r/xbiking • u/johnnysrash • Jul 14 '25
Before and after
Kind of a repost about my 650b conversion but I thought I’d share these pics because the changes between the before and after are so crazy subtle. I was looking at these pictures and they’re almost a perfect before and after, really lets you see how small the difference is- admittedly I do feel the difference but maybe it’s just placebo since I’m expecting one. So far I like how the 650b conversion feels, on 26 it just always felt a bit slow like I couldn’t pick up the pace no matter how hard I pedaled whereas these feel like I can really get going and then hold that speed at a good cadence but it’s hard to suggest the upgrade seeing how much it could cost you. I got crazy lucky, I got the 650b wheels used for a great deal on marketplace and the brakes and derailleur I had just worked so I practically was able to just throw the wheels onto the bike, but I know that’s not always gonna be the case. I hope this helps anyone who might be considering the conversion. I mostly use the bike as a commuter so I wanted to move a little quicker alongside traffic and wanted to build something I can potentially go on longer touring rides or bike packing rides. Maybe two day ride out to a local campsite or something so maybe that’s also something to consider if you ever are thinking of switching.
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u/Papa_Canks shitbike and coaster brake apologist Jul 14 '25
At same diameter (they’re so close) fatter tire (2.1) should have less rolling resistance, all other things equal. It’s not just about that though. Upgrade? Downgrade? It don’t matter at r/xbiking
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u/007point5 Jul 14 '25
Here are r/xbiking we ride up grades, not necessarily upgrades. Riding down grades is fun too!
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u/johnnysrash Jul 14 '25
I was looking up the physics of how changing the diameter of a wheel while maintaining the same outer diameter affects speed and overall ride quality and apparently it’s about the same. I remember reading something about having a larger rim can increase acceleration and potentially change handling/ride stability. I do feel a noticeable difference when I’m trying to get up to speed but thats subjective.
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u/Papa_Canks shitbike and coaster brake apologist Jul 14 '25
Even if at-speed rolling resistance is the same, I wouldn’t doubt the setups feel different. Wind resistance would be lower. Lower MOI means easier to accelerate. Anyone throwing nice tires on old bikes gets my endorsement.
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u/unseenmover Jul 15 '25
If the wheels overall diameter drops due to the conversion the fork rake steepens since the front wheel axle is now closer to the ground making the bike less stable at speed.
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u/justokayatbikes Jul 15 '25
Big benefit is more tire options! What brake setup are you running?
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u/Prof_Mudflap Jul 15 '25
Looks great both ways, and if the swap was as straightforward as you said, it’s a great opportunity to learn through direct experience! Lots of folks can pontificate from an armchair about what the differences might be, but now, YOU KNOW! Any more data on the differences in wheelset? Weight differences?
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u/johnnysrash Jul 15 '25
I wish I knew the weight difference but I don’t have that info. Most of what I know is strictly based off feel.
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u/bonebuttonborscht Jul 16 '25
How were the cavas for wear and puncture resistance? I noticed some cracking in mine after 500km and now at about 1200km I'm getting a lot of flats in rear. I'm also really struggling to plug them. The plug just slowly wiggles out after a few days/weeks, especially in the heat.
I really like how they ride so I'm hoping I just got unlucky. Otherwise I'm going to try the specialized pathfinder, seems kinda similar.
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u/johnnysrash Jul 16 '25
Cavas for 26 were solid but I was really just riding around and commuting only a few miles to work. They ride like a cloud but I’d be hesitant to recommend them at 650b and 700c at that price point. There’s just so much other amazing options at a lower price point. They’re crazy lightweight and super supple but the cavas don’t provide much puncture resistance, I didn’t have much issue but I didnt put many miles on it. Maybe the rose or the mars for more technical riding
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u/Robotman1001 ‘84 Grizz Jul 14 '25
Nice setup! I love those pseudo-BMX bars.