650b Convert (first build)

[David Cummings]

My name is David and I'm a gravel-holic.

I have wronged many bikes by attempting to ride gravel with 700x25 or 28c tires.

I have seen the light and have converted to 650b.  

I am looking for a sponsor to help me stay on the gravelly path.

But seriously, I just tested out the conversion process on the first bike I ever bought (she's my testbed it seems).  I grabbed some centerpulls off of a bike from the attic, threw on some cheapo eBay 650b wheels, mounted the Pacenti Pari-Moto tires and I have been in heaven ever since.

My '88 Specialized Sirrus was a bit squirrely before but has chilled out a little after the conversion but not entirely. My first ride was short but up a moderate mountain bike trail.   I was amazed that the bike just climbed and climbed - very little wheel slippage.  She always liked to climb on the road, gravel is no different.

My second ride was almost 40 miles and about half gravel.  I had done this exact ride a year ago with 700x28mm tires and it was stressful on the gravel - I pinch-flatted on one of the descents even at max PSI.  This time around I had the tires perfectly inflated for my total rider/bike weight (thanks tire pressure spreadsheet!) and I literally felt like I was floating.  The only thing that held me back was loose gravel on corners during the descents.  Going over 30 down a gravel hill is fairly exhilarating!

I can only say that I am absolutely hooked!  I had come to believe that the answer to my gravel problems was 28mm tubular tires with which I could risk lower pressures, but now I know that was just hot air! (Pun intended.)

I have another set of 650b rims on order for my Bridgestone RB-1 and if my old French Gitane that I am refurbishing can't take 35mm tires, it'll get the same treatment.

Thanks for your support,

Mountaindave (AKA David Cummings)

Kalispell, MT

[mitch....@gmail.com]

FYI for the MB-1 650B conversion

584x32mm is a close fit on MB-1 chainstays and fork. 2-3mm clearance. Still worth for 32s possibly.

--Mitch

[David Cummings]

Interesting going the other way with an MB-1 (from 26" to 27.5", to use the newspeak). I like my MB-1 just the way it is with 26" tires. It has been converted to a dirt drop, but I digress...

David Cummmings
Kalispell, MT

[David Cummings]

Unless you mistyped MB-1 instead of RB-1, Mitch... I did a test fit with the 38's and they fit my '91 RB-1 as well as they fit the '88 Sirrus.

David Cummings
Kalispell, mt

[Chris Cullum]

Your brake pads are on backwards and could be pushed out of the holders.

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[mitch....@gmail.com]

Doh! Sorry David, for some reason I remembered your project as an RB-1. That's what comes from mixing ERD with IPA.

You'll have no trouble with the MB-1 conversion. My 94 managed it with just moving the pads down on CR720 cantis. Lowers the mechanical advantage a little but that can be managed. 

Here are MB-1 pics with BabyShoePass EL on Compass rims

--Mitch

[Brad]

Better fix them.  I actually had that happen once coming down a hill in Deerfield Massachusetts.  Good thing the other brake was not set up the same way.

[David Cummings]

Well now, that's just plain embarrassing...