Tire clearance 650B for Surly Cross-Check?

Harald Kliems

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Oct 19, 2016, 11:53:07 AM10/19/16

to 650b

Hi 650B experts:

Does anyone have data on how wide a tire I can fit into the rear of a Surly Cross-Check if I'm using 650B wheels? Specifically, I'd be interested in running the Schwalbe Ice Spiker in 57-584 (27.5x2.25"), ideally with fenders of some sort. I know max clearance for 700c tires is 42mm, and I'm not sure if going to 650B would gain me enough clearance to go to 2.25". Brakes are not a problem, as this is for a fixed-gear winter Frankenbike.

Thanks,

Harald in Madison (WI)

Igor Belopolsky

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Oct 19, 2016, 1:39:08 PM10/19/16

to 650b

Probably not, given that 2.25" is what, 57mm? I would think that if the widest you can go is 42 then a 57 won't clear? I mean, 650x42 Hetres measure maybe 40-41? No personal experience, however. I did have a Straggler that cleared 700x2" ..

Harald Kliems

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Oct 19, 2016, 2:13:08 PM10/19/16

to 650b

I got the idea because of a friend who successfully converted his Cross-Check to 26" wheels with Compass Rat Trap Pass tires, which nominally are 54mm wide. I'd rather go with 650B wheels to get better interchangeability with the rest of my stable. I'll see if I can get some actual measurements of the clearances at various tire sizes.

Harald.

Ian A

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Oct 19, 2016, 11:00:00 PM10/19/16

to 650b

How did he convert the brakes?

Ian A/Canada

Harald Kliems

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Oct 20, 2016, 7:47:52 AM10/20/16

to 650b

Good question. I think he replaced the fork with some 26" MTB fork and went fixed gear in the rear.

Harald.

rob perks

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Oct 20, 2016, 10:55:38 AM10/20/16

to 650b

There are a few folks out there who have had the bosses removed from the 700c location and new ones brazed on at the 650b location, as well as the fact that there are disc cross checks out there. it has been said before, but this really is an amazing time to be coming to the 650b conversion table.

--

Rob Perks

Ventura, CA

Harald Kliems

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Oct 23, 2016, 10:02:30 AM10/23/16

to 650b

Talked to my friend yesterday, and he says that with 26" wheels a true 2.25" tire would just fit. Chain stays are the narrowest point, followed by seat tube clearance on his small-ish frame. So using the Ice Spiker in 650B is off the table. I have to investigate if there are other 650B studded tires out there...

Harald.

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