650b x 38c Road Bike

[kingpin75s]

Really like some of the 650b x 38c road bikes I have seen from Bishop and wanted to check in and see what feedback this place has for anyone who has spent some time on a bike designed around this tires size.

[Kirk007]

Originally Posted by kingpin75s

Really like some of the 650b x 38c road bikes I have seen from Bishop and wanted to check in and see what feedback this place has for anyone who has spent some time on a bike designed around this tires size.

I'm testing this on a Spectrum ti disc bike - not built for it (built around 700 x 28 c tires but with room for fenders, hence a bit more clearance. So far I like it with Rene Herse extralights. It needs many more miles though. The bike feels very responsive with them, better than say a 700c x35-38. Not sure they hold momentum as well. For rough roads it's nice having that extra width; for nice roads though ...not sure of much benefit. But it's fun to play around with.

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by Kirk007

I'm testing this on a Spectrum ti disc bike - not built for it (built around 700 x 28 c tires but with room for fenders, hence a bit more clearance. So far I like it with Rene Herse extralights. It needs many more miles though. The bike feels very responsive with them, better than say a 700c x35-38. Not sure they hold momentum as well. For rough roads it's nice having that extra width; for nice roads though ...not sure of much benefit. But it's fun to play around with.

Yes. RH Extralights would be the tire of choice. Looking for an alternative to my 700c x 32c Eriksen RCR setup. Bike would be primarily for city riding to include, bike paths, rough city streets, rail trail and some river bottoms. The momentum consideration should be a limited concern for this bike as a stop and go city rider and the fact that I seek out all the climbs our river city has to offer.

Looking for playful, responsive and no toe overlap for a "fast enough" and comfortable city bike that I can really rail corners hard on and this type of setup feels like the right direction.

[zzy]

I just did a 650b x 38 conversion on my commuter. Love it. Pretty much the perfect size tire for general riding. It also gave me more clearance for fenders. Even tho the bike wasn't designed for it, the overall diameter is about the same as 700 x 23 so it works great in terms of geometry.

[Hilltopperny]

I ran my old Zanconato cx on 650b 38mm paris motos for the road and found it to be great. Dropped the bb quite a bit and gave it a very road planted feeling. I have also run my old Drifter with 42mm 650b slicks for road use and liked it quite a bit.

I believe Sparky33 had a Firefly built for the road with 650b at some point. I think it is a great platform for those of us who prefer something a bit different!

[sparky33]

Originally Posted by Hilltopperny

I believe Sparky33 had a Firefly built for the road with 650b at some point. I think it is a great platform for those of us who prefer something a bit different!

Firefly #831

I rode it yesterday. So nice. Like a road bike on clouds.

[Hilltopperny]

Originally Posted by sparky33

Firefly #831

I rode it yesterday. So nice. Like a road bike on clouds.

One of my favorite bikes in the gallery!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[R3awak3n]

650bx38 gotta be very nice on the road. Just gotta make sure doesn't lower BB too much.

I know 650bx42 is awesome on the road too. About as big as 650b I would go for pavement only.

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by zzy

I just did a 650b x 38 conversion on my commuter. Love it. Pretty much the perfect size tire for general riding. It also gave me more clearance for fenders. Even tho the bike wasn't designed for it, the overall diameter is about the same as 700 x 23 so it works great in terms of geometry.

Good to hear. I am considering having a bike designed around that specific size tire. The overall diameter a part of that consideration to allow for no limitations to the builder with respect to road geometry. Maybe that will matter. Maybe not, but at least not a limitation. If it can also run a 42 that would be fine, so long as it did not compromise the design to do so in any way. If it only clears a 38 but meets all of my other needs that will be ok.

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by sparky33

Firefly #831

I rode it yesterday. So nice. Like a road bike on clouds.

Yeah. That just looks so plush. Glad to hear it rides as good as it looks.

[kingpin75s]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

650bx38 gotta be very nice on the road. Just gotta make sure doesn't lower BB too much.

I know 650bx42 is awesome on the road too. About as big as 650b I would go for pavement only.

Agreed. Looking to stay fast and agile while staying stuck to the road in the cities. Have my 700c bases covered and think this platform might make for a really fun, safe and capable bike. Would be custom so BB will be just where it should be.

[rccardr]

Running 650 x 38’s on the Pelizzoli for some time now.
Per my request, Sr. P designed it to run with 700’s up to 32 or 650 x 38.
The 650’s require a longer brake caliper arm but otherwise same-same.
Lovely.
Like riding on a cloud surrounded by unicorns farting rainbows.
Nice in the gravel as well.

[Kyle h]

Intrigued by this. Been looking for a way to add some more tire/fenders to my Vanilla which was built for 700x33 clearance.

[thew]

I have a lot of fun running 650b by 38mm parimotos on a converted 80s road frame. Good on pavement, great on gravel, surprisingly fun underbiking on smoothish singletrack, plenty of toe clearance. It’s definitely slower than my road bike running 700x32 compass tires but it’s versatility makes it my go-to for mixed surface urban exploring.

[mhespenheide]

I don't have any direct experience, but if I were designing a road bike today, I'd go for disc brakes and the ability to switch between 650b x 42 and 700c x 28.