In a message dated 3/20/02 1:27:00 PM, feldmanbike@yahoo.com writes:
<< This is an earnest question and not meant to start any debates but, given
the enormous variety of rims and tires in one size and scarcity of the
other, why have a bike built with 650b components instead of 26"/559mm? I
have the Gilles Berthoud catalog and notice that even they offer a
cycle-camping type bike with 26" wheels. Is there a benefit to 650's that
isn't apparent at first glance? >>
I don't mean to speak for Mr. (or is it Dr.) Brooks but if you want a French
style bike with French components then 650B is the way to go. It's certainly
easier to build and maintain a 559 bike but it will lack a certain je ne sais
qua.
Phil Brown