B-reign

[surlypaul]

my one and only all-purpose bike, just got a little better. :D

just wanted to post up my reign with newly-laced wheelset....yes the front wheel is taller than the rear, it's a 650B rim (stan's ztr355) with neo-moto 650Bx2.3 tire:

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v252/18/47/632246498/n632246498_927821_1705.jpg

ummm, what can i say? it rides like a bike!

the ridable/noticeable difference between the wheel sizes is subtle.

it is about the same total outer diameter as michelin's largest 2.7 tire, but without the weight!

it fills up the fox 36 nicely with no clearance issues (tested it fully deflated and compressed and has about 3/4 inch between the top of the knobbies and the steerer crown/arch combined.

after a few 3-4 hour rides, and many more short 1-2 hour rides i'm totally and completely convinced of it's slight/subtle advantages.

[K-Man]

ummm, what can i say? it rides like a bike!


That's it? C'mon tell us more about the ride.

[surlypaul]

haha, ok then!

it's like adding just a tad more confidence to an already confidence-inspiring ride.

mostly mental i'm sure, but it really does seem to go over anything i usually go over just that much better.

it's got a barely perceptible increase in BB height, another subtle, positive, difference.

i run the fork at 140mm (was a TALAS, got a float plunger and "fixed" the travel) and the rear at 160mm, both with ~25% sag, same as when it was 26/26.

so yeah, it's not a wholly life changing difference (like the one i experienced when transitioning from a woods-oriented kx250 to a pedal-powered "mountain bike" wayy back in 1997, a change from which i have never really looked back too!) but it is a change i would highly recommend!

[Hand/of/Midas]

interesting. thought about doing this on my rigid SS, but current lack of tire choices is currently quite annoying.

[K-Man]

Cool.

I'm with you... I tend to like a BB that's a little higher than normal, good for getting over obstacles and powering thru rough stuff.

[surlypaul]

the neo-moto is a really good all-around tire. LOL, nvrmind the choices!

i've ridden nae much else besides conti vert-pro 2.3's on all my bikes since 2002-ish, and having gone to this tire i'm in no way disappointed.

a kenda nevegal 2.3 and 2.1 should be due out pretty soon (and to me it wouldn't be that big a difference as the tread patterns are similar) and pacenti is scheduled to release a 2.1 semi-slick called the quasi-moto any day now, so tire choices are gonna get a little better very soon.

[rockyrider]

It would be interesting to see if 650B becomes the Goldilocks "not too big, not too small, just right" choice for MTB use.

[Hand/of/Midas]

Cool.

I'm with you... I tend to like a BB that's a little higher than normal, good for getting over obstacles and powering thru rough stuff.

i like em low, but i like to ride roller coaster blue groove trails, and you live in the rocky east, so i understand.