N - 2 + 1.5 (one bike, two wheelsets) -- viable?

[Rory Woods]

Hi all, 

Hope everyone is getting along well this winter. 

I'm preparing to move to a smaller space and am thinking about if/how to downsize the small fleet of rim brake bikes. I have an idea that a disc frame with a 700C wheelset for more road-oriented riding and a second 650B wheelset for more dirt could take the place of two bikes. 

I recall reading that Jan doesn't think it's a good idea to design a bike to accommodate two wheel sizes. That said, I'm wondering if others have tried this and / or if it seems like an idea worth exploring further. 

Curious to hear others' thoughts and experiences. 

Thanks!
Rory in dark and misty Walnut Creek, CA 

[Josh Zielinski]

I have a few friends who have this 2 wheelsets set up but only one regularly switches them.  Bikes vary from State to Trek to Breadwinner custom (he's the one who switches--also lives in the smallest space...).

The others have issues here and there with things (discs, gears, etc) lining up or just don't want to do it all the time.  They either ended up with another bike (that they didn't originally want to) or they just leave one set on and the other collects dust.  I think one sold the other wheelset recently...  Just rides 700x38mm slicks all the time/everywhere.

I'm running a fleet of rim brakes and don't have personal experience.  It does seem like a good idea though if it works out.

Josh Z

Oregon 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "650b" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to 650b+uns...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/650b/31254653-109a-4b14-b266-c9327c997c9en%40googlegroups.com.

[User 47]

II imagine if the two wheel sets Used the same hub set brake rotors and cassette. Everything would switch over just fine. The only difference would be in the geometries. But plenty of people convert their bikes from 700 C to 650 B without issue so as long as you are adaptable, I don’t think it should be a problem.

[fordb...@gmail.com]

I have multiple wheel sets for my 26” rim brake bikes. I keep knobbies on one, slicks on the other, skinnier tires on a third set. 

Go for it !

Ford

Ghent, NY

[Dan Vee]

Yea I’d say if you want it to be easy make sure to use the same hub/rotor/cassette in second wheelset. 

I’d assume Jan is mostly talking about the difference in “pneumatic trail” since if the diameter of the wheel tire configuration is about the same from your 700-650 set up mechcanial trail will be similar … it’s kind of up

To you where you fall there.  Might the bike be a little more stable on pavement with fatter lower pressure tires…. Yea… will it be that noticeable or will you care… maybe, probably not.  

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "650b" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to 650b+uns...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/650b/e8e7ca17-f81f-45b6-b423-d3d871d88ba5n%40googlegroups.com.

[Bernard Duhon]

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Bernard F. Duhon

I may have you beat!

I regulary ride 3 bikes 700c 650b & 26.

Each has 2 set of wheels, with different tires running from Bullet proof to light& comfortable & fast.

Like having 6 bikes.   

 

 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/650b/CAFkcYGMW__xFxhd8fKTtHknnVG02F9p_rX2YsO%3DOi-UyU3LgYQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Andy Beichler]

I have this problem where I go from wanting to simplify and pare down my bikes to one or two to seeing a great bike and lusting and buying it (usually vintage bikes so they are relatively cheap).  When I am on the "simplify and pare down" kick I often think about getting two identical wheelsets and doing what you are pondering. One would be for road and one for more offroad focused riding.  

At 57, my idea of off road riding is much more mellow than it was when I was 27 and I wonder if I even need two wheelsets. :)  Although,  a nice set of supple tires and a set of tougher tires for gravel, dirt and commuting might be the trick.  The real trick would be deciding which bikes to get rid of. They are all really nice.  

[Dan Vee]

This is kind of my issue too. 1 wheelset is fine. 650bx48 extra lites for road and dirt road riding with some rougher stuff strewn in , but there are some times that I’d rather not risk destroying my nice supple slicks on a super chunky route.  Altho honestly they seem to hold up just fine.  Another 650b wheelset with some 2.2 race kings or Umtanums in endurance would

Be nice tho. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/650b/1bb687b4-12c4-424f-8120-de656bc19f49n%40googlegroups.com.

[nlerner]

I regularly switch between 650b x 42mm (with fenders) and 700 x 38mm (w/out fenders) on my Ti Waltly. It currently wears 650b as it’s my main winter road rider, and they salt the crap out of the roads around here.

[Squire Black]

I built a rim brake bike designed for two wheel sets: 650B wheels with smooth tires, and 26" wheels with knoblies.  The brakes have to be adjusted for the two different positions of the brake tracks, but there is (just) enough adjustment on RAIDs to make this possible.   I haven't had much experience actually swapping the wheels, though; mostly I just take a different bike ;-)   The theory was that this would be my camping bike, with multiple racks, and could be set up for on-road or off road tours.  But then life happened ... the racks are still on the "to do" list.  

As others have said, using with the same hub and cassette on both wheel sets will make life simpler.