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Hey there, so I'm thinking of getting a patrol or suppressor frame.
As I have wheels, drivetrain etc etc from my other bike I'm thinking I could get a suppressor and save some cash by using a lot of what I have already. If in the future I wanted to run 650b wheels what effect would it have on geometry? Having looked at the specs, chain stay looks to be the same on both frames.
Would using a 650b pike make much difference on the suppressor?
Am I just worrying far too much and I should just get a suppressor or patrol and use it as intended? Has anyone done something similar with 26inch frames before and running them with 650b?
Cheers
The patrol is 27.5. You would have to check that there would be enough rear clearance to run bigger wheels on the suppressor.
I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be enough space on the rear of the Suppressor to run 650b unless a very low-volume tyre.
If you're going to the expense of a new frame - and they are fantastic bikes - then surely you don't want to cut corners? Your drivetrain, brakes, finishing kit, etc can all be used - but I'd build in the price of new wheels and fork if I were you. If you've got decent hubs, why not have a nice new set of wheels built? If not, an inexpensive set of Mavic, Hope, or similar wheels need only cost a small-ish amount and will help you get the most out of your new frame.
If you'd like to have a test-ride before deciding, give us a shout - we'll have a Patrol demo set up shortly.
Isn't the Bansheee Rune 26/27.5 convertable? In times of indecision I would go for that..
http://www.bansheebikes.com/bikes_page/banshee-rune-mountain-bike/
Looking at the photos and geometry, I don't think you'll fit a 27.5 wheel in the back of a Supressor because of the seat stay brace position. On the other hand, with 26" wheels in the Patrol the 15mm BB drop and recommended 35% sag would give a 327mm static BB height and 272mm sagged BB height - very very low! They look like great frames but not compatible with the other wheel sizes.
If you want something similarly competent uphill but hilarious downhill a Banshee Spitfire (160F/140R) or Rune (180-160F/160R) would be comparable but with swappable dropouts and adjustable geometry to work great with either wheel size. I've had a Spitfire for a year and can't fault it:
http://brightonmtb.org/2015/01/31/a-review-banshee-spitfire-v2/
Yeah I have thought about the rune actually..
If the chainstays are 430mm on both though, wouldn't you have more tyre clearance with a 26 wheel and therefore the 650 wheel would fit in both if it fits in the patrol, or am I missing something?
I think I'll probably just go with the patrol anyway..
Ah hadn't looked at the seat stay bridge..
Rob, you're missing the brace that joins the seatstays where they meet the rocker that actuates the shock. Looks too close for 27.5 comfort on the Suppressor.
I think there's something special about the 160F/140R combo of the Spitfire - it has the geometry of a modern long/low/slack 160mm bike and the fork to handle all the gnarr whilst the back end just pumps, pedals and communicates that much better than an equally good 160mm rear end - and because there's lots of progression in the linkage design it takes more force to bottom out than most 160mm bikes would when running the same settings. Probably not the plushest rear in the world but it has tons of grip and control and loves sticking it through rock gardens at speed.