So BikerZ got me thinking...new wheels?

[shadon]

I have this little Marin Larkspur, 13.5 inch frame...perfect for my 5'2 short torso'd self. The bike has 700 c wheels...and it's really hard to put anything in the way of a pannier rake on it...tried a Topeak bag last week, that mounts on the seat post over the rear wheel, but there's not enough clearance for this to work...

does it make any sense to spend the $ to put 650 c wheels on this bike? Or should I just suck it up till I get my road bike for the smaller wheels.

I'd love to be able to carry a bit more than a Cliff bar with me...spare tube, levers, my cell phone, arm/knee warmers, etc...seems like to much to put in the pockets on the back of the jersey!

[Trek420]

I've read here that wheels are the single most effective upgrade to your bike so if the frame fits you otherwise, and a good bike fit at the shop shows 650 wheels will fit you better....go for it. You'll have room for your Luna bars and with lighter, faster, more aerodynamic wheels you reduce rotational weight that you gotta get going from a dead stop. Stiffer wheels feel "rounder" to me, much less rolling resistance. Not sure aerodynamic makes much difference at my speed but WTF, I LOOK faster, that counts for something.

Even having the wheels trued makes a huge difference in speed on the bike if that's not been done.

[bikerz]

That's Trek - spending our money!!!

I can't offer specific advice, since I haven't even picked up my bike yet, but I've heard the same advice about wheels. I decided to upgrade mostly because of the flex I felt my wheels had - it was kind of freaking me out. I don't want to pin too much hope on the wheel weight, since I think the rider's weight (in my case!) is a much more significant factor!

You might like a handlebar bag - I've used one of them sometimes, and I don't fnd it difficult to steer. I also have been using a camelback more often, and there's plenty of room for stuff in those.

[SadieKate]

I have this little Marin Larkspur, 13.5 inch frame...perfect for my 5'2 short torso'd self. The bike has 700 c wheels...and it's really hard to put anything in the way of a pannier rake on it...tried a Topeak bag last week, that mounts on the seat post over the rear wheel, but there's not enough clearance for this to work...

does it make any sense to spend the $ to put 650 c wheels on this bike? Or should I just suck it up till I get my road bike for the smaller wheels.

Frames/forks are generally built for a specific wheel size. It is unlikely that your brake arms/calipers will work with a 650 wheel on that frame. Have you looked at front panniers? Where is the lack of space? Panniers hang from a rack that goes over a wheel not from the seat post. Is there not enough room in the heel area for panniers? The seat to the top of tire for a seat bag? Let's ask Jobob, the Queen of Bags, for her thoughts.

[bikerchick68]

the other thing to be aware of with 650 wheels is that most people are on 700c... so the issue is that if you are out somewhere and have a flat... you can't borrow a tube/tire from someone.

I was riding the Cool Breeze Century in Aug with a friend... she blew out the sidewall of her rear tire at mile 15... we made it to the SAG and they had tires! Uh oh... they had 700c tires NO 650! We sat waiting for an hour til her husband drove in with a tire for her... big, big bummer. Later that ride we saw a rider off the side of the road... he had already had 2 flats and was out of tubes... I gave him one of my extras and he was able to complete his ride... because he was 700 it was possible for me to loan him one...

just something to think about... with 650 you have to be super prepared...

[Nanci]

I thought a bunch of the triathlon specific bikes had 650 wheels on them...

I tried to buy tubes for my MTB that has 1.25 inch 26" tires on it- impossible from local shops. Had to order them.

I always carry two tubes (650) and patches for road bike. I'm glad my WSD Trek 2100 came with 650's, so I don't have to worry about my foot hitting the tire. I never even knew that was an issue with small frames!

I didn't use to believe in patches until that was my only option for the 1.25" tires. I patched it with some little stick-on patch, intending to change the tube out when I found new ones, but I didn't get around to it, and now I've put several hundred miles on it, and it's fine!

Nanci

[Trek420]

bikerz "That's Trek - spending our money!!! "

much cheaper for me that way.

[SandyLS]

These are made for a recumbent so are shorter than the regular ones.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Arkel-RT-60-Recu...QQcmdZViewItem

[MomOnBike]

That Arkel bag is indeed made for a recumbent, but it's made for a recumbent that is about to make a backroads, coast-to-coast, solo, unsupported tour. It's probably a bit much for an around town, or club ride.

I wouldn't suggest that bag for Shadon, but if someone wants to buy me a really nice Christmas gift that I can guarantee I'd love, I'll take a set.

As to the wheels, I have no idea. I'd be inclined to try 650s, what's the worst that could happen?

[emily_in_nc]

I am sure that a good LBS can tell shadon if 650c wheels will work on her bike. I sort of doubt it, though. As far as I know, all bike frames are built for one size of wheel, period. Spending bucks for a set in a different size without checking that they will actually work is a waste of time, if not money (I am assuming they could be returned).

I ride 650c wheels on my 46cm Aegis Swift, but that is what it is built for. I carry an extra tube, a patch kit, and two CO2 cartridges, but have never had to use any of it. No, I have not had a single flat since I had this bike built in early 2004 (shhhh.....don't tell the flat gods or I am sure to flat immediately! ) So, I don't worry too much about having an odd-sized wheel since I am a small person riding a small frame, and 700c wheels just wouldn't work for me. As long as I am prepared for a flat, I'm good. And even better if I never get one!

Also, re. the Arkel bags (of any sort), I second the recommendation. I bought a full set of Arkel panniers for my Bike Friday last year for a self-supported tour, and they are simply awesome - amazing quality and very nice looking as well. I reviewed the Tailrider, which is a great little rack pack, on girlbike.com last year and am still loving it. It expands to hold a lot more than it would appear at first glance. Arkel products are not cheap, but they should last many, many years since the quality is definitely there. And the company stands behind the product 100%. Thumbs up!

Emily

P.S. You can see my full Arkel set in my avatar....