650 vs 700 wheels on a mixte?

[blackhillsbiker]

We're starting to spec out parts for the Soma Buena Vista build. I'm really wondering if I wouldn't like the smaller wheels. Less toe overlap and the possibility of wider tires, if I want. Any thoughts?

Deb

[SadieKate]

Which size frame did you get? None are sized for 650 wheels. The XS is sized for 26"and the rest for 700c.

You should probably use the rims the bike is spec'd for. The longer the brake arm, the less powerful the brake.

[SadieKate]

By the way, you can get slicks or cross tires over 40mm but there isn't enough room in that frame for terribly wide tires, especially if you want fenders.

[SadieKate]

Here is a picture of a RolyPoly 700x30mm in the small size frame. I had a Michelin 32mm but then didn't have enough space for the fender.

The brake is a Dia Compe 610 center pull with a 47-61mm reach. You can see it's all the way out.

[Susan]

I have the Soma Mixte frame with 700c wheels and I am sometimes regretting not getting the 650b wheels.
It's not a big deal if you don't want to put on fenders, but as I need fenders The widest tyres that I can put on at the moment are 28c. It's hard to get tires so skinny suited for winter riding.
I also get quite a lot of toe-overlap which sometimes causes me trouble (but this might be because I'm just not used to it from other bikes).

On the other hand you have to consider that there aren't that many options for 650b tyres either. But this might change if they introduce the new 650b MTBs in the coming years.

[Susan]

Here is a picture of a RolyPoly 700x30mm in the small size frame. I had a Michelin 32mm but then didn't have enough space for the fender.

The brake is a Dia Compe 610 center pull with a 47-61mm reach. You can see it's all the way out.

Sadiekate, which rack is this? It's very pretty.

[Biciclista]

If you can get the 650's it would make a splendid bike. That's one of my few regrets about my bike (that i got 700's)

[maillotpois]

Sadiekate, which rack is this? It's very pretty.

I have this rack - it's the Velo Orange Constructeur: http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=RK7701

[Susan]

Thanks a lot, I really like it, maybe I will get it for my Soma too :)

[SadieKate]

SOMA Buena Vista's also need this.

http://store.ninerbikes.com/Components/YAWYD-Top-Cap/YAWYD-Top-Cap-Item

[Susan]

Great idea :)
Have you ever posted a picture of your BV (I'd love to see the whole bike)?

[SadieKate]

No, I haven't. I'll try to do that tomorrow. I'm very pleased with how it came out. A lot of traditional silver and leather plus those dropdead gorgeous fenders made right here in town (available on the web and ebay).

[Sky King]

Okay I ran the 650B question by the bike hermit. He said the biggest issue will be the brakes and suggests the Diacompe 750 center pull. This is a long reach brake. We happen to have a customers Soma BV in the shop and he put a 650 rim on to double check before I sent this out to you all.

[BodhiTree]

I have the Soma Mixte frame with 700c wheels and I am sometimes regretting not getting the 650b wheels.
It's not a big deal if you don't want to put on fenders, but as I need fenders The widest tyres that I can put on at the moment are 28c. It's hard to get tires so skinny suited for winter riding.
I also get quite a lot of toe-overlap which sometimes causes me trouble (but this might be because I'm just not used to it from other bikes).


My Buena Vista has 700c wheels, 32mm Vitoria Randonneur tires, and Planet Bike Hardcore Hybrid fenders. I haven't had any toe-overlap issues. Taking off the wheels involves letting a bit of air out of the tires to clear the brakes, but that's the only issue and it's a minor one.

[BodhiTree]

I apologize for the double post. I just found this video of a 650b Buena Vista being built. You might enjoy it.

http://carytownbicyclecompany.com/2012/01/sarahs-soma-buena-vista/

[Susan]

Maybe you have a bigger framesize or smaller feet? I don't know.

When I tried to put my old Schwalbe Marathons on my bike, the back wheel didn't turn because there was too little clearing. This is from the Soma homepage : "Max. tire width with thoses brakes: 33c(28c with fenders)If you must have wider tires, consider a 650b build".

[BodhiTree]

Maybe you have a bigger framesize or smaller feet? I don't know.

When I tried to put my old Schwalbe Marathons on my bike, the back wheel didn't turn because there was too little clearing. This is from the Soma homepage : "Max. tire width with thoses brakes: 33c(28c with fenders)If you must have wider tires, consider a 650b build".

My Buena Vista is a 54 cm. My feet are 9 1/2.

Thank you for the information about the fit of Schwalbe Marathons. My 700x32 Vittoria Randonneurs are getting worn and I'm thinking of trying some Marathon Plus tires. I'll be careful to get 700x28 if I change brands!

[Trek420]

Sorry for the thread hijack all because this is not a mixte. But this is a beautiful Soma build which Knott and I saw recently.

Check out the "hood ornament" ;) :)

I was taking this picture as the rider came out. We quickly wiped the drool off his bike and talked to him about it. Both the sweet crow ornament and wood fenders are custom made by a friend of his.

[SadieKate]

Susan - here are a few (very poor) pictures. I'm pretty pleased with the build!

Sky King help me out with all the leather goods since none of them came from the same company and harmonizing them was going to be tricky.

[Susan]

Ooo she is so pretty :) I love the little well-thought-out details.

[SadieKate]

Thank you, ma'am! :p

[BodhiTree]

Maybe you have a bigger framesize or smaller feet? I don't know.

When I tried to put my old Schwalbe Marathons on my bike, the back wheel didn't turn because there was too little clearing. This is from the Soma homepage : "Max. tire width with thoses brakes: 33c(28c with fenders)If you must have wider tires, consider a 650b build".

I'm sorry if this is a double post. I still seem to be having trouble making my replies go through. My first reply was immediately after your post.

My Buena Vista is a 54 cm. My feet are size 9 1/2. My shop warned me I'd need to let air out of the tires to take the wheels off, but assured me I'd get the wide tires and full coverage fenders I wanted without any trouble. I must say they were right. Over all I'm quite pleased with the combination.

Thank you for the information about the fit of the Schwalbe Marathons. If I do change brands when my 32mm Vittoria Randonneurs finally wear out I will be careful to get 28mm Marathons.

[Susan]

Do you like the Rannonneur tires? I am still looking for a tire with a little profile for winter riding.

[BodhiTree]

I do like them. They are around 4 years old now and so far they haven't had a puncture. They are fairly low pressure (75 psi) hard case tires. The reflective sidewalls are bright. They don't have a particularly grippy tread. The tread is smooth with grooves in it. Cyclocross tires would probably be better in the snow than Vittoria Randonneurs. I haven't tried riding my Buena Vista in the snow because I have a mountain bike which is good in the snow.