[CR]Re: 650B's or 700c's-A Summary

(Example: Framebuilding)

From: "cmontgomery" <cmontgomery15@cox.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 02:18:49 -0700
Subject: [CR]Re: 650B's or 700c's-A Summary

I originally asked:

"I have a British Path/Road originally designed for 26 1/4 (597's). Given this size is no longer an option, what would be a better replacement, 650B's(584) or 700c's(622)?"

I want to thank everyone who responded. Your opinions/information were quite helpful. Whether I follow thru is another matter. I should have phrased the question differently: Given 597's are not an option, what other options do I have besides 622's? I am running 700x28's now, but I wanted to a) run a cushier tire (at least a 32) and b) run mudguards. A 700x32 doesn't leave room for error between the chainstays-just too tight. It's also almost too tight under the brake bridge for mudguards with 700x28's, and as anyone knows a British bike without mudguards (or at least the option) is like Playboy without naked ladies (no flaming, I'm on a roll).

So in general, this is what I got: Three of you said there are still a few 597 rims around and you pointed out a couple of stashes of tires still available. I wouldn't mind going this way except EBay 597 rims are rare and pricey. If they were readily available I might have gone in this direction, though I have no inclination to "restore" per se. I ride the frames 'cause I like them, and adapt them to what I need or prefer. I had completely forgotten about 590's (26x1 3/8's). Three of you suggested these. It looks like quality rims are available at $35 each and tires go from $32 to $42. You can get Continentals or Schwalbes. Not racy, but not bad. And as Sheldon noted, the "590 is fundamentally a British size." Nobody was thrilled with 650B's. Parts are just becoming available but are expensive. Then there's the question of brake reach. Three of you mentioned that tire availability for 700c is the greatest, as long as you keep it skinny. Good point, and something like the Ruffy-Tuffy might offer an increased cush, but then I'd still be without the mudguard option which was a concern from the beginning. A major variable in this equation is brake reach. The bike is equipped with Universal 61's. I'm taking them with me when I die. Set up with 700c's the front calipers have 8-10 mm of downward movement. They're not quite maxed at the top. The rears (at the very top of adjustment) have about 10-12 mm to head down. 597's would most like fit. Well Sheldon? Will 590's fit in that range? What to do, what to do: Even though it's a Path/Road model, I'm not looking to make it a racy image. Remember, these were do everything bikes. A reasonably sporty day tourer (including overnighters) is my goal. It now can handle a double fixed hub, an ASC, and an FM depending on its mood. If someone were to offer me a pair of 597 wheels (double fix) or rims for a good price I'd be on'em like flies on a roadkill. Otherwise it appears too complicated and expensive to deal with them. I'm leaning towards the 590's (rims and tires available/somewhat affordable) over the 584's. Even though 584's appear to have a greater variety of tires, the brake reach problem looms overhead also. Dry rides with 700c's are the reality at the moment. A yuppie I am not, so this solution is going to be long in coming.

Again, I thank you guys. You're alright.

Craig Montgomery in Tucson. 75 degrees tomorrow, so it's me and the ASC.