Vintage 26'' MTB to 650b conversion???

[kvnptrjhnsn]

I've seen this done with brakes that have a lot of upward adjustment such as the Paul Motolite. I like the idea of larger, faster rolling wheels and access to all the trendy newfangled 650b tires (that would fit).

What do Paceliners think?

:bike:

[colker]

MOst 26in frames won´t let you have 27.5 big rubber. If you are good w/ a 2.0 or 2.1in tire fine... but i would rather go w/ 26x2.4 tires. Unless you want to build a fireroader or commuter.

[geordanh]

Yeah I have a vintage 26 inch Rocky Mountain hammer that I got my buddy to braze a disc tab on so I could run 650bx47 WTB tires on as a commuter. It’s super fun. Real mtb knobbies won’t work though


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[kvnptrjhnsn]

Thanks! Yeah I should clarify, not looking to run any 27.5 mtb tires. More of a cross situation like the WTB's geordanh mentioned.

[p nut]

I’ve seen a few Surly LHT conversions.

http://georgebike.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-650b26-incher-long-haul-trucker.html?m=1

With Motolites, should be an easy conversion.

But personally, I’d opt to go more for something like an older Trek 27/700c and covert that to 650b.

[mhespenheide]

Do you already have said 26" mountain bike?

Paul motolites are the only real/reliable option to switch to the larger rim if you've got canti mounts on the frame. @geordanh has the right idea to braze on a disc tab, if you can think of someone near you to do that.

But, frankly, I'd try to hold off on the conversion. There are a few really nice smooth or semi-slick 26" tires out there right now. I'd try that first -- notably the Rat Trap Pass by Rene Herse. Yes, they're expensive. They're reputedly fantastic. On the low end, try the Michelin Country Rock; a good compromise should be the Continental Speed King RaceSport, if you can find them in 26", or the Resist Nomad 26".

[oldpotatoe]

I've seen this done with brakes that have a lot of upward adjustment such as the Paul Motolite. I like the idea of larger, faster rolling wheels and access to all the trendy newfangled 650b tires (that would fit).

What do Paceliners think?

:bike:

Is your question will these fit into your frame/brake adjust or are 27.5 a 'better' wheel/tire to use.

No idea number 2 but go to a decent LBS with yer rig and see if they have some 27.5 wheels to put in there BUT...27.5 and rim brake wheels..might be a little tougher to find.

If you find they will fit, I can build ya some rim brake, 135mm, 650b(27.5) wheels...

[marsh]

I have a GT Zaskar disc that I converted to 650b. Now I'm working on a 650b tourer from a Scwinn Moab frame. 650 x 47 clears without a problem, Tektro CR720 brakes have enough upward adjustment to work on most frames. I say go for it, if it doesn't work out you should be able to sell the wheelset/tires no problem.

[charliedid]

With these things....you just have to try it to see if you like it. trying to figure it all out on paper does not always work.

Have fun.

[Red Tornado]

This is interesting. I've had thoughts about putting 650b on a Spec Hard Rock Disc 26'er (used to be my youngest son's bike). Didn't think it would go anywhere so I dropped it, but now the wheels are turnin' (figuratively).....

[kvnptrjhnsn]

Is your question will these fit into your frame/brake adjust or are 27.5 a 'better' wheel/tire to use.

No idea number 2 but go to a decent LBS with yer rig and see if they have some 27.5 wheels to put in there BUT...27.5 and rim brake wheels..might be a little tougher to find.

If you find they will fit, I can build ya some rim brake, 135mm, 650b(27.5) wheels...

The question is both, what tire sizes have folks gotten to work, and how has it affected handling, etc..

[Gummee]

This is interesting. I've had thoughts about putting 650b on a Spec Hard Rock Disc 26'er (used to be my youngest son's bike). Didn't think it would go anywhere so I dropped it, but now the wheels are turnin' (figuratively).....

You could even put 29er wheels on that Hardrock and the brakes won't care. ...just make sure to size the rubber to the frame's clearances.

See also: C-dale's Bad Boy series of bikes from a while ago

M

edited to add: 650b is just a 26er that rolls a bit better. It's not significantly bigger/better. Think 27" vs 700c.

When I'm going playing around in the woods with my buddies, I'll ride the P650b because it's more playful. You need to loft the front wheel over stuff, wheelie, etc. It's also easier to turn than the 29ers for those tight trails. In short, ride it like an old 26er.

When I know I'm riding with my fast buddies, I'll ride the rigid Superfly or the Top Fuel depending on with whom I'm riding

[Bonesbrigade]

Here is my 2005 waltworks conversion. Edit: Walt didn’t do too many 26ers. I got him to make me the custom fork for this 27.5 dropbar conversion in 2011 I believe.

[kvnptrjhnsn]

PS here is how it came out, I like the way it rides a lot actually!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200305/32077d7d502743d93b623ea329d9620c.jpg


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[lzuk]

I converted my lynskey 26” with disc brakes to 27.5” tubeless. 2.4 tires fit easily. Wider bars and a shorter stem completed the bike.

[ColonelJLloyd]

PS here is how it came out, I like the way it rides a lot actually!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200305/32077d7d502743d93b623ea329d9620c.jpg

Bravo, sir! This is great.