriver frame and currently set up rigid and single speed with a Salsa Cromoto Grande fork up front.
Bike also features some Hone Cranks, and Ragley Carnegie Bars.
Although I'm constantly fiddling and experimenting with different stem/bar combinations with it.
Very versatile bike that just shreds in 650b mode!
Bike also features some Hone Cranks, and Ragley Carnegie Bars.
Although I'm constantly fiddling and experimenting with different stem/bar combinations with it.
Very versatile bike that just shreds in 650b mode!
September 14, 2011
New Contributor - Thanks for the Invite Jeremy!
For my first post to the Palace I thought I'd take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mark McGrath - many of you will know me as MMcG on the forums - and I'm psyched to be a contributor to 650B Palace. A Huge thank you to Jeremy for letting me contribute to the blog.
I'm stoked on this wheel size and excited to contribute to spreading the word a bit and sharing cool 650b related news and stories of interest for all of you.
I've been riding mountain bikes since 1999 or so (not that long compared to a lot of you guys I suspect) and I've really gained a passion for bicycles. I started to really get into mountain bike riding when I moved to CT in 2001 and that eventually led to a part time sales rep gig with Balfa Cycles. Some of you might remember the Balfa BB7 and 2Step as well as the Belair and Minuteman (their hardtail frame). After my Balfa stint was over due to Procycle pulling the plug after the 2004 frames were released, I then started to become interested in bigger wheels.
After various 26" hardtails and FS bikes, I finally got my first 29er in a Surly Karate Monkey. From there I was on various 29ers for a few years, including a brief stint helping out Ted Wojcik with his custom frame building business and helping to promote his new 29er frames - initially named the Monkeybutt 29ers and now called his Sof-Trac 29ers.
Then I heard about this new 650b wheelsize and I decided to give that a go. First it was a test and review of a Haro Beasley for www.ridemonkey.com and then it was on to a Carber Bumblebee long term test for Ridemonkey. This really helped me realize the good virtues of the 650b platform - especially for a guy like me who stands about 5'9" tall.
I'm now riding a bike built by Kris Henry - of 44 Bikes. My frame is Kris' original SnakeDriver prototype and it now sports 650b wheels and a Salsa Cromoto Grande rigid fork. I've got it set up in single speed mode right now, but the frame allows me the option of going 1x9 or whatever if I so desire.
I've found the 650b wheels to be the ideal configuration for this particular frame as it puts the bottom bracket height in a "sweet spot" - the bike really shreds turns now in this configuration.
I like it so much that I plan to add more 650b wheeled bikes to the stable over time.
In addition, I plan on posting to the Palace often about 650b news, 650b bikes, and 650b rumors etc. Probably even a feature or two on builders who are doing a lot of work with 650b wheels - like Yipsan, Watson Cycles right here in CT, 44 Bikes etc. etc.
So stay tuned for more MMcG updates folks!
Cheers,
Mark
I'm stoked on this wheel size and excited to contribute to spreading the word a bit and sharing cool 650b related news and stories of interest for all of you.
I've been riding mountain bikes since 1999 or so (not that long compared to a lot of you guys I suspect) and I've really gained a passion for bicycles. I started to really get into mountain bike riding when I moved to CT in 2001 and that eventually led to a part time sales rep gig with Balfa Cycles. Some of you might remember the Balfa BB7 and 2Step as well as the Belair and Minuteman (their hardtail frame). After my Balfa stint was over due to Procycle pulling the plug after the 2004 frames were released, I then started to become interested in bigger wheels.
After various 26" hardtails and FS bikes, I finally got my first 29er in a Surly Karate Monkey. From there I was on various 29ers for a few years, including a brief stint helping out Ted Wojcik with his custom frame building business and helping to promote his new 29er frames - initially named the Monkeybutt 29ers and now called his Sof-Trac 29ers.
Then I heard about this new 650b wheelsize and I decided to give that a go. First it was a test and review of a Haro Beasley for www.ridemonkey.com and then it was on to a Carber Bumblebee long term test for Ridemonkey. This really helped me realize the good virtues of the 650b platform - especially for a guy like me who stands about 5'9" tall.
I'm now riding a bike built by Kris Henry - of 44 Bikes. My frame is Kris' original SnakeDriver prototype and it now sports 650b wheels and a Salsa Cromoto Grande rigid fork. I've got it set up in single speed mode right now, but the frame allows me the option of going 1x9 or whatever if I so desire.
I've found the 650b wheels to be the ideal configuration for this particular frame as it puts the bottom bracket height in a "sweet spot" - the bike really shreds turns now in this configuration.
I like it so much that I plan to add more 650b wheeled bikes to the stable over time.
In addition, I plan on posting to the Palace often about 650b news, 650b bikes, and 650b rumors etc. Probably even a feature or two on builders who are doing a lot of work with 650b wheels - like Yipsan, Watson Cycles right here in CT, 44 Bikes etc. etc.
So stay tuned for more MMcG updates folks!
Cheers,
Mark
May 28, 2011
Velocity's New Addition! The 650B Blunt SL
Designed to be lighter, stronger, faster. Velocity is proud to announce its newest rim, the Blunt SL. Bringing together the proven success and technology of the P35 and Blunt rims, Velocity has developed a new tubeless ready race day rim that weighs in at 420 grams in the 29”/700c platform. The Blunt SL can easily be made tubeless using Velocity’s Velotape kit. In addition to rims, Blunt SL Pro and Comp wheelsets are available. Each wheel is handbuilt by The Wheel Department at Velocity, which can custom build to rider’s specifications. Detailed information can be found at www.velocityusa.com. The Velocity Blunt SL rims and wheelsets are available through any local bike shop or from Velocity’s online store.
Shallower and more narrow than the Blunt OG the SL rims are available in 26”, 650b or 29” sizes, in black, silver or white color with 28, 32 or 36 hole drilling.
Shallower and more narrow than the Blunt OG the SL rims are available in 26”, 650b or 29” sizes, in black, silver or white color with 28, 32 or 36 hole drilling.
May 10, 2011
April 20, 2011
Transition Bikes Trans AM 650B conversion.
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