I realise this 700c vs. 650b debate has been done to death, but...
I've got an 2018 Arkose currently running with 650b wheels, for no other reason than I had them laying around when I built it.
But I think I'd rather go 700c, given you can fit a Wtb Riddler 700x45mm in an Arkose, which has to roll better than a 650bx47mm (I can't see how +2mm of volume is going to make up for a ~40mm loss in diameter).
The only reason to stick with 650b seems to be if I can go significantly larger than 47mm. Problem is that many gravel bikes (Arkose included) specify 650bx50mm as the max, but the majority of fast rolling XC tyres I can think of are 53-54mm (2.1"). Then there is the influence of rim width and manufacturers honesty about size...
So what mtb tyres are people using on things like an Arkose with no issues? (I'm struggling to find info on most of the below)
Narrow 650b MTB options I can think of are:
Schwalbe (all 2.1")
Thunder Burt
Racing Ralph
G-One Allround (technically a 'gravel' model I suppose)
Maxxis
2.1"
Pace
Aspen
Crossmark
Tread Lite (this looks perfect, if it fits)
2.0"
Race TT (pictures in another thread confirm these fit the Arkose)
Vittoria (both 2.1")
Mezcal
Peyote
WTB
Ranger (2.0")
Nano (2.1", no tubeless version though it seems)
Specialised Fast Track (2.1")
Mavic Pulse something
Im confused about what you are trying to achieve. What benefit do you expect by going from 650 x 47 to 650 x 50 or 53?
I like the 650b format on gravel bikes but unfortunately we are playing a waiting game for tyre manufacturers to catch up and give us some choice in this format.
I have a pair of 2.0 fast traks and also a pair of 2.1 crossride pulse, both were on my NS RAG+
on second wheelset so in VVGC but now running only 700c. Either pair for £20 posted or both for £30.
Im confused about what you are trying to achieve. What benefit do you expect by going from 650 x 47 to 650 x 50 or 53?
I'm trying to play that game where I prevent myself making an expensive and significant modification to my build, yet again 🙂
And surely the increase is significant? (53^2 / 47^2 = 127%)
Scruff -- thanks, I'll have a think. The Mavic's could work, but ideally I'd like something more semi-slick like
And surely the increase is significant? (53^2 / 47^2 = 127%)
Yes it is, what I actually meant though was what are you gaining in the real world, not on paper. What will you be able to do or benefit from with those bigger tyres?
As an example, I just went from 50mm Xplor`s down to 42mm Resolutes with no discernable loss of comfort.
I've ridden Thunder Burts on my Bokeh for a while and they're pretty good but the Bokeh has good clearance in the forks. Herself's Quirk with Rodeo Adventure Labs Spork2.0 don't have enough clearance. And we have a pair of Fast Track which I might use at GD5050.
Yes it is, what I actually meant though was what are you gaining in the real world, not on paper. What will you be able to do or benefit from with those bigger tyres?
Fair point. I restrict myself to two bikes, so am always trying to make them both do a very broad range of stuff, often I end up on a somewhat futile quest...
Fair point. I restrict myself to two bikes, so am always trying to make them both do a very broad range of stuff, often I end up on a somewhat futile quest…
Check out this 2 part article.... sums it up for me.
Problem is you are trying to make the most versatile bike on the market, more versatile.
Good link, thanks.
I certainly would prefer to stick wheelset and just alter tyre pressures for each ride. But it is a lot to ask as sometimes I'll be heading out for a 100 mile ride 100% on road, other times linking rocky bridleways together with roads.
The Horizon's I have now are pretty good for that. This bike doesn't see much mud, even if it does go well beyond forest roads, so slicks are all good.
I do like the idea of some 650bx2.1" fast rolling mtb tyres on one set of wheels, and 700x38mm on another though...
