The 650b wheel size isn’t a new one. It’s been around for more than 70 years! 650b is a wee bit bigger than 26″ and just a tad smaller than 29″. Tire sizes and frame selections have always been limited because of 650b’s touring bike heritage. But thanks to Panaracer and Kirk Pacenti, a high volume mtb 650b tire is now available. With that fat tire a few  companies have followed suit with frames and rims. Being a sucker for trying new things and at the same time fitting a new bike into my budget an epiphany hit me. To make a long story short I knew my 1×1 frame was capable of holding the more ample wheel size and tire. So I laced some Chris King single speed hubs to some 650B Velocity Blunt  rims. Just like the 29er Blunt the 650b Blunt rims practically built themselves! I’m expecting the same bombproof durabuility after the promising build.

My first trail ride with my new wheels and tires was an impressive one. The wheels had that same big wheeled 29er rolling sensation. You know, the one that makes you grin ear to ear and say “whoa!” Now I’ve never really noticed the supposed handling drawbacks of 29ers; but there was no discernable difference in handling from when I was rolling 26″ wheels on my 1×1 compared with the 650b’s.  These wheels breathed new life into my trusty old bike.

If you want to see if your old 26″ steed will except 650b’s give me a bit of advance notice at the shop and we can see if they fit with my wheels. Then see if we can build you a set of your own from there!