I'm a 5'5" guy looking to buy a used bike. One option is a lightly used 2013 Kestrel 4000 SL with 650c wheels. Will I have problems finding race wheels, tires, tubes, etc.? I know there's some out there now, but I'm trying to figure out if this could become a problem in the next 5 years or so.
Triathlon Forum
Login required to started new threads
Login required to post replies
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [kstoltzfus]
[ In reply to ]
Continental GP5000 tires are available in 650 size.
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [kstoltzfus]
[ In reply to ]
If you're worried, you can always stock up now. I change my tires every off-season, but that's for not reason really. I could probably stretch a set of Contis 3-4 seasons given the amount of use (or lack thereof) my TT bike sees.
Strava
Strava
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [kstoltzfus]
[ In reply to ]
We opened new molds on 650c wheels last year. disc, 88, 45 rears and 88 and 45 fronts.
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [kstoltzfus]
[ In reply to ]
The downsides are that your wheel/tire options will be more limited...but it won't be like you can't find any (as mentioned, top tires like the GP5000 are available in 650c), and that you can't borrow a tube from a friend on a group ride. Even 5yrs from now you should be OK. Heck, you can still find 650c carbon wheels made in the '90s on eBay.
The question is: Is getting a better fitting bike as a result of the 650c wheels worth the above disadvantages?
ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The question is: Is getting a better fitting bike as a result of the 650c wheels worth the above disadvantages?
ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jimatbeyond]
[ In reply to ]
I've been unable to find the GP5000 in a 650C. Where have you found them?
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [Titanflexr]
[ In reply to ]
You can take a 700C tube and stuff it back inside itself and use it in a 650C wheel.
I've done it several times, mostly to use latex tubes.
Where have you seen the GP5000 in a 650C?
I've done it several times, mostly to use latex tubes.
Where have you seen the GP5000 in a 650C?
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jaretj]
[ In reply to ]
I buy Continental tires from Highway Two (the US distributor).
You can buy them on eBay and many other places...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362488159406
You can buy them on eBay and many other places...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362488159406
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jimatbeyond]
[ In reply to ]
That's a 650B
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jaretj]
[ In reply to ]
jaretj wrote:
You can take a 700C tube and stuff it back inside itself and use it in a 650C wheel. I've done it several times, mostly to use latex tubes.
Where have you seen the GP5000 in a 650C?
You're right, it's 650b; the 650c is not available.
ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jaretj]
[ In reply to ]
What size tires are you looking for... 571mm or 584mm?
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jimatbeyond]
[ In reply to ]
650C is a 571
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jaretj]
[ In reply to ]
Which tires are you currently using?
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jimatbeyond]
[ In reply to ]
Schwalbe One 23X571
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jaretj]
[ In reply to ]
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [kstoltzfus]
[ In reply to ]
I have three Tri bikes, and one of them is a Kestrel KM 40 with 650c wheels. I think the bike is about 20 years old and I’ve been hearing about the wheels going extinct for probably the last 15. Never had a problem and actually got some great deals on race wheels. Recumbent bikes use 650c. Wouldn’t be surprised if they make a comeback with the way the bike industry constantly changes wheels.
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jimatbeyond]
[ In reply to ]
jimatbeyond wrote:
Continental GP5000 tires are available in 650 size.Incorrect, they are available in 650B not 650C
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [lyrrad]
[ In reply to ]
I said "650".
I did not specify B or C.
I did not specify B or C.
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [jimatbeyond]
[ In reply to ]
They are old Grand Prix 90's tech.
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [Titanflexr]
[ In reply to ]
Quote:
and that you can't borrow a tube from a friend on a group rideIf needed you can use a 700c tube in a 650c wheel...
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [dkennison]
[ In reply to ]
dkennison wrote:
We opened new molds on 650c wheels last year. disc, 88, 45 rears and 88 and 45 fronts.25mm is definitely too wide to fit the Kestrel 4000 frame
Re: Is buying a 650c bike a bad idea? [kstoltzfus]
[ In reply to ]
choice is very limited for tyres and almost non existing for wheels. possibly 650c will return at some time, but they will have wide rims and disc brake hubs, so pretty useless for older bikes
I am also 5'5" male . . . well, I have to stand up really straight to get that 5'5"! . . . and I ride a 700c bike just fine. I think if you are looking at used bikes there are always going to be good deals to be found if you have some patience. The hassles of 650c are not worth it IMO.
Dimond Bikes Superfan
Dimond Bikes Superfan