Ram 650b with Hetre conversion update 2--test ride, thumbs up!

[Toshi Takeuchi]

Hi all,

Greg, thanks for your offer on getting a little more reach, and Franklyn, I took your advice and used V-brake pads, which are skinnier (but longer), and that was enough to get the Tektro 559 to work! What a great group with great advice!  The only minor drawback is that there may not be as much clearance when the brakes are opened, so I may have to deflate the tires to make it through the calipers...

OK, so the test ride, wow is all I have to say!

Within 10 feet of riding the Ram with Hetres, I knew I had a keeper. The bike feels so stable. It inspires tremendous confidence. The Tektro brake pads, though, lousy. I swapped back to the kool-stop salmon I used previously--much better!

I had no issues with the BB height. I did a curvy descent (Shepherd Canyon for the locals). The bike was so stable and the traction felt so good, that I was extremely confident in my descent. The bike felt fast, and the tires were so stable. I'll take some pics tomorrow to show the tire clearance and my current setup (although I plan to add a front rack and fenders soon.)

My feeling is that the conversion is a huge success. I would highly recommend it for others who may be wondering.

Toshi (in Oakland, CA)

[Bruce Herbitter]

My small frame Ram rides on 559 wheels, and there is not enough clearance to use a 584. It will accept a 37mm tire though, and that is what is on the bike. It rides really nicely. I've got 2 other bikes which have been switched from 622 to 584 and agree with you on the great ride with big tires.

Glad you like your bike!

[Toshi Takeuchi]

Here are pics of the conversion.  Sorry, because of the lighting,  I couldn't get a good angle on the whole bike.

Toshi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42771204@N00/sets/72157631926815235/

[Marc Schwartz]

Looks like it works perfectly, without fenders or with.
Cush for the tush!


________________________________________
From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Toshi Takeuchi [tto...@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2012 10:29 AM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [RBW] Ram 650b with Hetre conversion update 2--test ride, thumbs up!

Here are pics of the conversion. Sorry, because of the lighting, I couldn't get a good angle on the whole bike.

Toshi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42771204@N00/sets/72157631926815235/

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[qwerty]

[Jim]

Bike looks great. Could you describe what the front light mount is and where you got it?  Thanks.                Jim D. Massachusetts

[Toshi Takeuchi]

Hi Jim,

The light is a B&M IQ Cyo.  I'm using the stock mount that came with the light and mounting it through the brake bolt. I got it from peterwhitecyles.com.

Best,
Toshi

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[Leslie]

Toshi,

You're makin' me think.    This isn't good, as it's gonna end up making me spend money.

lol...


-L

[Joe Bernard]

Huh, I didn't think you could do that to a Ram. I just got one, and happen to have a nice 650b wheelset, Silver brakes, and some Longboards on hand. Hmm...

 

Joe Bernard

Vallejo, CA.

[Leslie]

Joe,

I like mine this way:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leslie_bright/8351735340/in/pool-650b

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leslie_bright/8500300195/in/pool-650b


The trick is, the Hetres, at 650bx42, are almost as tall as a 700cx27, so you preserve the BB height..

I tested it out w/ my Bombadil's wheels first, so all I had to do was swap brake calipers to give it a try.   I liked it, so I built another wheelset for my Ram, using the A23 rims and a dynohub.

I really like the way my Ram rides w/ the Hetres.  


-L