Susie Longbolts/Wolbis Question

[Steven Lukaszczyk]

Has anyone run a size 56 Wolbis with 650b wheels and if so what would the max tire width be?  Debating between picking up either a Wolbis or a Tanglefoot Moonshiner next year for bikepacking & mud season.

[Kirke Campbell]

I just built up a 56cm Susie - these are meant for 700c wheels and I'm not sure if you'd be able to run 650b because of the position of the brake posts. With 700c, max recommended tire width is 2.6 I believe.

-k.

[Brian Turner]

My 54cm Gus has 2.5 tires on 650b wheels. I wouldn’t be able to go any bigger without running into brake clearance issues or chain rub with my setup. Also, depending on a lot of variables including rider weight, gear weight when packed, and your preference of terrain, a stouter bike might be preferable for bikepacking… my Gus is fine for the type of bikepacking I do, because it’s built more sturdy than a Susie, I pack ultra-light, and I don’t take it out on super rugged or technical terrain.

Brian

Lexington KY

On Jun 9, 2025, at 6:42 AM, Kirke Campbell <kirkebc...@gmail.com> wrote:

I just built up a 56cm Susie - these are meant for 700c wheels and I'm not sure if you'd be able to run 650b because of the position of the brake posts. With 700c, max recommended tire width is 2.6 I believe.

-k.

On Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:36:07 AM UTC-5 stevenlu...@gmail.com wrote:

Has anyone run a size 56 Wolbis with 650b wheels and if so what would the max tire width be?  Debating between picking up either a Wolbis or a Tanglefoot Moonshiner next year for bikepacking & mud season.

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[Ryan Frahm]

I ran a 29x2.5 Ehline tire on my old 56 Susie and it had about 1/4” of clearance to the rear brake cable, not ideal for mud season. If you want 650b and big tire clearance I think the Moonshiner is the better call between the two. 

[iamkeith]

I have a 56 Susie with 29x2.8 tires, on 42mm wide rims, with 3x9 gearing, and fenders.  Clearance isn't an issue, but two comments:

1.  This  is too much tire for the GEOMETRY of the bike.  It sits too high, and has too much pneumatic trail, so it steers funny.  A less-tall 650b wheel might steer better but, as others pointed out:

2.  This is a rim-brake bike.  Unless you want to modify it by moving the canti brake posts or adding disc brake tabs, 650b isn't really an option.  (FWIW, the first prototype 56cm Gus was 650b, but that was a one-off.  In case that's why you were thinking it's an option)

[Seung Vo]

Where did you get your 56 Susie? I’ve been trying to get one but can’t find any for sale.

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[Ryan Frahm]

Hello! I have sold mine a while back but I bought it new from Rivendell. I recommend a Gus if you plan to ride trails at any speed. But, I prefer stiffer bikes with more precise steering. Good luck with your search!

Ryan

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[Danny]

Hey Seung,

There was a 56 Susie posted to the Riv buy/sell/trade FB group yesterday. I can't link directly to the post, but here's a link to the group if you have Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3127504017358010

Danny

[Seung Vo]

thanks for the recommendation, the guy ended up being a scammer! i was close to sending him the money until his answers became generic and fishy.