650b Tire Size, Gravel Use

[.RJ]

I'm having my LBS build up a set of wheels (Hope RS4 hubs & Easton Arc 24mm width rims) to try out 650b on my CX bike (Specialized Crux), and was waffling on what size to go with - I think my choices are really a 42mm compass, 47mm WTB, or 48mm Compass tire. Any pros or cons to each?

The internet provided with this nugget of info - https://www.instagram.com/p/BRgn7XGFb3n/

g_a_v_nHow is the rear clearance with 47's dude?

joey@g_a_v_n front has ample room. Rear the clearance is near it's max at the stays.

That's an aluminum frame though, and mine is carbon - I'll be measuring for clearance first, but I think the carbon has a little bit more room around the chainstays/bb

[p nut]

42 would lower the BB quite a bit. Personally, I would stick to 47 or 48. That's about the equivalent diameter of ~700x30.

[R3awak3n]

if you want tubeless I would say WTB, if not I would say compass. The compasses are lighter but more fragile and not as good tubeless.

I would stick wiht 47/48 for the reason abouve

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

if you want tubeless I would say WTB, if not I would say compass. The compasses are lighter but more fragile and not as good tubeless.

The Switchback Hill is advertised as tubeless compatible. It's true that many companies use a stiffer sidewall with their tubeless models, but I don't think that disqualifies the Compass as not good for tubeless.

I built up a wheelset with Crest Mk3 rims, Pacenti tape, Switchback Hill EL and Orange Seal three or four months ago and they set up super easy. The frame is finally finished and I'll build it up this weekend, but in the four months the tires have held air and no sealant has seeped through the sidewalls. That's just one data point, but there it is.

I had a custom frame built around the SBH. It impressed me right out of the gate. I ordered a pair of the WTB Horizons because I was curious and I could tell immediately they just weren't in the same league and never even mounted them. For a particular type of riding they are probably great. But, I'm gonna stick with the SBH until circumstances convince me it's not worth it.

[ptourkin]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

The Switchback Hill is advertised as tubeless compatible. It's true that many companies use a stiffer sidewall with their tubeless models, but I don't think that disqualifies the Compass as not good for tubeless.

I built up a wheelset with Crest Mk3 rims, Pacenti tape, Switchback Hill EL and Orange Seal three or four months ago and they set up super easy. The frame is finally finished and I'll build it up this weekend, but in the four months the tires have held air and no sealant has seeped through the sidewalls. That's just one data point, but there it is.

I had a custom frame built around the SBH. It impressed me right out of the gate. I ordered a pair of the WTB Horizons because I was curious and I could tell immediately they just weren't in the same league and never even mounted them. For a particular type of riding they are probably great. But, I'm gonna stick with the SBH until circumstances convince me it's not worth it.

Seconding this. My Switchback Hills are set up tubeless on I9 carbon trail rims and have held every psi since they were set up and are not weeping sealant. The WTBs look cool but I have heard the same comparisons.

I'm not a Compass fanboy (even though Jan posted me on my bike) but I'm very happy with the SBHs on gravel, trails and road. Plus they look amazing.

[.RJ]

This was the tire I was looking at - https://www.compasscycle.com/shop/co...itchback-hill/

Advertised as tubeless compatible. Pros, I bet they ride nice. Cons, the WTB's are going to be much cheaper and I can order through my LBS at my team price. The weight between the two is a wash.

Their use will be gravel & pavement, and the gravel around here can get chunky at times, rarely smooth fine gravel or dirt. I've had plenty of rides where I've come back a few PSI short of where I started and sealant weeping here and there. In the past I've used 700x35 wtb cross boss & 700x36mm clement MSO tires, also have another set of wheels set up with 28mm road tires for this bike.

[GRAVELBIKE]

WTB's Horizons will set up tubeless much easier if that matters to you.

[justaute]

What about the Maxxis Rambler 40 (120 tpi). Although it's not quite as "tough" as the 60 tpi version, it's supposed to be pretty tough. And, it weighs under 400g.

[sandyrs]

Originally Posted by justaute

What about the Maxxis Rambler 40 (120 tpi). Although it's not quite as "tough" as the 60 tpi version, it's supposed to be pretty tough. And, it weighs under 400g.

That's a 700c tire...

[justaute]

Originally Posted by sandyrs

That's a 700c tire...

That's right, my fault.

[R3awak3n]

the switchbacks setup tubeless fine, until you have a hole and have to patch it, then it will be a pain to get the bead to pop back in (without a compressor is impossible), with a compressor maybe.

The WTB are better as in they hold their shape better (hence not as supple, a little heavier). Don't get me wrong, the compasses will do fine as tubeless. I had my babyshoe (which are not technically tubeless) fine for 1000 miles no problems.

[weisan]

>>Their use will be gravel & pavement, and the gravel around here can get chunky at times, rarely smooth fine gravel or dirt.


I have SBH mounted on my gravel bike. Compass tires use file thread, combine that with suppleness - they shine the brightest on smooth fine gravel, they simply glide over them at high speed.

In less than perfect gravel conditions, I would go with a more aggressive thread and/or lower the air pressure.

[.RJ]

I do have a bontrager tubeless pump with the air chamber that makes quick work of most tubeless tires, and also a small (3 gal, I think) compressor if its particularly stubborn.

This is a good surface for around where I ride (loudon county, west of DC)



and lots of small sharp rocks, loose over hardpack

[weisan]

Looking at your pictures, the BG Rockn'Road will eat them for breakfast.

http://www.bgcycles.com/new-page/

Yes, it's 700cc.

[R3awak3n]

the compass or WTB will be perfect for that. that really is where they shine.