650B / 27.5 buyers beware

[fabs]

That is correct.  My mind was definitely mixed up when I typed that.  The longer axle to crown distance will definitely raise the BB and change the head angle, something the frame might not be designed for.

fixed ...... head angle stays the same, unless you have different sized wheels/tyres front to rear

[Brian Fantana]

fixed ...... head angle stays the same, unless you have different sized wheels/tyres front to rear

 

The longer axle to crown distance will definitely change the head angle even if your front and rear tyres are exactly the same size.

 

Edit: Just note that the axle to crown distance I am referring to is when you change the fork to a 650b fork and the axle to crown distance of the new fork is longer that the original 26" fork that was on the bike.

[Stoffies1]

Buy a 29er problem solved!!!

[fabs]

The longer axle to crown distance will definitely change the head angle even if your front and rear tyres are exactly the same size.

 

Edit: Just note that the axle to crown distance I am referring to is when you change the fork to a 650b fork and the axle to crown distance of the new fork is longer that the original 26" fork that was on the bike.

OK, with your explanation.

I'm under the impression they just changing tyres/wheels and not fork

[Hairy]

Buy a 29er problem solved!!!

[Wannabe]

Wanted to do the 26" to 27.5" conversion a while ago.

Took my bike to my LBS and we fitted a set of 27.5" wheels to my bike. They fitted perfectly, no clearance problems at all (2.10 tyres) Fork is a Fox Terralogic, frame Giant Xtc Alu xx.

 

Then I placed the 27.5" wheels next to my 26" wheels, and could not see a clear difference in circumference (had 2.25 tyres front and back)

We measured the wheels then, and there were only a few millimeters difference between the two.

 

That made me decide to rather save the money I would have spent on a conversion that did not have clear advantages.

[Eugene]

Seeing that we are on the topic of 26" being modified to 650B...(due to the insanely difficult mission to find higher end 26" tires) I have the stupid idea to convert my hardtail to 650B. So far it looks like all will fit with enough clearance. How can I verify if my planned conversion will work?

I searched the web to find the exact dimensions of a 650b wheel with a 2.1 tyre. Then compared it to the 26 inch that I had and then checked if there was enough space.

 

To be 100% certain, I went to a bike shop who fitted a set to my bike. I was surprised as to how much space there really was.

 

I have a Scott Montana frame from 2005 that I used.

[Hairy]

Wanted to do the 26" to 27.5" conversion a while ago.

Took my bike to my LBS and we fitted a set of 27.5" wheels to my bike. They fitted perfectly, no clearance problems at all (2.10 tyres) Fork is a Fox Terralogic, frame Giant Xtc Alu xx.

 

Then I placed the 27.5" wheels next to my 26" wheels, and could not see a clear difference in circumference (had 2.25 tyres front and back)

We measured the wheels then, and there were only a few millimeters difference between the two.

 

That made me decide to rather save the money I would have spent on a conversion that did not have clear advantages.

If it was a 650B specific frame though then I would say yes, as you can get nice fat tyres in there too ... but if you are just about at the same point that you were when you started at 26'er on the wheelset conversion, then don't waste your time and money.

[CdT85]

I searched the web to find the exact dimensions of a 650b wheel with a 2.1 tyre. Then compared it to the 26 inch that I had and then checked if there was enough space.

 

To be 100% certain, I went to a bike shop who fitted a set to my bike. I was surprised as to how much space there really was.

 

I have a Scott Montana frame from 2005 that I used.

 

I am planning to modify my old 2006 Mongoose Thunderball. the rear drop outs has built in chain tensioners, giving me about 30-40 mm to mount a bigger wheel rear. My only worry is my fork. Currently have a Maxxis minion 26 x 2.5 in front, and have just 20mm clearence between top of my tire and the fork's bridge. trying to find someone to let me do a fitment so I can verify clearances. Plan to buy a set of dartmoor enduros from dialed bikes with novatek hubs if everything fits 

[CdT85]

If it was a 650B specific frame though then I would say yes, as you can get nice fat tyres in there too ... but if you are just about at the same point that you were when you started at 26'er on the wheelset conversion, then don't waste your time and money.

 Main reason I think people, like myself, is contemlating the convertion is only due to the fact that we love our rides, but struggle to find 26" tyres. More than happy with my 26" FS and HT, just cant find tyres. Last batch I bought from CRC got stuck at the post office. took me three weeks to locate them and have them delivered to me

[Hairy]

 Main reason I think people, like myself, is contemlating the convertion is only due to the fact that we love our rides, but struggle to find 26" tyres. More than happy with my 26" FS and HT, just cant find tyres. Last batch I bought from CRC got stuck at the post office. took me three weeks to locate them and have them delivered to me

Tell me about it ... I also ride 2 x 26'er!