First set of 650b wheels

[Steve Williams]

Looking to get my first set of 650b wheels. Rim brake, no disc. Won't be going with dyno hubs. Have a really good LBS so wouldn't be opposed to getting a set of rims and hubs and getting them built.

Frame and fork are most likely going to be the Boulder Bike Rando. If anyone can point me in the right direction, or at least away from the wrong one, would be much appreciated.

"Make America Bike Again"

Thanks
Steve

Stonington, CT

[David Cummings]

My first wheel build was with a Compas Grand Bois 650b rim. Made the job very easy. It's been a good rim and looks perfect on a rando machine.

David

[Jeffrey Kane]

It's a good question: but maybe more specifically -- besides Velo Orange or Rivendell -- where does one look for an off the shelf / ready to ride set of rim brake 650b wheels with 9/10 Sram/Shimano compatible hubs these days?

[Mark Bulgier]

These are not good wheels but they are very good for the money, if you want cheap: www.ebay.com/itm/291652851506
$90 or best offer plus $24 shipping.  Brand new pair of wheels with QR skewers.

I bought a different pair of wheels from this same seller (with Pacenti rims, out of stock now), and they did arrive, properly boxed and exactly as described.  So I do believe this is a real, legit seller, not a scammer.

I forget how much less than the asking price I offered (maybe $10 less), but my offer was accepted, so maybe I should have offered less than that.  ;)

These appear to be ridable wheels, a reasonable way to put one toe in the water and see if you like 650b, or for testing tire clearances and brake reach for conversions.  I don't know what Wheelmaster hubs are, other than looking similar to cheap Shimanos.  They're probably cheaper even than bottom of the line Shimano.  The Weinmann rims are known to be ridable (if not great), and the spokes are DT stainless.

Mine arrived reasonably true, but the spokes were looser than I like, so I tightened them all by one turn, stress-relieved the spokes and re-trued.  Even if you had to pay a bike mechanic to do that, the wheels are still pretty darn cheap.  And they would have been ridable at the lower tension, though probably less durable.  Because the Pacenti rims had a maximum recommended spoke tension, my wheels may have been built on the loose side intentionally, i.e. these with the Weinmann rims might be tighter, but don't count on it.

If you're getting a Boulder frame though, you may not be a good candidate for wheels this cheap.  You may be used to the finer things in life, in which case you will probably be disappointed by these cheap-o wheels.

Mark Bulgier
Seattle

[Frankwurst]

I'd contact Anthony at Longleaf bicycles. I'm sure he could be a great help and put together just what you need.

Frank

[Chris Cullum]

While undoubtedly a good deal for toe in the water, do I like 650B?, those Zac19 rims in 650B are awful. A real recipe for tire mounting frustration. If you think tires don't mount straight on 650B Synergies, try these. I got a set back in the day with Deore hubs and sold them fairly quickly due to this issue. If they had PL23s it would be an endorsement from me.

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[Eric Daume]

I built up a set on universalcycles.com wheelbuilder tool. Tiagra hubs, Soma rims, db Wheelsmith spokes, that came to about $260 before shipping. That seemed pretty reasonable, if the Soma rims are OK. I haven't heard anything about them.

Eric

Plain City, OH

[David Cummings]

Didn't we just do this thread? ;)

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!searchin/650b/Classic$20650b/650b/HohSF87W7Vc

[Steven Frederick]

Longleaf was going to be my suggestion. Anthony is great to work
with. Universal Cycles, as suggested by another is a good choice as
well. Though, if I were ordering a frame from Boulder Bike, I'd ask
them where they source their wheels and either get a set through them,
or from their supplier...

Steve

[Rick F]

Another endorsement for Anthony at Longleaf.  Very experienced, excellent to work with.

Rick in MA

[Ryan Watson]

Anthony built my first set almost 10 years ago! Still going strong :-)

Ryan

[Steve Williams]

Its interesting you bring the Soma rims up. In speaking with Mike @ Boulder he had plenty of positive things to say about the Soma rims. If I end up going this route I'll be sure to report back. Thanks so much. 

[Steve Williams]

Not sure you can give a better testimonial than still being happy with a purchase 10 years later. 

[Eric Daume]

I'll let you know, I ended up ordering them just last night.

Eric

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