Converting from 26" to 650b - huge difference?

[weisan]

Just for fun, and because I can, I am thinking about converting my Long Haul Trucker from 26" wheel to 650b with a slightly different set of tires. I wonder what kind of difference it's gonna make to the ride, if any. What do y'all think

Current set up: 26" Schawalb Big Apple

Changing to: 650b x 48 Compass Switchback Hills

[R3awak3n]

I think it will be worth foe the tires alone, those tires are awesome. That said, I would probably try the rat pass trap tires and keep it at 26. But I guess if you have the money to go 650b, why not. I love my 650b bike, its actually my favoiret bike atm

[nalax]

What brakes are you running? When I did 650mtb conversions I used a BMX brake, don't remember the brand. The Compass should add to the ride quality, right? This morning I did a tubeless setup with WTB Horizon's on my old Stan's ZTR 355 mtb wheels. They'll go on a 650b disc road bike when it's done. Looking forward to see how yours ends up.

[weisan]

Thanks for the response, pals.

The current brake is Shimano and I tested it out with the 650b wheelset that I already got and there is enough adjustability to make it work, so no problem there.

In terms of investment $ to do the conversion, all I need is the tires/tubes and I am ready to go, that's about it.

[fiamme red]

Compass sells 26" tires as well, but you probably already know that.

https://www.compasscycle.com/product...tires/26-inch/

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by weisan

Thanks for the response, pals.

The current brake is Tektro and I tested it out with the 650b wheelset that I already got and there is enough adjustability to make it work, so no problem there.

In terms of investment $ to do the conversion, all I need is the tires/tubes and I am ready to go, that's about it.

Then I absolutely would give it a go. It has been a while since I rode a 26in wheel so no direct comparison but as I said before, love 650b and specially the switch back hill tires. They are probably my favorite tires, so versatile. Also with 650b you just have more tire choices right now compared to 26 (ok I should say, more high quality tire choices). You could go down to a babyshoe pass (42mm if you would like, some people prefer them on pavement for example).

The WTB horizon tire seems awesome too. I would recommend you go tubeless actually if your rims are compatible and if you do so maybe the horizon is a better tire (the sidewalls just work better with tubeless setup as far as I have heard). Let us know how it goes

[weisan]

Thank you R3 pal, you are one of the people who "inspired" me to do this in your older posts related to this topic.

Now, I have to eke out big $$$ to buy the Switchback hills tires.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by weisan

Thank you R3 pal, you are one of the people who "inspired" me to do this in your older posts related to this topic.

Now, I have to eke out big $$$ to buy the Switchback hills tires.

you will love em! They are pricey though but have lasted for quite some miles.

I don't have the extra lights either, just the standard tires.

[weisan]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

you will love em! They are pricey though but have lasted for quite some miles.

I don't have the extra lights either, just the standard tires.

Roger! I am gonna go ahead and order a set of SBH.

[weisan]

[ColonelJLloyd]

If your brakes will work that's really the only issue. If you're using the 2.35" Big Apples then the tire diameter won't change enough to notice so BB height should remain more or less the same.

They are fantastic tires, the SBH. But, you will still be left with a LHT.

FWIW, the Extralight versions of the Compass tires really are that much nicer.

[weisan]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

They are fantastic tires, the SBH. But, you will still be left with a LHT.

True true...
Thanks for your inputs, Colonel pal.

So part of the reason I am going with SBH is because at some point, I am gonna build up another set of 650b wheels that will go on my other gravel bike which rides nothing like the LHT at all but can accommodate big fat tires just the same. So, these tires will be serving two masters.

Yeah, I hear you on the EL version, will probably spend the extra $$ ... Because really, my ultimate goal is to get a plush ride.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by weisan

True true...
Thanks for your inputs, Colonel pal.

So part of the reason I am going with SBH is because at some point, I am gonna build up another set of 650b wheels that will go on my other gravel bike which rides nothing like the LHT at all but can accommodate big fat tires just the same. So, these tires will be serving two masters.

Yeah, I hear you on the EL version, will probably spend the extra $$ ... Because really, my ultimate goal is to get a plush ride.

I hoped your ultimate plan was to move the wheels and tires to a more deserving frame. Good on ya! Enjoy the ride.

[ptourkin]

Just a slight counter. When Velo Cult was down here in San Diego the 26" to 650B conversion was quite in vogue and they helped a few people do it. Beyond being a cool project that gave them the chance to run Grand Bois tires, the people I knew who did it didn't see a big change on the LHT beyond having a rougher time finding tubes. Now that there are more "cool" 26" tires out there, it doesn't seem as exigent.

[weisan]

tourkin pal, I think you are on to something. The Rat trap tires certainly fit the description of a cool 26" tires.