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

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Rory Woods

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Dec 20, 2025, 11:36:50 PM (15 hours ago) Dec 20
to 650b
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

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Dec 20, 2025, 11:48:06 PM (15 hours ago) Dec 20
to Rory Woods, 650b
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 


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User 47

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Dec 20, 2025, 11:52:28 PM (15 hours ago) Dec 20
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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

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11:16 AM (3 hours ago) 11:16 AM
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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

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11:28 AM (3 hours ago) 11:28 AM
to fordb...@gmail.com, 650b
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.  

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Bernard Duhon

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1:29 PM (1 hour ago) 1:29 PM
to Josh Zielinski, Rory Woods, 650b

 

 

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.   

 

 

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