RE: [CR]Convert Raleigh International to 650B?

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 22:19:38 -0600
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Mark Stonich" <mark@bikesmithdesign.com>
Subject: RE: [CR]Convert Raleigh International to 650B?
In-Reply-To: <371A516D.1FA00353.00211578@netscape.net>
cc: Doland.Cheung@sce.com

Doland.Cheung@sce.com wrote: >Will the geometry of my Raleigh International cause problems if I convert >it to 650B? Would BB height be the only concern?

At 2/1/2005 07:05 PM -0500, raleypc@netscape.net wrote:
>2. Reduced Trail - Although I love my Inters, they are a bit
>twitchy. Shorter wheels will reduce trail and perhaps degrade the
>stability a bit.

I wouldn't worry about that. The wider contact patch of a fat 650B tire will generate more self-aligning torque. Some French randonneur bikes had as little as 30mm of trail.
>I say go for it!

Amen!

Please let us know how it works out. The RivReader article has me thinking about putting 26" x 1 3/8"s on my Raleigh Super Course Mk II. Since most of my non-recumbents (and one of my 'bents) are British 3 speeds this size makes more sense for me than 650B.

Mark Stonich;
Minneapolis Minnesota
http://mnhpva.org
http://bikesmithdesign.com