At 5' 6" tall, I've been real interested in the whole 650b thing.
So I got to ride a demo "Pacenti" 650b steel frame SS_Belmont is speaking of this past weekend. Upon mounting the bike I felt like it had been built for me. Considering SS_Belmont and I are practically the same height and same build, I wasn't surprised that I felt comfortable on it from the first spin of the cranks. Within a couple of miles I had gotten use to the handling of a different frame, wheel size, touchy hydraulic brakes (I use mechanical) and from that point on I had a blast!!! The 650b corner great, it accelerated fast, climbed great, snaked through tight technical spots, I could flick it around with ease - like I did with my old 26er frames, the front wheel didn't dive on ledges like those larger wheels... all in all this is the best riding bike and wheel size I've even been on. I told SS_Belmont2, "If Kirk was here and I could convince him... I'd trade him bike for bike". The Neo Moto tires hooked up great too! Never once did they break traction and I was taking lines I normally avoid on my 29er. Yea a 29er can roll over stuff, but my 29ers are not nearly as nimble throught the tight techincal local trails as the 650b demo bike I was riding.
After a 10 mile loop I knew I had to have one... I'm sold on 650b wheels. When I got back home from the ride I tore down one of my 29ers. Time to sell off some parts for my 650b.
The bike build:
Pacenti Custom Steel 650b frame
Pacenti Neo Moto tires
White Bros 650b Fork
DT Swiss 240 hubs
Stans ZTR 355 rims
DT Swiss double butted spokes
King Headset
SRAM X rear D
Time peddles
Tags: 650b 27.5 Kirk Pacenti Steel Frame Neo Moto Stan's ZTR 355
