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.

[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.

[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=de...=30&SKU=RK7701