David thoughtfully asked:>
> 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?
> David Feldman
> Vancouver, WA
I obviously had the choice of rims/wheels when Mike and I began talking about a cyclo-touring bike. Larry Strung went with 559mm/26". I chose the less "practical" size but more traditional way. I had ridden 584mm/650B on my Herse and decided that despite the issues involving tires (more than rims), that I preferred this size. Why? Well, they are considerably larger than 559mm and they really _feel_ that way. The advantage to me was the bigger roll. If you have ridden a mountain bike on pavement in comparison to a road bike (700c or 27"), you may know what I mean. 650B is the perfect in-between size.
I also admit to loving traditional things that are to my mind and tastes as beautiful as they are great. A Phd in Sanskrit and comparative religion suggests not only elitist antiquarian academic interests but perhaps an irresponsible contempt for the future material welfare of my children. Be that as it may, some things in life you do for love and that is enough, like bicycles or Sanskrit literature.
Douglas Brooks
Canandaigua, NY