650b is DEAD....(Long Live 650b)

[@2dollarbill650]

All hail 26in. I'm old.

[@H457ur]

Ha! I have a Rawland Ravn with 26" x 2.3" (58mm) Rene Herse road tires and I think 26 is my favorite tire size too (and I'm also old.)

[@stockton350]

26" and triple chainrings

[@2dollarbill650]

@@stockton350 and cantilevers! Or at least rim brakes.

[@dctruckguy]

I started mtbing on 26 and still at it. I'm old too

[@ZenoLee0]

26 will never die. 26x1.5 slicks, 26x2.3 90s MTB, 26x3 +, 26x4 FAT. 26 forever!

[@joshuarussell4803]

I love the 650b wheelsize. I am 6' tall and wear a sz 13 shoe. Toe overlap is a constant issue I have faced with 700c wheels. 650b allows me to run the size tires that I want and no worries about toe overlap, so I'm all in on those.

[@BenitoAndito]

So long as Panaracer and Rene Herse make beautiful supple tires that fit, I've got all the reasons I need to run 650b!

[@872463051]

I said it in another reply, but their widths only go so wide (in the 47mm range). I'd love for either of them to come out with something in the 2.2-2.3" range, because the only options in that realm are CX or heavy-duty gravel options.

[@matthewizen]

@@872463051 They’re releasing bigger tires in early summer! So stoked cuz I was feeling the same way.

[@joshuabrown9398]

@@872463051 managed to squeeze actual mtb tyres on my gravel bike

[@kharicoen7962]

instablaster...

[@erynpimentel915]

This is the first I’ve heard of 650b dying so it’s not dying to me 😂

[@shihb]

I’m a recent 650b convert and am 6 ft tall. I love the nimbleness, especially when climbing. I also poopooed the size for years, never having tried it. Maybe I’m just deep down missing the 26in mtbs I grew up on.

[@andrewnelson3143]

As a short dude, I totally agree. 650b has brought fun back to the industry. Maybe we make it the official Party Pace tire size, and put THAT in the rule book.

[@randorecumbent]

Yes! Thank you! 5'-7" tall here and I still run < *gasp* > 26 inch wheels because it fits me better. I've been curious about 650b mainly because of tire choices. Luckily Schwalbe and Continental still make fast rolling 26" tires.

[@stppearson825]

I too am a fan of 26” wheels and I feel they are under appreciated.

[@darrenb9751]

Bang on Russ - this is definitely one of the smartest and most insightful bike videos I have watched in a long time. You are the wise sage of everyday cycling!

[@OneLessCar]

Your conspiracy is bang on from my experience here in the UK with the bike industry, which I now work in. I find myself working hard to explain to the guys around me what those who don't care about being the fastest, and aren't 6 feet tall care about. And that commuters don't think like racers when it comes to tires etc.... I have my work cut out for me! 😂

[@3232groundhog]

Haha, good luck with that. You ARE doing the right thing however so keep at it. GL 👍

[@jamesalexander7540]

Stand Strong

[@wokex]

honestly before I tried them I thought 650b would be awfully sluggish, slow and ONLY suited to rough gravel or singletrack. After buying a gravel race bike coming with stock 650b wheels and commuting on them for 2 months I am genuinely surprised how fast they can be. I think 650b definitely could be sufficient for many people even riding on a lot of pavement and mixed surface. the comfort is crazy, the grip is nuts and the handling is great fun. (for reference I ran 57mm wide G-one allrounds, am pretty light and 182cm tall if that matters.)

[@jonathanwoo6597]

I'm 5'8" tall and ride a 52cm bike. A week ago I ordered a set of 650B wheels. I can hardly wait to try them out!

[@outbackwack368]

Same size here and am about to pick up a set of Hunt's to try!

[@tizben]

I'm 5'8” too and it feels just right

[@henrypretz]

Thanks for speaking up for our vertically challenged brethren! I ride a 50cm RLT9 steel and swapped out the 700c for 650b. I can't tell you what a great improvement it was for me. Changed the bike in a most positive way for me.

[@YerDad632]

I’m glad you’re bringing the wheel/tire combo scenario into the conversation. Consumers and reviewers tend to concentrate too much on wheel size numbers only. Like how 26” fat is the same height as 29x2.4ish. The wheel size convo is so dumb without factoring in the actual functional complete size.

[@TheGotoGeek]

Hard agree on the conspiracy against the vertically challenged.

[@jcsrst]

Lets include women in that too!

[@NirreFirre]

@@jcsrst yeah, and as my sons' now are about to go 26" I try to at least get the tall 9 year old a good XS 27,5"! 20->24->27.5 is cheaper and therefore probably better environmentally than 20->24->26->28/29

[@ClockworksOfGL]

Just wait until you try online dating.

[@bryanschwertner3585]

I’ve never ridden a bike 650b. I went from 26 to 29 on my MTBs. The difference in those is easily noticeable on rough terrain. My cousin went from 26 to 27.5 and said she immediately noticed a difference. What I’m saying is.....damnit, what was I saying? Ha ha. Enjoyed the video!

[@bddorling]

I like the option of having 650b and 700c. I can match the terrain without overly affecting the handling of the bike!

[@ronnisullivan9794]

I appreciate your awareness about bikes for shorter people. I’ve been feeling the bias for 30 years. You are 100 percent right about this.

[@gengen5607]

for those who don't know, 26x1 3/8 rim and tire size is very common in a city bikes like in Japan. those rim is 650 is not a MTB 26er rim but a city bike edit.. 26x1 3/8 = 650A 650B = 27.5 rim diameter but wider 700c = 29er rim diameter but wider

[@stephanemartin4733]

I ride 26" , 27.5" and 29". On the road I like the 29. But in the wood 27.5 all the way. And in winter 26".

[@84imreplica]

There must be some life left in the 650b tire/wheelmarket, as I just received my Yoeleo carbon 650B wheels for my Cannondale Lefty 3 and they are beautiful.

[@TwangoDoom]

You know, everything you said could also apply to 26", even more so for shorter riders.

[@TwangoDoom]

Don't really care about "keeping up". Partypace is life.

[@CornDawggy]

Agree John, would like a bike that fits over “keeping up” any day. I constantly hear bicycle marketing say a bike can keep up on club rides, I don’t go on club rides, I don’t know any one that goes on club rides. (TLDR: short, slow guy isn’t roadie, doesn’t hangout with roadies)

[@randorecumbent]

@Oldie Yrch Smaller wheels being significantly slower is a fallacy. There's such a small difference in rolling resistance due to diameter differences between 700, 650 and 26 inch(559) that unless you have optimized for all marginal gains elsewhere there's no reason to consider wheel diameter to mine watts. Even then, why? I've never had a problem keeping up on 26" wheels and they wouldn't be the first thing I would think of if I couldn't keep up. Fitness, yes. Wheel diameter, no.

[@TwangoDoom]

@Oldie Yrch no problem :)

[@themoodyteam]

@@TwangoDoom Top Comment! 👍

[@fastandcurious]

I am tall, yet love 650b and I am just building a 26" gravel bike of an old steel frame mountain bike. Two reasons: one, I love quick quick feedback of smaller feels because of size and weight. Two, old MTB steelies are the cheapest way to create your own fat tire gravel bike.

[@anthonyharris483]

Just built two 26er gravel bikes with steel True Temper TT-LITE tubing myself Diamondback Axis tr. Nice lively steel.

[@jp93309]

Long live 26”

[@spacerconrad]

The biggest tire I could fit on the back of my Montague Fit is 700x30, by design. However, I can rock 650b x 48 (maybe more, but the 48 fits great). Can't wait to get it out there (just did the swap last night)

[@russellharper448]

except for bottom bracket "standards" :)

[@shawnwakeman6324]

Too real.

[@brasstinmancrazy]

Yep... and back to threaded they go LOL

[@erickozokas]

Great rant and awesome comparison of actual sizes of wheel and tire combos. I am 6’1” and 200ish lbs. I came from mountain biking on 27.5s. I can’t wait to get a 650b set for my gravel bike. The smaller 700 tires take a beating on rougher trains.

[@jasontimmons1568]

I run WTB Byways on 650 wheels on my Open U.P. It’s my favorite setup on that bike. I’m fast enough on the road but I can hit the dirt roads anytime I see them.

[@InDaBurbs]

watch out for wet grass on those byways. Almost bit it yesterday on the same.

[@podrugiejstronie7006]

I love my 1991 Koga Miyata and the 700x35mm wheels. I am not a perfect consumer, I do not run after fashionable novelties and I feel good about it. Cycling is the goal. Take care!

[@ilhtfl2368]

I’m 6’3” and own 2, 650b, and 1, 26”. I never owned or rode a 29/700c

[@brendintosh6551]

As a 6’1” guy, I am looking forward to owning a 650b wheel set in addition to 700c! I like my 700c for urban commute and light gravel and want to have 650b for some supple off road riding. I think it’s two wheels for different purposes. Also, I think people of different sizes should have options.

[@michaelkoenig9555]

As a smaller rider, now in my seventies you r logic for 650b is spot on. Thanks, keep up your vision and good info.

[@TomasQuinones]

650b x 48mm is currently my favorite size to ride road and gravel. 42 is the smallest I would go for comfort and gravel capability. 55mm is a mount bike tire and works great on trail.

[@hordboy]

650B detractors are probably the same ones who were against disc brakes.

[@brendonoid6133]

650b exists at all in large part due to people who are against disc brakes...

[@swray2112]

@@brendonoid6133 I wouldn't call my self a 650b detractor, but I think Russ spends WAY too much time dwelling on it. I've been running disc, at least front disc as a couple of my bikes pre-date discs, for well over a decade. I'll never go back to rim brakes. I'm also a huge fan of aluminum bikes, even my touring bike is aluminum, and all the distractors like to point out that it you break an aluminum crossing Nepal or some other exotic place your more likely to find some to weld steel. I don't see the same people making the argument of 700c over 650b, when you'd be much more likely to find 700c replacements than 650. I just think the obsession Russ obviously has with 650b, is distracting to the whole non competitive movement that most who are here ascribe to. (also hate the term party pace)

[@TheBikeSauce]

'Pants Fancy' 😆 I'm dying over here. More ranty videos like this please!

[@magikmoonmark]

All hail the 26 incher 😉 stronger and wider. But all that said we are not worthy befor the 20 inch wheel and tyre 😜

[@bramblejazz5940]

Dear Russ, thanks for releasing this video. After I just bought a new 700c wheelset. Great content as always. Keep it supple.

[@faithinverity8523]

650B (and 650A and Schwinn S-6/7) were traditionally the size used for fendered road bikes. The smaller tire primary diameter allowed it to be wrapped with a fender that gave more toe clearance compared to fendered 700x tires. You can see this in the ‘fossil record’.

[@aisakup]

I think its interesting what 3T and Open are doing. Pretty much saying that if you want to go bigger than 700 x 40, go 27.5 x 2.1-2.4. I think this is future because of bike geometry constraints not just for smaller riders but also for mid sizes too. Gravel specific tech and bikes are still quite new, and for the most part we are seeing brands launch gravel tires that are largely just adding side knobs to road tires or making CX tires bigger, but slowly people are experimenting with 27.5" fast XC hard pack tires and realizing that the RR is as good or faster than the best gravel tires. And you get more contact patch. And deeper knobs.

[@javierandresfajardo6552]

Recently I bought a Fyxation Quiver X frame and fork, I was riding a Venzo Raptor and Mosso 420HQ with 700c 38 Schwalbe tires. When I rode for the first time immediately had the problem of toe overlapping. First thought was “why would you make a frame that it’s own manufacture recognize or normalice toe overlapping while trying to achieve a more responsive bike”. I agree with your theory. When the standard meets the exceptions, many arguments can be made. Moreover, the authority argument flaws, where and industry thrives has the potential to convince the new riders to go with standards that colapse while seeking a useful combination. Solving my problem. I realice that 650B has a 50 mm difference with the same tire combination. As said in the video, while MTB and road bikes stands at the ends, Gravel has “no rules” but a function: to make a road bike suitable to over-stand simple obstacles, and letting the rider enjoy a smooth ride without front or double suspension. Enjoyed every 8 minutes of the video, thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@jaminscheif]

I'm 6'4" and have 700c X 50mm tires and love the heck out of how they handle. I'm a fan of the bigger rider bigger wheel school of thougt. If I was a shorter rider, I would most likely be running g 650b. Just my thoughts.

[@kevinlinares9060]

I’m 5’6” and these past few weeks tried riding a 700x45c which I wanted to love but it made my bike ride horribly. I went back to my 650bX50c after learning my lesson.

[@davehoover8853]

First off, congrats on being so close to 100,000 subscribers! That takes a lot of work and effort. Secondly, thanks for your now “old” review on Hunt wheels. I just bought some 650b alloys and put studded snow tires on them for the rest of the winter. Great traction and will be just as good this spring for mud and rough gravel here in the Tetons. Love the volume!

[@adambarlev8992]

I live in the PNW, having 47mm wide tires and full fenders is my killer app.

[@WordupG]

Yep

[@scottcullen4750]

I don’t know why there is any controversy. It’s basically about geometry. Use 700c wheels below 42mm width, 650b wheels above 42mm.

[@n8m837]

650b is dying. All hail the mighty 27.5"!

[@kevinlinares9060]

This is exactly what I was going to say. Why limit ourselves to 650b50 or less when a 27.5 xc 2.1-2.3 are great especially as more bikes can accommodate wider tires.

[@robertcoates2752]

@@kevinlinares9060 The problem with that is 27.5 XC tires are more likely to die then gravel 650b. No one runs 27.5 in XC anymore. Really the only thing that is being built with 27.5 in mtbs anymore is enduro/dh/bike park and plus bikes.

[@WildlandExplorer]

@@robertcoates2752 I run them. Vittoria and Maxxis both have a vibrant array of non-plus XC choices in 27.5 from 2.1" to 2.4". For example, I run a 2.1" Mezcal rear and a 2.35" Peyote front on an AWOL from 2016 - made right at the beginning of wide tire drop-bar bikes. Those are both tires designed for XC racing. They are nowhere near chunky enough for DH or Enduro. Where I buy from, those constantly sell out and then re-up stock. Some of them have reviews from people saying "great on my gravel bike". That doesn't sound like a dying standard to me. Maybe they die off in a few years, but that's just cycling life... Standards come and go. That is partially why I go with gravel/mtb bikes that accommodate both 29" or a 27.5". I figure I'll still be able to find a 29er 2.1 or 2.2 for years to come.

[@robertcoates2752]

@@WildlandExplorer That is the thing. I think 27.5 XC tires will you can find them now are going to get harder to find because they made 27.5 XC bikes for what like 5 years. Whereas 26in was the main thing for 30ish years and still Dirt jumpers and kids bikes use fast rolling 26in tires so those are going to stick around same with 29 XC.

[@robertcoates2752]

@@DilbertMuc The Lux and Exceed are 29 only i am pretty sure. I am not saying 27.5 is dying. I am saying 27.5 XC is dead and I'd beat it is going to make it hard to find super fast XC tires in 27.5in.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Well, I'm 6' tall, 32" waist, 33" inseam, 160 lbs, and I rode a LHT with 26 inch wheels across the U.S. twice, with flat pedals. The smaller wheels with 2" Schwalbe Mondial tires would accelerate from traffic lights quicker, was more maneuverable at slow speed in traffic, easier to handle on dirt roads, and had lower gears with smaller wheels. Two trips, two ghost wire flats. Looking for a Surly Midnight Special now with 58cm frame.

[@mattmason7498]

I think Jan said it right, “who cares”. I say that with no feelings or anger toward 650b. It seems like there’s plenty of 650b options. Ride em. They’ll be around for a while. Ignoring the bike industry is generally the best play. I ride primarily rigid singlespeed mountain bikes with old xc geo. Very few companies make those. Who cares. Like you, I’ve got a garage full of the stuff I like regardless of what the bike industry says.

[@Alex-ce2xc]

Definitely on point. I'd like to see more emphasis on 650bx42 for smaller people "all-road" bikes. I've spent a lot of time on 47s for gravel, which is fine, but on pavement the gravelking 42s, or the Babyshoe Pass tires are spectacular and feel pretty close to "road bike" speeds.

[@hardmtnbiker]

If I bought a new wheel set for my gravel bike or replaced my gravel bike, I’d choose 650b and run 47mm or larger tires. Currently running 700x38c and agree a huge 700x48c wouldn’t feel right.

[@aaronbehindbars]

I am slowly coming around to 650b. I picked up a Specialized Diverge last year and of course that comes with a pretty normal 700c (38 width) tire which works well for mostly street and some gravel paths I encounter riding around my city. Set up tubeless it is very supple run at lower pressures combined with the future-shock thingy in the stem and the general chatter absorbing qualities of a carbon frame. Shortly after acquiring my Diverge, I decided to play around with a very cheap gravel bike build. It was a low-end aluminum frame with a steel fork rolling on 650 x 47 tubeless tires. My God it was fun and surprisingly capable on actual off-road trails! On the gravel tracks I normally take my Diverge, the 650 bike was lots more stable when I got into loose or rutted sections and just made for a much more relaxed experience. You just ride and not have to concentrate quite as much on your line. I think part of my original purchase decision for the Diverge was that I 1.) liked Specialized, but 2.) still felt obligated to have a bike that still resembled a more traditional road bike by having a 2x drivetrain and 700c wheels. As much as I love the Diverge and don't really have any plans to sell it to get something else, I do believe that I probably bought too much bike and would have been better served by some sort of 1x 650b steel or alum frame bike. At least I am not locked into wheel sizes with my Diverge since it can easily be set-up with up to 650 x 52.

[@KBraggaducci]

Bang on. My wife and I (neither of us tall) both touring on 650b bikes for the last year and loving them. Main thing for me is the ride just feels very agile.

[@ronskayakingandfishing414]

I think you're right. I have bikes with both tires. I'm 6'0", and have a nice Trek Emonda with 700 tires I love. But I also bought a randonneuring bike with 650b's and I like that one too. Maybe not quite as fast, but that's the bike I pull out when I'm doing 100+ milers and looking for a little more comfort which the wider/softer tires and the supple steel frame provide.

[@thomasmarlow1254]

I just bought my first gravel bike a Kona Rove with 650b x 47 tires, I came from road bike 700c x 25 and I love the 650b it’s smoother and absorbs more of the cracks, bumps, train track crossings, and I can go on the paths that aren’t paved, I still love my roadie, they both have advantages but my 650b is my new go to/commuter

[@Threestrand1]

I stayed away from 650b for a long time just because of the availability of tires and tubes. I built a bike around a 26" wheel this summer thinking it would be easy to find parts. Thanks probably to Covid. that proved challenging. All I could find was 650b in most the online shops.

[@Patrick-fs8pb]

I was hesitant to go 650b on my gravel bike but once I did, WOW! It has so many advantages and I'm totally onboard with it now and won't go back. I'm 5'10" for what it matters.

[@swz1986]

I am 5 3 and I have canyon grail al 7 2xs and I love the fact that I have 650B wheels !

[@BP-id4cq]

Outstanding explanation about 650b Russ. I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on some 650b Hunt wheels.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

I’m average hight (5’9”) my gravel bike is steel 54cm running 650b with Maxis “Receptor” tires that are 47mm. The bike handles very well and rides smooth.

[@teguh.hofstee]

I'm 6'1" and when I was looking around for gravel bikes one of my required specs was 650b on the size I would get (none of that 650b on XS/S and 700c on everything else) just because everyone made it sound like a whole lot more fun.

[@unsungwindham]

Thanks Russ! I'll forever stick with 650b. I ride 29" on my Mountain bike but really want to go to 27.5" on my next bike.

[@JustClaude13]

Modern Bike offers 27.5" (650B) Schwalbe tires down to 28mm. Personally I run their Road Cruiser tire in 27.5x1.4 (37-584) and I've become quite addicted to the 650B. Among other advantages, in an emergency I can pick up a 26x1-3/8 tube at Walmart to get home on.

[@billpetersenjr.5781]

Yest this comment is late but I've been busy. That being said, I'm finding it easier to source 650b tires than 26inch tires. I've got three bikes that use 700, 29, 650b and 26. So when I find a sale, I buy an extra set of rubber for each wheel setup. But I really like the 650b for mtb and gravel riding and prefer that size to 29ers for mtbing. My Outback is setup to run both 650b and 700c and it loves both!

[@prof_writer]

I perceive 650B as 29er mountain bike wheels with gravel tires installed. That would make sense and I enjoy watching the mountain bike to gravel bike conversion videos. it is part of the debate on gravel bike as mountain bike origin or road bike origin. I'm seeing some bikes spec'ing the Maxxis rambler 50 tire on 700 rims. Bigger and fatter seems to be the trend.

[@cuttingedgevintage]

I used to ride road bikes and have done so for the last 15-20 years. With back injuries I couldn't take being hunched over so I switched to a mountain bike to commute for upright position and cushion of big tires. I am 5ft 7/8 inches tall. Sunk a good amount of cash on a decent mountain bike with, you guessed it, 29er wheels. Since I'm new to mountain bikes I researched the hell out of the current trends and everything online/all forum bros point to 29er wheels because everything else is dead or not future proof. Im almost a year in and I like the speed of the 29er wheel but Im not sold that it's the right fit for shorter riders like myself. I think proper fit should trickle down to all parts of your bike (stem, bars, saddle, seat post, crank arms, frame and wheels) so that everything is in proportion. I agree with your points and glad you shed some light on this topic.

[@3of11]

Just checked, yup my new bike still has its 650B.

[@davejohn5876]

I just purchased a brand-new Jamis Renegade. The bike is brand-new but it's actually 2018 model that was sitting still boxed up in some warehouse in New Jersey. I'm only 5"2" and have a hell of a hard time finding a bike frame that is 48 to 50 cm depending on the brand, that has 165 mm crank arms and above all 650B wheels. When I was told that this bike may still be in stock by a dealer I purchase it sight unseen. Really glad I did! One thing I have noticed is that when you go back a couple years bike brands seemed to be offering more appropriate component sizes based on the bike frame size. I noted that even in the Jamis Renegade's that that trend is disappearing. Very disappointing. It's getting harder for a shorter rider to get a good fit on a bike without having to spend tons more cash.

[@donnyo65]

I run 700 x 50 c on my tourer (Surly Ogre) and 700 x 35c on my gravel bike (Ribble CGR 725). I like the way they both roll and have had no issues with wheel strength on either (I'm 6' and 220lbs) despite riding both on rough trails regularly - including fully loaded on the Ogre. Back in the day I used to use only 26" on my full sus MTB so have never tried 650B. I am however hoping to try a Rohlhoff hub set up this summer and was thinking of going down to 650B x 50 - 65 for this when I get my wheels built. Mainly for the strength of the wheel but also to give me a slightly lower gear set without having to experiment with all sorts of different ratios. I think each size has it merits and it's disadvantages and I think, being slightly taller, I am lucky that I can use all the sizes available where needed. Don't get blinkered people!

[@MrParacristo]

It is SOOOOOO TRUE!!! I have a difficult time at my bike shop trying to find a good bike for customers of shorter stature. Frequently I have to turn away sales to shorter people. I have a really good friend in Dallas that was forced to buy a Pinarello road bike because if she wanted a super small carbon fiber road bike, Pinarello is the only company that offered one in her size with a 650 wheel. Finding bikes that are for riders of less than the 54-56 is pretty hard. I am a 56 myself and enjoy the options everywhere for me, but as a cyclist I empathize with our shorter riders. Keep up the fight Russ! We need you in cycling!!! On a more obscure note... I ride Penny Farthings. (I adore them actually) They are not intended for shorter riders at all. The front wheel size is based off of your inseam times 2 minus the crank length, seat and frame. My inseam is 34" X 2 = 68 - 6 "(crank length) = 62" - type of seat and allowances for the frame = 56" front wheel. Your gearing on a Penny Farthing is based off of how tall your wheel is... smaller wheel = slower bike. A bike that might fit you would be a 48" (this is with my best guess of your inseam being 30" or less). I have a 48" right now (bad BAD frame design) and when I pedal with my wife (her on a fixed gear, me on my Penny Farthing) I never stop pedaling as fast as I can, she pedals rarely and brakes a lot so that we can ride together.... Even from the dawn of cycling shorter riders are at a disadvantage... I hope 650b survives!!!

[@richardbently7236]

I love riding 650bx38 panaracer slicks/Schwalbe G-Ones on a medium frame. Gives me a strong, light, nimble bike for urban/traffic/pothole riding and lite dry trails.

[@jutwa05]

I recently traded off my 700c Surly Disc Trucker for a 650b Breezer Doppler and I’m 6ft tall. Love the way it rides, got all that supple under me now.

[@anthonyharris483]

Just built two 26er gravel bikes with steel True Temper TT-LITE tubing from my old Diamondback Axis tr. Nice lively steel. 26ers still are nice riding bikes if built right

[@mackturtle82]

I built a new gravel bike recently and had the choice of 43mm 700c or 47mm 650b. I went with the b-size and was pleasantly surprised at how well it rides.

[@santacruzbikevids]

Dead or not...I'm currently working with my local bike shop to test out a pair to switch over from 700's on my Ibis Hakka MX. So, I'm ready for the 650b transition! Thanks for the commentary.

[@davidstanley9726]

Just sold my Mercury G3 650b wheelset with Teravail Cannonball 47 mm tires. They were great on gravel and single track, but were too laggy on hard pack and pavement. I found I continually chose to run my 700 X 40 set up and seldom felt the need for the extra volume. Totally understand that the more plush rides fits some people better. But for me, I have three sets of 700c wheels to choose from. I run 35 GK SS for my road rides and hardpack. 40 Kenda Booster Pro for mixed and general gravel riding, and 45 Chinturato M for the rougher stuff. Working great for me.

[@matthewlittler8387]

I’m 6’4” and have 650b on my bike.

[@JonPrevost]

I tried the stock 650b on my Cannondale Synapse NEO ebike but after multiple pedal strikes around corners I just gave up. I don't mind the taller ride height of my now 700c 35mm tubeless setup. Steering feels more responsive. Only time I would go back to the 650b with it's big volume is if I'm riding only gravel. Oh, and I'm also 6'4" and 200lb. I think the total ride weight just wasn't going to work with the 47mm 650b tires. If I were much lighter, it could work, I have a 3" tubeless on my MTB that feels great but that's because I have a front suspension and can keep the pressures a little higher on the front because of it. Solid fork, there just wasn't a good pressure for the 47mm tires to feel safe AND have the advantage of more suspension. Oh well. I do think the 650b is PERFECT for smaller riders.

[@ME-hm7zm]

I am 5'4" and would like to try one.

[@LonnieWormley]

Let me start off by saying I love your channel. I am 6' when inches tall, My Legs are long and my arms are short. This is why I have a custom road bike. I have a mountain bike that I hated until I put Jones bars on them because it was made for a tall build with long arms compared to mine. I think your theory about tall people reviewing bicycles is Spot on. I did not like my mountain bike until I started modifying to fit me with the Jones bar. However channel I love the information on your channel and I willBe riding my modified mountain bike to gravel bike a lot more and 2021.

[@chrisblacklock9468]

I want to see a 32 inch wheel standard - bring on the tractor tires!

[@jamesalexander7540]

Yes, yes you do.

[@robsp7626]

I'm 6'4" and I love my 650b midnight special but I also love my 26in bridgestone mb1

[@jacksonlea6078]

6'4" also love my 650b ride

[@genghizchen]

I'm 5'7" and definitely LOVE my 26" Bridgestone MB-1 :)

[@ME-hm7zm]

A lot of giants on this video. I stand at a lofty 5'4"...on a good day.

[@Korina42]

@@ME-hm7zm the trick is to bend over and touch your toes to stretch your spine. Ask me how I know. 😀

[@H457ur]

I've been running 650b road tires for around 12 years, starting with the Gran Bois 650x42mm tires that Bicycle Quarterly used to resell before they started selling Compass-branded tires. I'm a huge fan. On my Specialized Sequoia, I find that I get speed wobbles at around 30mph with 48mm ultralight tires, but not with the 'endurance' casing. Having said that, I actually prefer the feel of the 42mm ultralights.

[@csobering3108]

When I saw this video, my first reaction was what the heck are you talking about? But then I don't have my finger on the pulse of the industry. FWIW I'm 6'1" and riding 650b on my gravel bike with some supple 42mm supple slicks and I love it.

[@robertcoates2752]

My next gravel/all road build is going to run 26x2.3s and 650bx42. As long as Rene Herse and Panaracer continue offering them I am happy.

[@mattflanagan7519]

What 26" rims are you using? It seems there is extremely limited choice.

[@robertcoates2752]

@@mattflanagan7519 I plan on using XC Mtb rims. There are Stan's Crest, various Chinese carbon, Velocity, Sun Ringle, Alex.

[@randorecumbent]

@@mattflanagan7519 Spank makes some good sturdy rims too.

[@mattflanagan7519]

@@robertcoates2752 Thanks, I'd forgotten about the Stans Crest. I'm looking for a light rim brake option with 2.3 tyres. The Alex EN24 or XT19 seem to be the closest to what I'm after. The Velocity A23 and Dyad 26 are both options too. Sun Ringle only make fat bike rims in a 26 from what I found. Non recyclable carbon is not my thing.

[@robertcoates2752]

@@mattflanagan7519 oh rim brake makes it a lot harder. I am going to be using disc. So you most of those options are not going to work for rims

[@SeLlamaLlama]

Try finding wheels and tires for 24" Wish there were more options for 24" IMO

[@deKampeerwijzer]

My husband is 6'4" and he rides 650b with QR boost 141 and 2.8" wide. 650b and 27.5 have the same diameter, I can fit them both on my bike frame.

[@robinheil]

The industry bias towards taller riders is a very real thing. And while it has nothing to do with performance, I always thought smaller bikes with huge wheels just looked weird. Thankfully, some brands are starting to offer different wheel sizes depending on frame size.

[@andrewhamilton3486]

Love my 650b. Also try finding a small bike to test ride. Difficult. Mostly have had to order unseen. This is one of the reasons I watch this channel. My size on review. Thanks russ🙏. Hope all is well for you and Laura

[@justincortado6926]

this is why I appreciate you Russ, You tell it how it is. I agree with your opinion. I don't even have to leave my opinion cause you took the words right out of my mouth.

[@yousufkazmi7842]

650b/27.5 is the wheel size I recommend for the shorter family members, with step over height, rough bike fit and a reliable mech key, whereas they look longingly at the Aesthetic of BSOs. 700c suits me at 6'2"/ 188cm (34/34 :) ) and that's on a nominal 54cm frame (current #1 bike claims a 51cm but measures like a 54 where I need it to)

[@tjrioux3059]

Russ. You did it again. Upping our understanding! Thanks.

[@InDaBurbs]

yes, phat is where it's at. More cushion for the pushin'. I've put 650 x 47 on my all city Cosmic Stallion. I love the smoove ride. I ride a lot of crappy roads and now I don't freak out when I come up on a pothole or bump. It just gives a much more relaxed ride. I went with some lightweight carbon rims and can get up to a pretty good speed but will never be setting PR's or KOMs. I've got another bike for that. 650's all about enjoying the ride no matter where you go and I highly recommend! And I guess I can also dust off my ol' 26 inch MTB now so thanks for that.

[@Thinkrock]

As a person who rides 49-50cm bikes, I can’t wait to one day order a custom that uses 26x1.8in Rene Herse tires. I can imagine it’ll fit better than any bike I own.

[@kevinlinares9060]

One thing I do need to point out is your height Russ as you keep mentioning that you are short and hence 650b on small bikes works, which I agree. However at 5’8-9” you are of average US height where I at 5’6” am about 1sd away from the mean. This tells me that maybe 650b is not just for “short” people but perhaps maybe less comfortable in all road bike geometry entering the 56/58cm range? I have found that 2.1 to be the sweet spot for my bike geometry and the paths a traverse, which I avoid tarmac when possible.

[@billstone9974]

I just bought a 650b Space Horse to replace the 700c hybrid I've been riding for 5 years and am loving it.

[@MrRedPony01]

MTB rider here. I ride M bikes and I’m 5’11” for reference. I prefer 29x2.4-2.6 or 27.5x2.8-3.0. I like the attack angle/rollover. But it doesn’t translate to gravel/all-road. I don’t go over 35 on 700s. My preferred for gravel is either 700x33, 650x48, or 26x2.1. 700 for speed, 26 for comfort/nostalgia, and 650 lies right in the middle. I currently don’t have a 650 bike anymore though because I always found myself picking either ends of the spectrum. I didn’t like the middle ground as much.

[@adrianbell4597]

Avoid front end geometry compromises on small frames, maximize wheel strength with shorter spokes while also saving weight and maintain large volume tyres for comfort. Let's try 26" wheels, it may just work.

[@radbikeadventure]

omg omg YES! People were always trying to steer me away from 650b since the 29er is the holy grail of rollover, but I would try to point out my smaller size to no avail. About to do a wheel build for my Sutra and was thinking of going 650b. This may have just convinced me! The one thing I have noticed as a positive to the BIG wheels is the ability to climb. I can definitely get up steep grades easier w the 29 tires. But in saying that the 2.2 tires I have on now feel MASSIVE compared to the 700x40s. Still fun to ride but I get what you're saying of it changing the feel of the bike. Always love hearing your perspective Russ, thank you!

[@ichewtoast111]

27 1/2 is awesome for mountain biking. I wish they made more mullets stock though.

[@astro61362]

I really like having the 650b's only Space Horse. I do think it helps eliminate toe overlap.

[@dlevi67]

Many valid points - one exception I would make is to the 'more diameter, more better' rolling over obstacle rant. It is true that on any one single obstacle the most sensible reaction is that of avoiding rather than rolling over like a blind bull on a skateboard; but most often there is no 'one single obstacle'. If there are roots, ruts or rocks there are generally more than one, and avoiding may not be possible at all. All this said, I'm still flipping undecided as to whether to go 700c or 650b as the first pair of wheels on the new bike ("gravel", probably 70% on tarmac, 30% easy off-road).

[@debbieschwartz3132]

What you saying makes sense to me. Thanks for educating me on 650b tires and wheels. I ride the first WSD by Trek. They assumed that women should be riding 650c wheels back then 2002. Lol 😆. I still love the bike and the fit with a shorter top tube. I found 650x28 and they actually fit making the ride for comfortable and cushy. Love the channel and waiting for my Supple t-shirt to come in👏

[@davidnicholson6680]

All reasonable arguments. Still, just like those reviewers who don't see the benefit of 650b, your arguments against larger tires on 700c may not be valid for all riders. My gravel bike is specifically designed for 50mm 700c tires, negating the poor handling argument. I ride a 56 so there's no compromise in fitting bigger wheels. Rollover makes a difference for me on chunkier gravel, you can't just steer around thousands of rocks. The weight penalty is negligible to me. Etc. My point is they're both completely valid choices for different people.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

There is no perfect product. 700c works great for lots of people. My point is there is an implicit bias against the needs of shorter riders and that is the reason 650b gets panned in bike media, which will ultimately lead to its demise.

[@zepolekul]

I’m diggin the new studio.

[@kaseycarpenter73]

I have both 700c and 650b wheelsets for my allroad, and I can say that the 650b is the way more fun option, and isn't any slower for me (not a racer anymore) than my 700c set.

[@kaseycarpenter73]

...and when I ride loaded for bikepacking/ultra rides, those fatter tires REALLY show themselves off over a 700c