Ventana will be offering a 650B wheel specific frame called the "El Bastardo" due to be released in mid to late March. I've been wanting to get a 650B specific wheelset since late August of 2007. I for one have thought that a 650B would be the perfect blend of the flickability of a 26er and the rolling advantages of a 29er. Considering I'm 5'6" tall this is going to be a great option for me and I'm definitely going to have to get one. Looks like it's time to sell the Salty frame I have.

Here's the message I sent to Teresa of Ventana:

Hey Teresa,
Hope everyone at Ventana are doing well!
I was knocking around on MTBR and saw a thread about Ventana making a 650B frame. Not sure what it was called, but I wanted to find out first hand if you'll will be offering a 650B. I've been wanting one ever since I got my El Rey. At 5'6" I have often thought a 650B would be the perfect wheel size for me... so is it actually true? And if it is true, when will Ventana begin selling the frame? I'm definitely interested in getting one.

Teresa's Response:
Hi Michael,
It is true that we are going to be selling El Bastardo 650b frame.  Right now Sherwood is working all the final numbers so I don’t have geometry details or pricing yet.  It should be available mid- to late-March.

Stans 355 rims or Velocity Blunt rims?

Anyone have any feedback on the pros and cons of these two rims in 650b? 

Got my Pacenti 650b steel hardtail frame ordered last week.
Got a set of I9 classic hubs being laced up to a set of Stans 355 ZTR  rims using DTSwiss  DB Champion spokes.
Ordered a Neo-Moto for the front wheel and a Quasi-Moto for the rear.
Ordered a White Brothers Magic 100mm fork.

Just got to get a few other minor things together and I'll be ready for the build once the frame arrives. Can't wait to get this thing together and start rolling on it!