So I have a really nice 650b set up. Enve G27 with i9 Torch hubs and some Hunt 700c
I can’t really tell the difference riding. My bike can take 50mm max and I run 45’s on the Hunt and 1.875’s on the 650’s.
Is there any point in keeping both? Is 650’s on the way out?
I’m 1742 in this pic from Unbound. So I’m just a 50+ year old dad. Not searching for podium spots anymore. 😎
by jasonm71
18 Comments
Fewer tire options but not exactly dead yet.
Not yet thankfully I personally don’t believe 29 is right for everyone, my SO is 5’4’ and 650b x 2.45 is already tall enough.
While I will ride 700c on road and gravel 650b with the family is still far more fun and lively
650b has never been more alive
I ride 650b but there are not many tire options. If you have a tire you like then stay with them. Fwiw I’ve considered switching to 700c quite a bit to try some of the newer tire offerings.
I loved the cush from 650b, but never cared for how they felt rolling on the faster sections. Still have both pairs, but not putting any money toward the 650 these days 🤷♂️
Plenty of riders are running 650b for more tire clearance and less toe overlap.
No, 650b isn’t dead. Alot of smaller brands still make 650b bikes. It’s just the big brands shifted to 700c.
You are actually the best judge since you can compare a 650b wheelset to a 700c wheelset. So ride the wheelset that you like more.
Not dead but for racing most riders are back to 700 (also most elite riders where I am are on cyclocross bikes, not gravel bikes)
Personally I’d keep both. 650 is better on gnarly trails or bike packing. I don’t ride enough trails that would benefit from 650 to justify a second set
I did a bigger ride last year that was pretty remote that I was looking a getting a 650 set for but the 700s were fine
If you not looking for any performance increase, just ride what you’re comfortable with
650B just makes so much sense for gravel. I’m not really sure why it’s not more popular.
650×47 is the same diameter as 700×28. So if you want two wheelsets for road and gravel without worrying about ground clearance when you go to road wheels then it’s really a great option.
With 700 wheels on gravel bikes you either get bikes that are closer to endurance road that only fit 35mm tires or you end up with people who want to cover rougher terrain so you get 700×45-50 and then putting road wheels on drops the bike almost an inch closer to the ground creating ground clearance and other related issues.
You don’t really need the huge rollover on gravel bikes as the terrain usually isn’t that bumpy that you need with what you get from 29 inch which is basically where many gravel bikes with 700×50 are headed.
If you’re not racing and just looking for miles 650b is the way to go but very minimal on tire selection. 700c if you’re racing but even now the newer gravel bikes can handle a wider 700c tire. But like you stated you’re not looking for podium so just stick with what you have.
If you already have the wheels why do you care if it’s getting less popular? I have two 27.5 mountain bikes. One is non boost so I use that wheelset on my gravel bike to fit 2.1″ tires when I want to do offroad tours or similar silliness 🙂
Still plenty of good tires available. And hopefully it won’t die as 650b is a really sensible size for XS frames and those riders need to be able to find tires as well.
Just wait, they will come back around to be the “cool thing” again. Sounds like a great set up. There is no reason to replace them.
Well it’s been around for 100 years or so I’d guess. No reason to expect it to go away.
It’s maybe less popular than a few years ago.
Still around, plenty of tire options, some advantages and disadvantages compared to 700c.
I personally don’t see a reason to keep both if the 700c isn’t set up as a fast setup with smaller tires.
If you think they feel very similar with gravel tires, there’s likely no reason to keep the 700c around since your 650b setup is nicer.
My bike came with both, it’s really like having two bikes in one. 700×28 and it’s a rocket ship 🚀and 650bX54 and you’ve got tractor 🚜 that will take you around the world.
I’ve got 2 sets of wheels for my gravel bike. 650b with 47’s on them and then when or if I want to go fast I have 700’s with 28s and I can probably go a little wider if I want to protect the wrists
nope
I use the 650B’s for my mtb rides when it is bumpier or more traction is needed for the terrain. They have carbon spokes so it is more of a softer ride and with the lower pressure it reminds me of my old hardtail. But I mostly ride the 700’s when it is mixed road/gravel b/c they are lighter etc.