I'm very interested in trying to convert my bike, an '05 Turner 5 Spot HL to 650b. I called Turner and they said it probably would work, but to try the wheel/tire first. I've called all the LBS's and no luck. Is there anyone who has 650b wheelset who would be willing to let me slap one of their wheels on my bike just to see if I have the clearance? I don't want to buy a whole wheelset for nothing. Mountain biking is not a cheap hobby you know. ha.
Thanks, I'm in North San Diego County. I'd love to hear from anyone who has made this conversion also. skim
I really can't help you specifically but I have to think that if it works, it's gonna be a real tight fit. Mud build up clearance would have to be a major concern here. I've had caked on tire mud rub the paint right off a frame in just a single ride with the OEM sized wheels mounted.
If they fit, stay away from water, mud, or anything moist and tacky.
skim I have read reports of 5spot 650b conversions, but I think you'll need to shim the shock to reduce travel a bit. It's easily done, and there's a DIY thread in the 650b forum that explains it with pics and all. I don't know how much you'll have to shim your bike in particular - but figure you'll lose a small percentage of the rear travel so you may have more like a 4.5spot in the end, but at least you won't rub the seat tube.
If you have a Fox fork up front you may be good to go but keep in mind there are issues with the fork crown clearance. If you find someone with 650b wheels nearby a good check is to install the wheels and then let all the air out of your shocks (assuming you aren't running coils) and cycle them to check for clearance. If you have clearance you can ride but you'll want to look and listen for signs of rubbing during g-outs and other full-compression situations on your first couple rides to make sure you still have clearance on the trail.
I'm about to do a 650b build myself and look forward to hearing how the 5spot works for you if you give it a go.
EDIT: One more thing - if you 'borrow' 650 wheels from someone to check your bike note the tire selection. A 2.1" tire that barely clears may rub in 2.4" size.
I ride a jamis dakar XAM II and it fits 650b wheels with no issues or modifications. I borrowed a wheelset to try it out and I ended up sticking with good ol 26". The Fox 36 forks fit a 2.3 tire on 650b wheels no problem.
It really didnt offer enough improvement over 26" to justify spending 650$ on a wheelset and tires. If you have a 26" wheeled bike and you want better traction put on a more aggressive tire in the front. The biggest advantage by far of a bigger wheel is the slow speed rolling resistance but to truly get those benefits you might as well go 29. I used to own a fs 29er but it just wasn't for me. The future to me is 26" bikes that are super tunable. 6" travel super slack bikes that are adjustable on the fly are amazing.
I have 3 bikes that are 650b converts. True about 2.1 on the rear, its much better for clearance.
A rear tire for me doesn't mean that much on the width anyways, the wider, the harder it is to climb.
I like the 650b. It rolls faster on the flats and dh, climbs a bit easier too. Like anything else you get used to it, but 1st impressions are always positive.
I have two sets of P35 rims and the other bike is outfitted with skinny WTB Laser Disc Tail 650b
which is only like XC'ish 27mm wide. The WTB may work better with the 5 Spot, the P35's are on a
couple Kona Stinkys. I live too far for you to try them unless you want to drive 2 hours up here. Good luck.
Blunt pimpin': I have two new Velocity P35 650b rims on flea bay. Theys are to find, always back ordered or some shizzle.
For 2013, it should not be a problem to find 650b wheels anywhere. Several online resources, as well as the 650b forum on this site can guide you. Im running 650b on my SC Blur XC carbon with zero rubbing issues with no mods, even running a 2.25 tire, I have plenty of clearence.
As far as some say the difference isn't worth the expense, I beg to differ, since switching, I noticed better traction in corners and climbs, better roll over and better performance overall. I have ridden 29ers, which share the same attributes as the 650b, but I didn't like the slower steering, slower acceleration and the weight of the 29ers, but thats just my opinion, because obviously you see alot of 29ers out on the trail, but I believe 650b will be the biggest market in year to come.
i also just recently converted my specialized epic to 650b. the more i ride it, the more i'm glad i changed to 650b. the better roll over is very noticeable.
i tried a few 29ers but it didn't feel right on a small frame so 650b is perfect for me.
unfortunately, i'm also quite a way from you to try my wheels for fitment.
All right I got a set of Stan's Crests 650b's with Racing Ralphs and I put them on and they fit! Front was no problem with clearance on my Talas 140. The back was very tight on the rear triangle at the seat stay. I would guess 1 to 1.5mm of clearance. While I was riding I could hear the pebbles jammed in my rear tire getting knocked off by the seat stay cross bar.
I rode it. My overall impression for this first ride is that it rolls better. Up, down, it just rolls better and feels faster. I do feel a little higher. But I also feel a little more isolated from the trail as the wheelset mowed down the chatter. I'll keep riding but if I had to decide today, they'd be keepers.
I'm going to convert my wife's SC Superlight. Unfortuantely has a Rock Shox Tora and the crown is way too short. Need to get a Fox.
Thanks to everyone helping me on this. skim
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
15.4M posts
515.2K members
Since 1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!