Curious....

[James Fune]

Hello 650b,

I have been using my Homer Hilsen for my commutes to school and rides around town. Love it to death but I feel there is something out there better suited for heavy loads. The homer is so lively in its bare nature. I hate to keep it weighted down.

And so I'm tinkering with the idea of a 650b randonneuring/commuting bike. 

In an ideal world, I'm picturing a steel frame, lugs (of course), canti posts, and clearance for 48mm tires. I am a small rider and normally ride 50-53cm, although I do have a 56cm Surly cross check that I've set up with a more "French" fit.

Just wondering what's out there...

All the best,

James

[Ian A]

In my opinion, as a commuter and grocery getter, an "old school" mountain bike is unbeatable. I have mine set up as a single speed, rack, fenders. If you have secure parking at school, you could look for something fancier like this (assuming the components and rims are still good) https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/seattle-1982-diamond-back-ridge-runner/x2v57Rjb5NJe9vNqd2sgf2.

650b options are out there, but more limited. And 26" wheels are just so good at taking the abuse of potholes, heavy loads, etc.

IanA Lake Louise AB

[Adrian Calderon]

I have this Ridge Runner in black! I love the lugs; they're very unique. One note: the eyelet on the crown is small. Not the typical size to add a front rack. 

-Adrian

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[Josh Zielinski]

I agree, tough to beat a nice lugged old MTB for the stated purpose.  I sent the following to James but if it's of interest to anyone else just let me know.

He'd have dibbs but essentially the frame is for sale.

"James, 

I converted a lugged MUSA 1989 Trek 950 from 26" to 650b that made an excellent commuter/tourer/adventure bike:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/194756111@N03/albums/72177720312372117/

I disassembled it and sold off a lot of parts. I'd sell the curry color powder coated frame if you're interested. I am 5-6"ish and ride 53-54cm bikes so it sounds like it'd fit.

I can send pics if you'd like." 

Josh Z

Oregon

[Sam Weinberg]

maybe try for an early raleigh mountain tour. they meet all your requirements, but probably max out at 42mm tires without some modification. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/650b/CAFkcYGN_X8oVaR5Z2RdjAzz%3DpYeL4ga9%2B%2B3vXv6nVkjgH6pzbQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[eric.davi...@gmail.com]

'87 Raleigh Mountain Tour checking in... my neighbor and I picked up his/hers Mountain Tours a few months ago (he's 6'6", I'm the "hers" i guess at 5'11"). Clears 2.3" tires with little room to spare. 2.1 is probably better. 

Agreed with what's been said above. Can't beat a rigid 26er from the 80s/90s for sheer bomb-proof utility.

[David Cummings]

James,,

Old ‘80’s ATB’s are indeed great commuters. My wife and I both use them and we both work within 2 miles of home. But we have no trouble riding longer distances - we’ve done 60 mile gravel rides. 

One thing to be aware of with the old ATB’s is that they were designed with a shorter seat tube to account for better stand -over on the rough stuff while leaving the top tube longer. In modern parlance, they have lower stack and longer reach than equivalent road bikes of the day (which were often square, having the same seat and top tube lengths). ATB’s also were more relaxed with geometry with seat and bed tube angles around 68* compared to your HH with 71* angles - ATB’s were slacked out. Makes for comfortable, more upright cycling - great for commuting. 

It should be easier to find a higher end, lugged 1980’s ATB in your size. My 5’7” wife rides a 54-ish cm road bike and her ‘85 Univega Alpina Ultimate (a sick little bike) has a 51cm seat tube and 58 cm top tube (measured c-c). 😳 For comparison, assuming you have a 51cm HH, your effective top tube would be 55.5cm (according to the current geo chart). 

I found a bit of a unicorn with my ‘84 Stumpjumper because it was the largest size available and actually is square 58.5cm which is great for my 36” inseam. 

There were way more ATB’s made in your size range than mine, so finding the right bike is statistically more likely. If you go down this path and you find a candidate, the thing I would consider is whether the handlebars have enough sweep for you to handle a potentially longer top tube. Rivendell has you covered there. 

I’ll post some of my builds tout de suite.

David in MT

[David Cummings]

1984 Ross Mt. Hood (takes a 7/8” BMX headset/stem!). Note the swept back replacement bars.

[Ian A]

I love the group picture! This is a family with good taste.

[Ian A]

Mine still in daily use, taken in the depth of winter wearing studded tires.

[Justin, Oakland]

The issue with the classic AHH/Saluki is that it is a true allrounder. I've had mine as a road bike, bike camper, commuter, ATB, etc...

It's great at all of them but when compared to a more "dedicated" build of each of those (Except commuter) it doesn't always hold it's own. It's not as fast as my roadie, not as trail ready as the various ATB/MTBs I've owned, etc etc. However, it's amazing to handle the 75% of riding that I do. I would keep the AHH as the commuter and get a livelier frame to do my fast stuff (which is what I've done).

[Justin, Oakland]

Pictures to prove it's one of the most versatile frames ever.
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1eGJDfWGGpNr2m

[David Cummings]

Justin,

Wow! That is a lot of lives!

Slight tangent: it reminds me of the recent Radavist article on forever bikes and how they are not actually forever in the sense that they never change - they are forever in your stable but change over time.  You have a forever bike that evolves as your needs evolve.

Cheers,

David in MT

[Justin August]

I've come very close to selling it.

I've come to realize I never will.

here's the roadie I have to compliment it

I also have the VO Low Kicker, which I want to turn into a Romanceur, but that's only because I want to have a Single Speed Saluki. It's so fun.

I tried to supplement the saluki with this old MTB and honestly it was fine, but not as joyous when it ended up unloaded

So OP - Leave the Hilsen loaded and get a lighter faster bike! That way your "heavy" bike is still light.

[David Cummings]

On Fri, Aug 21, 2026 at 2:18 PM Justin August <justin...@gmail.com> wrote:

I tried to supplement the saluki with this old MTB and honestly it was fine, but not as joyous when it ended up unloaded

Oooooo, the last of the lugged steel Trek ATB's! Those were stoutly built bikes somewhere in between the 80's ATB's and the 90's NORBA MTB's. I've looked, but have yet to find one in the largest size.

Wise words about keeping the AHH and getting a more specific lightweight speed demon.  Lots can be done with 650b conversions of old steel road frames to allow 38mm tire clearance while still retaining the quick road handling feel.

David in MT

[James Fune]

Thank you everyone for your responses!

I had a hellish week and forgot that I had posted this last week.

Bernard, my Homer frame is already equipped for 650b. I am bummed it doesn't clear 650b x 47 so I've left it with 38-42mm tires. I even had my local framebuilder dimple the chainstays. However, I don't think I will ever sell it as it holds great sentimental value. Maybe one of my future children will inherit it if they are lucky...

Josh, that is such a sick custom frame. I recall seeing your original FS post. I have to think on it more; I was picturing a more classical randonneuring vs 90s mtb geo. I picked up an Esker hayduke this year for rugged touring and mtb.

Toshi, thank you for the recommendation. I lived in Richmond VA near Crust HQ and the guys are super cool. I may pick one up secondhand if the chance arises.

Ian, I've never seen a local Ridge Runner. Love the fork!! Again, I was hoping for something randonneuring-oriented.

Sam, I actually owned a salmon Mountain tour at one point... had it decked out with xt parts and bullmoose bars. Eventually sold it to a buddy of mine. It's still his daily driver after 2 years.

David, what a stable you must have! All those bikes are tastefully built. Great group photo as well. I've come across a few Ross frames at my co-op but they were all designed for Clydesdales ha!

Justin, I'm 100% in support of a single speed Saluki. I have a Velo Orange eccentric bottom bracket in my parts bin just waiting to be used for a SS conversion....