650B Retrofitting Benefits

[DebW]

The only issue is whether your brakes have enough reach.

[Triskeliongirl]

If the brakes don't have enough reach, they can be simply swaped them out for longer reach calipers. Of course this would require purchasing new brakes, but if it lets you be more comfy on your bike it would be worth it. I know shimano makes a long reach side pull brake that is often used on touring bikes since they also give more room for wider tires. In fact, if I recall the trek pilots may have been equipped with these since I recall they do accomodate wider tires, but you'll need to check the specs. Which pilot do you have? Looking at them does it look like the brake pads can be adjusted further down?

[mimitabby]

oh what beautiful tires! go for it ZEN!

[Triskeliongirl]

A quick google of trek pilot turned this up for the trek pilot 2.1 :

Brakeset Cane Creek 3 long reach w/Shimano 105 STI levers

I think the whole pilot series was equipped similarly. Go to the trek website, select your year, and model, and then detailed specs and see what it says about the brakes.

You may prefer 650C if you want skinny go fast tires, or I think Deb W has two wheelsets she interchages, a 650C and a 26" to accomodate a wider range of tire types. For each you'll need to adjust the position of the brake pads, but if you have the long reach calipers I think you'll be able to do it. It will also reduce toe clip overlap if that is an issue for you.

[Zen]

This is all I could find on trek archives-

2007 Pilot 1.2 WSD™
Frameset
Sizes Women's 43, 47, 51, 54, 57cm
Frame Alpha SL Aluminum
Fork Bontrager Satellite Plus, carbon
Wheels
Wheels Bontrager SSR
Tires Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase, 700x28c (43cm: 650x25c)
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Tiagra STI, 9 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Crank Bontrager Select 52/42/30
Cassette Shimano HG50 12-25, 9 speed
Pedals Alloy/nylon road w/clips and straps
Components
Saddle Bontrager Select FIT Basic
Seat Post Bontrager Carbon
Handlebars Bontrager FIT VR w/BzzzKill damper inserts, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Select, 17 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano Tiagra STI levers

Not much info for brakes. I'm going ask Brian at the BS

[HillSlugger]

The difference between 700 and 650 wheels is 50mm in diameter. That means switching the wheels will lower you 25mm=1 inch. Is it worth it?

[Zen]

Hmmmm...one extra inch between my crotch and the top tube? I think it might be.