Buying a 650b wheelset when it's being phased out

[unterhausen]

Wasn't there a time not long ago when Giant only sold 650b mtb? You would think they would support them.

[SlowPokePete]

Originally Posted by snguyen268

Also considering getting a set of 650b for my gravel as well.

Recently saw a deal on Enve G27 + Enve Alloy hub for $999 or Enve AG28 + I9 1:1 hub for $799. Which one would you guys go with?

Hands down I9.

SPP

[mickey.d]

Just because one fad-driven canadian bike peddler says something doesn’t mean it’s true, eh?
650b rims and tires for the applications y’all are talking about existed before the mid-aughts 584erd resurgence and 650b mtb tires, they will continue to exist even though the gravel race trend is pushing 700c.

[HenryA]

I have a group of 650B tires for sale — cheap — in the classified if you want to try some lightweight cross-country type tires.

And I’m on the side of there’s a good selection of 650B tires out there now and I doubt that they’re gonna go away.

[EB]

Originally Posted by SlowPokePete

Hands down I9.

SPP

I've owned both of these hubs. I am assuming these are the older Enve Foundation hubs, not the new star ratchet (branded as "innerdrive") designs.

Both hubs are pawl designs and both work fine. The i9 hubs use an offset-pawl design with 90 points of engagement - so tons of engagement. Fast engagement hubs have never struck me as important for "gravel" or road riding.

If this were me I'd go with the cheaper option.