650b Tire Size, Gravel Use

[.RJ]

I've been happy with tires in the 35-36mm range on 700c wheels.

Looks like the larger size in 650 (47-48) sounds like the way to go. I may start with the WTB's for cost and ease of tubeless setup to see how I like the 650 wheel size, and if I really dig it then buy a pair of the Compass 650x48mm.

[ptourkin]

If you're looking for tougher, I rode the Maxxis Re-Fuse 27.5x2.0s on an Open and they felt okay. Clearly not as supple as the Compass but they feel a little sturdier.

[owly]

Originally Posted by .RJ

I've been happy with tires in the 35-36mm range on 700c wheels.

Looks like the larger size in 650 (47-48) sounds like the way to go. I may start with the WTB's for cost and ease of tubeless setup to see how I like the 650 wheel size, and if I really dig it then buy a pair of the Compass 650x48mm.

If your areas DO get a bit rocky then you could also look at the Terrene Elwood down the road.

[owly]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

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.

Was that Endurance or the standard?

and don't forget the pics of the bike

[p nut]

.RJ - Any idea what the max clearance is for the fork? Some time in the future, I may be looking for a bike with 2.1" clearance (maybe 2.2") for those extra chunky rides. I think the rear would suffice with a ~1.9" tire, but would be great to fit a 2.2" up front.

[weisan]

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[.RJ]

Originally Posted by p nut

.RJ - Any idea what the max clearance is for the fork? Some time in the future, I may be looking for a bike with 2.1" clearance (maybe 2.2") for those extra chunky rides. I think the rear would suffice with a ~1.9" tire, but would be great to fit a 2.2" up front.

Looks like around 60mm of clearance at the fork, TONS of room there.

The rear around 47mm between the chainstays on the carbon bike, and 44-45mm on the alloy bike (my wife rides one), so room for the WTB horizons.

The rear wheel I've got on there (Hope RS4/Easton R90SL, built @ my LBS) are pretty significantly offset to the drive side, I hope I dont need offset rims to make this work.

Tires in the photo are 36mm Clement MSO's.

[R3awak3n]

that wheel needs to be dished properly.

[adamhell]

i have had a few different sets of compass tires, in a few different sizes. i always felt i was flying a little too close to the sun. the ride quality was incredible, but they are very thin and susceptible to flatting (and i did flat a few times with them, though not catastrophically).

the WTB horizons don't have quite the pinkies up factor of the compass, but they're still really good under 30psi, and i feel confident commuting with them. i have them set up tubeless, and I commute 12+ miles a day. in SF's recent wet grit and grime they have done quite well, and I have never flatted (of course now I will tomorrow).

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by 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.

I have a gravel bike and an urban assault vehicle set-up tubeless but so far, no flats. I carry a spare tube in case I do.

The reason I'm saying this, wouldn't you just stuff a tube into a Compass tire to get home? Then patch the tire and re-set it up tubeless using a compressor like you did the first time?

Why would patching the tire make a difference?

[.RJ]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

that wheel needs to be dished properly.

Yeah, I didnt notice until just now... gonna swing by the LBS with those wheels when they build up the new 650's.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by Clancy

I have a gravel bike and an urban assault vehicle set-up tubeless but so far, no flats. I carry a spare tube in case I do.

The reason I'm saying this, wouldn't you just stuff a tube into a Compass tire to get home? Then patch the tire and re-set it up tubeless using a compressor like you did the first time?

Why would patching the tire make a difference?

Not on the go that is a problem. You wouldnt reset the tire tubeless while out on the ride. But when you get home its going to be hard to get the tire on again. Impossible without a compressor and I imagine still hard with one. I dont have a compressor, just one of those flash pump things and could not get the tire on again because it streched so much just was not going in. Ymmv and that is just my experience but I have heard multiple people say the wtb is better for tubeless in the long run

[.RJ]

Which rims were you using? If they dont have a deeper center channel, tubeless is going to be a right pain.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by .RJ

Which rims were you using? If they dont have a deeper center channel, tubeless is going to be a right pain.

pacenti tl28

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by owly

Was that Endurance or the standard?

and don't forget the pics of the bike

Standard, but when that bottle is empty I have the Endurance to use. Bike isn't built up. Sorry.