First Impression: Ritchey P-650b

[Tumbleweed]

Tom Ritchey built his first 27.5-inch wheeled off-road frameset in 1977 (which he called a 650b) as a personal bike. It never caught on at that time but now, 36 years later, the industry and many riders have begun to create demand for the in-between wheel size. Though most brands are looking towards longer travel, a few companies with roots in cross-country racing are utilizing the wheel size for that application as well.

http://www.dirtragmag.com/webrag/first-impression-ritchey-p-650b

[Vetseun]

Tom Ritchey built his first 27.5-inch wheeled off-road frameset in 1977 (which he called a 650b) as a personal bike. It never caught on at that time but now, 36 years later, the industry and many riders have begun to create demand for the in-between wheel size. Though most brands are looking towards longer travel, a few companies with roots in cross-country racing are utilizing the wheel size for that application as well.

http://www.dirtragmag.com/webrag/first-impression-ritchey-p-650b

Very cool bike!

[Guest Latent Blue]

Looks seriously cool!

[Azonic]

I have loved that brand and that sprayjob since I first saw it on a P-21 sometime around 1996.

[mtbee]

If my observations were correct Tom rode a 650b at the Epic this year.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I don't like the paintwork at all.

Looks like it was painted to match some hippy in Knysna's tie-dyed clothing.

Maybe in matte black with that wheelset it would look more appealing.

Just my opinion,althoug it is interesting to see that the 650B thing is not the latest craze butactuallyolder than the 29er platform.