My new and first 650b

[tesxyz]

I have to agree its just as everyone says it is... quicker feel than a 29er, but better roll than a 26.

[StiHacka]

Wow, nice! What is that btw?

[tesxyz]

It's a bicycle!

Ok just kidding, its a custom frame/design from a builder in Sacramento. Best way I could describe it would be an all mountain 650b single speed. Suspension has pro pedal and lockout so climbing is not bad at all, and descending is awesome.

[MMcG]

Woah - we need more details on this frame and builder.

[em6901]

That is some crazy looking shiznit right there.

[tesxyz]

Custom CrMo frame
160mm of travel front and back (Fox RP23, Talas 160RLC)
Head tube 68 (1 degree up for the 650b wheel size compared to a 26er)
Chain stay 16.7
BB height is 14
Standover...? Uh compare to the tires All due to the curved top tube.


Extras bits:
650b, ZTR Flow, Chris King Hubs, 2.3 Nevegals
XTR brakes 180mm front, going to a 160mm in the back
Thomson Stem and post
Funn Fatboy DH bar, ODI Ruffian lock-ons
AKA cranks, Canfield Ultimate Crampons

[Prophet Julio]

That is a very unique bike. Very cool. Do you notice the change in geometry between the seat and crank when you ride? Having the crank in the travel zone is different for sure, but you would never get chain stretch due to travel, so for a single speed that is a cool solution.

[derby]

The first I've seen of a true 4-bar URT.

The Instant Center, where lines through the two swing links intersect, leveraging a "virtual swingarm pivot", appears to float near where the monopivot URT "sweet-spot" design originally produced by the Ibis Swazbo designed by John Castello in the early 1990's. Later the URT "sweet-spot" design was copied by Schwinn and Breeze.

[MMcG]

what we need now is a smaller image so people's text doesn't go so wide!

Can you describe how that thing rides/feels? does it suck up stuff when seated but stay bob free when standing and hammering? What is the ST angle? Looks kind of slack.

[vto]

Holy 650b Batman! Is this the work of the Joker or the Riddler?!

[tesxyz]

I pretty much ride full suspension anymore, so I really don't notice anything different during climbing. There is acceptable bob while climbing, of course on a single speed you will be standing most of your climbs. Locking out the front fork for extended climbs makes a big difference. Descending, well it handles like an AM bike, seated sucks up lots of the little stuff, flipping off the propedal on the RP23 makes it fairly plush (for an air shock) A rear shock with lock out would probably make extended climbing even more solid. But my concept for the specs I gave the builder was to give it a similar feel to the bike I put the most miles on, my old Nomad. After riding this bike I can say I doubt I would have been happy on a hard tail SS. This is not a race machine, its a go out and have fun and cruise the trails machine and it does that very well.

[tesxyz]

Posted a smaller size, for easier wall of text reading.

[phred]

RAM did a great job there. Great to see you out there last night getting in some saddle time on your new steed.

[StiHacka]

How heavy is the frame? It looks quite lightweight, at least on the monitor. Have you considered riding this with a Hammerschmidt or an IGH? Btw. if you replaced both wheels with 650b, the head angle should stay at 67 degrees. Thank you for sharing, it looks great!

[tesxyz]

Sorry, I did not weight the frame separately. The bike as is comes in at 30#s. Keep in mind that this is a steel frame with a burly build. I did consider it, but I have been wanting a single speed for a while, but was never happy on any of the hard tails I have checked out.

Thanks for the compliment! I will make sure the designer/builder gets the feedback.

The increase in head angle was to match the trail characteristics of a 26er.
Bicycle Steering Trail | mechanical hacks

[StiHacka]

Oh I apologize, I misunderstood you. I though you converted it from 26 wheels but you intentionally built it as a 650b frame, I get it now. Nice!

PS: It might look even more radical with a lefty!

[tesxyz]

Yes, designed around 650b.

Yep, but a lefty would make me freak out... been riding normal looking forks for too long :P

[michaelsnead]

I have to agree its just as everyone says it is... quicker feel than a 29er, but better roll than a 26....

Hey Mr. Tom,

That is very cool to see some dust on your new creation! I'm glad your shoulder is feeling better so you could enjoy it!!

Where did you ride it and what did you think?

Thanks for sharing,

Michael

[senor_mikey]

hey lil' bro, your 650b bike came out real nice. I'll have to taken it for a spin when I come up there later this year. You can ride my fully rigid drop bar 650B bike and compare.

[Boonie21]

Looks awesome!

[mattel]

that build is the coolest thing i've ever seen!

i was thinking about possible flex/play in the bushings but never mind.. awesome bike!

[phred]

Some more info on the builder at 2012 Sea Otter Classic at 2012 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, United States - photo by fraserbritton - Pinkbike

[fatcat]

Talk about unusual. That's a mean looking bike. Nice.
Also are you in El Paso, Texas? Looks pretty damn dry out there.

[StiHacka]

This bike never gets old for me.

[tesxyz]

That shot was taken near Folsom, CA. Yes it gets very dry out here in Summer. Just got back from a week in Whistler (which was wet one day)... so that amplifies the dry feeling.