Custom Bike - 650 vs. 700 wheels

[Triskeliongirl]

I certainly agree that choices in geometry affect handling and thus the geometry considerations when considering 700c vs. 650b should also be looked at from a handling perspective.

However, I've gotten the impression from this thread that if you want a 700c wheel on a small bike then you are going to have to live with either a) a horribly sluggish slow steering bike with the wheel way out in front of you b) a horribly twitchy bike or c) some weird compromise in your seat vs. pedals position.

As a 5' tall rider with two 700c road bikes (one an XS Giant and one a 47cm Wilier) I disagree.

No, that is not what I said. But, to have it handle normally, you will have either toe clip overlap, or a longer reach. You may have one of these options, but find its not a problem for you.



SUSAN, ONE MORE CONSIDERATION: Are you planning to have this built w s/s couplers (which I highly recommend). I thought you might since it is replacing your friday for travel. If that is the case, 650C/26" wheels fit more easily into the packing case than 700c. The terry tullus is a good 28mm 650c tire, and the schwalbe stevlio (recently replaced by ultremo) is a great 23mm 650c tire. Any wider, you'll want to consider 26".