Santa Cruz Heckler 650b conversion

[baker]

Here are a few photos from my Heckler conversion. The jury is still out on whether I'll stick with 650b on this frame. Initial impressions are good, but I haven't had nearly enough time to really decide.


650b Heckler by bbaker22, on Flickr

Sorta hard to tell from this photo, but the frame provides ample clearance for WTB Wolverine 2.2's

650b Heckler rear clearance by bbaker22, on Flickr

The Rockshox Pike, not so much clearance. Definitely fine for regular riding, it would not work for sticky mud

650b Rockshox Pike clearance by bbaker22, on Flickr

[vizsladog]

nice!!

[baker]

After a few more rides, I'm definitely liking the conversion so far.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA by bbaker22, on Flickr


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA by bbaker22, on Flickr

[trailobsessed]

it looks sweet.....Is that Pike 140 on it? Whats the Head Angle and Seat Angle on that baby?

[baker]

it looks sweet.....Is that Pike 140 on it? Whats the Head Angle and Seat Angle on that baby?

Yes, it's a Rockshox Pike U-turn 140. Santa Cruz lists the head tube angle at 67.5 and the seat tube angle as 72.0. Recommended fork length is 140mm-160mm. Not sure what length fork their angles are based on. They say "140mm forks will give the bike a more xc feel".

[trailobsessed]

Yeah I have the exact bike sitting out there with 26" wheels on it. Mine head angle was just 68.5* with 150 mm Revelation fork ( 528mm crown to axle) but also have pike 140 sitting around. I was thinking may be I could put 650b wheel on the front to slacken the head angle and then I saw your post. So it is totally doable right? Did you have to do any modifications to the fork?

[baker]

I don't know anything about the clearance on the Revelation fork.

I didn't need to to any modifications to the fork, but there is very little clearance between the tire and arch. Sticky mud rides would not be a happy thing.

[trailobsessed]

what brand of wheel set do you have on it ?

[baker]

Front wheel:
rim - Velocity Blunt SL
spokes - Wheelsmith DB14
hub - 20mm XT
nipples - DT alloy
rim tape - Stan's 25mm
valve stem - Stan's

Rear wheel:
rim - Velocity Blunt SL
spokes - Wheelsmith DB14
hub - XT
nipples DT alloy
rim tape - Stan's 25mm
valve stem - Stan's

I'm running 650b WTB Wolverines 2.2 tubeless, front and rear.

[dirtbiker]

Any new updates on the ride with the conversion. I am considering picking up a Heckler frame for a conversion myself but wanted opinions before I spend the money.

[JMac47]

Any new updates on the ride with the conversion. I am considering picking up a Heckler frame for a conversion myself but wanted opinions before I spend the money.

For $550 frame how could you go wrong. Any Heckler conversions I've seen have been positive. If you're looking for a trail/light duty AM bike with a little more roll over this frame can't be beat.Do a forum search and see what you come up with.

[baker]

My 650b conversion seems pretty sweet. I haven't run across any negatives yet. Oh yeah, I did a snow ride and the snow increased the circumference of the tire enough that the snow was constantly being rubbed off the front tire by the fork arch. It was nice fluffy snow, so it didn't cause any problems. Just reminded me that riding in sticky mud would be no fun.

[dirtbiker]

For $550 frame how could you go wrong. Any Heckler conversions I've seen have been positive. If you're looking for a trail/light duty AM bike with a little more roll over this frame can't be beat.Do a forum search and see what you come up with.

Yes, that price tag has me wanting to pick one up and try it out.

[dirtbiker]

My 650b conversion seems pretty sweet. I haven't run across any negatives yet. Oh yeah, I did a snow ride and the snow increased the circumference of the tire enough that the snow was constantly being rubbed off the front tire by the fork arch. It was nice fluffy snow, so it didn't cause any problems. Just reminded me that riding in sticky mud would be no fun.

Great, I believe I am going to pull the trigger and pick up one of the closeout frames and build it up.

[JMac47]

Yes, that price tag has me wanting to pick one up and try it out.

Depends on what fork you already have, but if you're not dead set on the extra travel of the Heckler, these are around the same price and being built up 650 aswell.

My nickel 650b Build - Mtbr Forums

[Morpheous]

I'm sure you all remember that the SC Heckler a.k.a. the "Beckler" was the first FS trailbike 650b conversion back in 2008/9.