Slasa Vaya Ti conversion to 650b & build suggestions

[Bruce Smitham]

I just purchased a 57cm Salsa Vaya Ti frameset. Has anyone converted one to 650b and their thoughts? The BB drop is 75mm. I'm also open to any build suggestions. My current stable is a Surly ECR with Jeff Jones loops bars, Shimano XT 1 X 11 drivetrain, Schwalbe Super-Moto tires (I love the bike for MTN, touring etc but it's a little heavy-duty at times) and a Ritchey Breakaway Ti Cross with Shimano XT 1 X 11 drivetrain, Cowchippers, Genevalle brifters and Conti Gatorskin 32mm tires (also love the bike but it doesn't carry much of a load and the canti posts flex descending big hills with/without lighter handlebar bag). Since both are 700c & 29er wheels I was hoping to venture into the 650b world for the best of both worlds. The Vaya would run fenders in the winter, able to carry some load and be in between my other two bikes. Most of the riding would be road but some trails and low gearing for all the steep hills back home.

Any suggestions and help is appreciated,

Thanks,

Bruce in San Diego

[Palmer]

Hi Bruce,
Sound pretty cool. How big of a tire do you plan on running in 650b? A bigger tire would help with any BB issues. What type of riding? I would be interested to hear how it rides vs the ECR. I have been wanting one of them for a while.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI

[Justin Hughes]

I spec'd a custom around 650b with 48-52mm tires and 75mm BB drop. You should be golden on the fork with Switchback Hills and fenders on it. Certainly the rear should fit the same tire as the front, but I can't say for sure. 

[Philip Kim]

I've had a 2012 650b conversion. Hetres and worked great. No problems with it

[Mark Gardner]

Just joined this group and here's my first post. I converted my '11 Vaya this week, to 650bx48 Switchback Hills, and so far so good. I was running 38mm Paselas with VO 52mm zeppelin fenders, and I haven't even adjusted the fenders, just slapped the wheelset in! There's more clearance but it's not ridiculous. Oh yeah, I did reposition the calipers.

It's too early to judge much, but after 35 miles, it feels like the bike oversteers more with a rear load, and feels about the same with a moderate front load (in low riders) as it did before. I have a loaded camping tour coming up and can report back next week.

Mark

Longmont, CO

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