- 34 Float 650B 160 FIT CTD: 1,990g (4.38lb)
- 34 TALAS 650B 160 FIT CTD: 2,070g (4.57lb)
April 19, 2012
Fox add 2 650B Models to Their Line-up
Fox has finally released information regarding their much anticipated 650B fork. Lucky for us they have given mid-wheel riders 2 flavor to pick from. Both boasting 160mm worth of travel as well as their FIT technology and the new CTD technology (Climb-Trail-Decend) .
April 14, 2012
Word from the Mountain
Also, with Sea Otter just around the corner, you can expect to hear about 650B product in development and possible see some prototype gear as well. Here is one thing that is mum but will see the light come May:
The Sram 650B Wheelset.
With the 2013 Rock Shox 650B Revelation in the works for OEMs, this was bound to happen. Aren't 'little birds' grand? Again, mum's the word on the lips at Sram, so let's keep this just between friends.
April 02, 2012
April 01, 2012
Mavic Enters the 650B Realm, sort of.
After years of development, Mavic, today, introduced a revolutionary
mountain bike wheel system. With one technological breakthrough, Mavic’s CrossMaxSizer
fitment system allows a rider to buy just one wheelset that can be adapted to
fit all the mountain bikes they might own, whether they use 26”, 650b, or 29er
wheels. The new wheelset is yet unnamed.
The new
modular wheel system is built on a 26-inch Crossmax ST mountain bike wheel for
the base structure. Testing revealed that this fundamental wheel system is
strong and stiff enough to readily adapt to multiple sizes. “It’s remarkably
clever, if I may say so myself,” Mavic PR person Zack Vestal said via press
release. “We devised a system by which the rim outer diameter can actually be
increased or decreased at the user’s discretion.“On the one hand, we are getting a little sick of all these different size standards,” Vestal said. “I mean, can’t we decide on just one size for all the mountain bike wheels? But on the other hand, we wanted to offer something really different and satisfy these guys who can’t make up their bloody minds.”
With CrossMaxSizer technology, the mod-wheel converts from 26 inches to 650b, and from 650b to 29er.To increase the bead seat diameter for 650b usage, a snap-on expander ring fits into the UST tire bed and tightens into place with recessed setscrews. Just like the original tire bed, the CrossMaxSizer expander ring is fully UST compliant, with an airtight tire bed and 19mm inner width.
The Mod-wheel easily fits 29er bikes and tires with the addition of a second CrossMaxSizer expander ring, mounted on top of the first expander ring. “We found a light, flexible composite for the expander rings, so they really don’t add much weight,” offered Mavic MTB product tester Joaquin D. Trayle. “Plus, as you add CrossMaxSizer rings to achieve the 29er tire size, you’re adding rim depth. So there’s a nice aero benefit, too.”
The first schematic of the CrossMaxSizer
At this time, Mavic has not announced a solution to fit the “yarder,” a 36-inch tire size popularized by a few builders at the North American Handbuilt Show. “At that size, we’d have to use the C29ssmax as our base structure, and we need to do more testing on this,” said Vestal.
On the other hand, Mavic is actively investigating the 24-inch wheel size. “Going forward, we think that ‘small’ might be the new ‘big,’” said Vestal. “I mean, how much more can we gain with going bigger all the time? We think 24s and maybe even the 20-inch wheel are the next frontiers in trail riding.”
March 26, 2012
Mountain Bike Magazine Talks to Scott’s Adrian Montgomery
MountainBike.com: How did Scott start looking into the 650b wheel size?
Adrian Montgomery: We all know the benefits of a bigger wheel size, but we have discovered that the bigger wheel size sets some limits when designing longer-travel full-suspension bikes, or smaller frame sizes in general. We also found that when testing with Nino Schurter that there were some fit disadvantages for a rider his size as well as power disadvantages. That’s when we opted to test the 27.5-inch wheel size. We’re currently testing bikes from hardtails to full-suspension models to obtain data we can compare to our current line.
(CLICK FOR THE REST OF THE ARTICLE...)
Adrian Montgomery: We all know the benefits of a bigger wheel size, but we have discovered that the bigger wheel size sets some limits when designing longer-travel full-suspension bikes, or smaller frame sizes in general. We also found that when testing with Nino Schurter that there were some fit disadvantages for a rider his size as well as power disadvantages. That’s when we opted to test the 27.5-inch wheel size. We’re currently testing bikes from hardtails to full-suspension models to obtain data we can compare to our current line.
(CLICK FOR THE REST OF THE ARTICLE...)
March 22, 2012
A Brief Glimpse
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 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.
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