Is a RB-2 good for a 650b Conversion?

[Kevin Mulcahy]

I've found a RB-2 on Craigslist at a good price but the bike evidently has smaller clearances than I originally thought (was hoping for 700c 32mm tires), so I'm considering a 650b conversion. 

Has anyone converted an RB-2 or RB-1 in the past? Is this a good candidate? any idea on the tire clearance with fenders?

Thanks!

Kevin 

Chicago, IL

[Kieran Joyes]

 

http://sfcyclotouring.blogspot.ca/2007/11/650b-is-it-for-me.html

[Rob Riggins]

The Bridgestone geometries varied over the years, so you'll be best to take measurements before investing money.

Rob

Minneapolis

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Rob Riggins
Minneapolis, MN

[Palmer]

My 94 RB-2 only fit 700x28s and I converted to 650b and it fit 584x38 Col de la vies fairly tight. Rode nice, no pedal strike, but I like low BBs anyway. Tektro 556s worked well.
Good luck,
Palmer

[Anthony King -- Longleaf Bicycles]

On Wednesday, October 23, 2013 10:57:03 AM UTC-4, Palmer wrote:

My 94 RB-2 only fit 700x28s and I converted to 650b and it fit 584x38 Col de la vies fairly tight. Rode nice, no pedal strike, but I like low BBs anyway. Tektro 556s worked well.

Same here, with the same tires and brakes, to a '91? RB-1 for my wife. Bike was a 49cm but it was still a ton of fun on the test ride I gave it after the conversion. She loved it. 

[Tim Gavin]

I converted my '97 Rivendell Road Standard (supposedly has very close geometry to the RB-1/2).  I went from 700x28C max to 650x38B max, just like Palmer.  I may be able to barely squeeze a 42mm Hetre in there, but it would be very tight.  The fork has the tightest horizontal clearance, followed by the chain stays.  I used Tektro R556 brakes as well, and they're great.  You'll have plenty of vertical clearance for fenders.

Your biggest issue with a 650B conversion on these frames is BB height. According to this chart, the '93 RB-2 BB height is 271mm (266 if it's a 50/53cm), probably based on 23mm tires (according to the equipment chart).  http://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1993/pages/63.htm

The radius of 650b wheels is 19mm less than 700c.  You'll gain back most of that with the 38mm tires vs 23mm tires, so the net BB drop will be ~5mm.  Not much to worry about, and that also equates to an extra 5mm in fender clearance.

I have a little pedal scrape with my Riv, but only when I'm pedaling in turns while pretty leaned over.  I scraped once or twice on 700x28C tires too.  My Shimano pedals don't seem to care too much.  Grant designed the early Rivs with very low BBs, lower than he could get Bridgestone to build.

Tim

Cedar Rapids, IA

[Kevin Mulcahy]

After taking a closer look, the RB-2 doesn't have rack or fender mounts. That's a deal breaker for me.

 Anyone looking for a RB-2 Check here: http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/4131600604.html. It's $250 and the seller will ship. Funky build though...

Kevin 

Chicago, IL

On Tuesday, October 22, 2013 10:45:52 AM UTC-5, Kevin Mulcahy wrote: