Ellis 650b DRB (right place)

SamIAm · #1 08-05-2011, 09:34 AM

I know I am technically too tall for a 650b, but I have wanted one for a while, in large part for the tire choices available.

I have a place in the mountains surrounded by wonderful and steep dirt/gravel roads and single track. I wanted a bike well suited to riding in those environs.

So I had Dave build me this 650b dirt road bike. Mini v-brakes, clearance for really fat tires, fender braze-ons (why not) and I had it powdercoated in lieu of wet paint.

Chorus 11 speed, compact crank, 11-28 cassette. Wheels are synergy rims with alchemy hubs built by Ergott. Finished off with Handlebra of course.

I just got back from a week of riding this out in Boulder and I couldn't be happier. It did everything well from climbing to descending to gravel to single track. I took a variety of tires with me, some 42 Hetres, 38 Pari-motos and some 32 Maxi-Fastys from Rivendell.

I didn't really care for the Hetres, there was a noticeable side to side displacement that I attributed to the tread on these. I bet if they were shaved, it would make a big difference. The Pari-motos were awesome, if a bit fragile. Their performance was unmatched in this group. The Maxi-Fastys don't really feel that "fast" or supple like the Pari-motos.

Anyway, a pic.

christian · #2 08-05-2011, 09:38 AM

Nice. Looks fast. Nothing historical re-enactment about that.

sg8357 · #3 08-05-2011, 09:57 AM

Double oversize tubes ?
What size is it ?

Very cool, fat tire road bike.

SamIAm · #4 08-05-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg8357

Double oversize tubes ?
What size is it ?

Very cool, fat tire road bike.

Yep, double OS tubes with slant six lugs.

jr59 · #5 08-05-2011, 10:02 AM

Looks GREAT!

And looks like it would fit me... where is it you live at?

Frankwurst · #6 08-05-2011, 10:30 AM

Great looking bike. It screams "lets go have some fun."

Jawn P · #7 08-05-2011, 11:13 AM

Looks great, Rob. There are some jeep roads in Ellijay that are calling for that bike :-)

HenryA · #8 08-05-2011, 11:15 AM

VERY nice!

witcombusa · #9 08-05-2011, 11:29 AM

I think it needs a trip up to New England for a little loop in northwestern MA and southern VT we call...

D2R2

Old Deerfield is calling

http://www.franklinlandtrust.org/d2r2_cue_sheets.htm

bigflax925 · #10 08-05-2011, 11:40 AM

That's a beauty! Which mini-v's are you running?

acckids · #11 08-05-2011, 12:04 PM

I'd like a closeup of the fork crown/headset juncture. I like.

Pete Serotta · #12 08-05-2011, 12:12 PM

this is fine here....if you want it moved somewhere I will do whatever you want.

With the words you placed around it, this is a wonderful place for it.

Additionally it helps share knowledge of what happiness we can have, as well as information about an excellent builder and artist.

Thanks.......

Pete

SamIAm · #13 08-05-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigflax925

That's a beauty! Which mini-v's are you running?

TRP

SamIAm · #14 08-05-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acckids

I'd like a closeup of the fork crown/headset juncture. I like.

I will get you something, I think the crown itself is a Pacenti Paris Brest

Kirk Pacenti · #15 08-05-2011, 02:49 PM

Great looking bike Rob. I have been wanting to build one for myself...

Glad you like the performance of the Pari-Moto too. They are more "fragile" than the other tires you mentioned, but as you've pointed out they are all about performance; fast and light.

Cheers,

KP