Other than the CAT Cheetah, are there other major tri bikes that are larger sizes 56, 58, etc that run 650c wheels? I understand that you can get a custom maker to do just about anything, just wasn’t sure if anyone other than custom makers was doing it these days.
Thanks
Pretty sure custom is your only option, if you really wanted it. Not many folks use 650 on anythign any longer.
Used is your primary option. Lots of Cervelos floating around in those sizes.
Chris
I’ve got a Cannondale MS2000 in 56 and 650c that will probably up for sale soon.
As others have said, used or custom.
What Cervelo tri bike comes with 650c in those sizes?
I have a friend that has a Softride size lg with 650 if you can find a used one
.
P2 aluminum came in 56 and 58, and P3 aluminum came in 54 and 57. Kestrel made the KM40 Airfoil in 56, and TiSport made titanium frames for Mongoose all the way up to 60cm. The Softride Rocket came in Medium and Large, and the FasTT came in Medium (which is a pretty large bicycle).
I have the P2 in 58 that I would be willing to sell, but it requires a minimum of 36" of saddle height, so not many people would fit it.
Chris
I have an old Felt B2 hanging in the garage that I’ll give you. I almost tossed in the trash the other day. I thinks its a 58. Aluminum. I have some Zipp 404 that I’l sell you to go with it.
Larry
Wow, I didn’t realize they offered both the P2 and the P3 in 650 that big. That’s cool. I am not looking to buy anything now, was more curious, possibly in the future. It is a shame that 700 has become the standard these days in some ways.
If you look around on ebay, you can find some frames that fit what you’re looking for. Two years ago, I bought a NOS Mongoose titanium tri frame for $275 with fork. Built it up with 9 speed for a song. Very nice frame. You’ll find them on there occasionally. Also, Softride would be a good way to go. Look at the sale center at R&A Cycles. They’ve got a few NOS Softrides in 650.
somebody put up a photo of an ebay-ed serotta a year or so ago, huge bike with 650s.
it made it pretty clear why there aren’t more large bikes with 650s, as it looked really really dumb.
to the op, if you’re willing to ride a bike that looks dumb, more power to you. you’ll get some comments, though.
Dumb is a little harsh. Unsual maybe, but not dumb. On the other hand, a larger frame in 650s is a great way to go to get a nice bike at a relatively inexpensive price. Wheels are less expensive, too. Gotta carry your own tubes, though – few are going to have a spare if you flat on a group ride.
I just sold a size 57 with 650s - it was a model year 2000. Not sure about later years…
I built myself a 56.5cm with 650c a few years ago but sold it to fund another design idea I had (Ti dirt jumper taht I still have not built ). I can build you a custom titanium frame for around $1075. If interested see www.PrideCyclesUSA.com or email me at jimmy.atkins@pridecyclesusa.com. I love 650 wheels, I like the “nimble and snappy” feel they give. I just sold my 650c Rolf Vector Pro wheels on ebay. I’m gonna have Troy at Ligero Wheel Works build me another set one day. He showed me a set of ceramic coated wheels he built and I fell in love with them.
Cervelo made those bikes big but they also said that unless you NEED the 650 bike to get that low, that it was slower overall. (althought, insignificantly so)
Wow, I didn’t realize they offered both the P2 and the P3 in 650 that big. That’s cool. I am not looking to buy anything now, was more curious, possibly in the future. It is a shame that 700 has become the standard these days in some ways.
The funny part is that the P2 (which only came in 650c) is BARELY measurably faster than the P3, even though the head tube was longer and the seat stays were much narrower and better shaped. The P3 is about 20 times more comfortable for anything over 10 miles or so.
Chris
somebody put up a photo of an ebay-ed serotta a year or so ago, huge bike with 650s.
it made it pretty clear why there aren’t more large bikes with 650s, as it looked really really dumb.
to the op, if you’re willing to ride a bike that looks dumb, more power to you. you’ll get some comments, though.
Depended on the frame design how it looked. It took people about 6 months to realize the 58cm mongoose had 650s on it. The frame looks much more proportional than a lot of them did.
I am riding an old 55cm Litespeed Blade and it has 650c wheels on it. To me it doesn’t look any more out of proportion than my friend’s 51cm bike that is wearing 700’s. I guess if it was bigger than 55cm then I might have a different opinion, however.
I´m in the process of building up a 59 Canyon Speedmax3, from about 2002 I think.
It only cost €53 on eBuy and is in great condition.
650 is the way to go to get some serious bargains. I got a nearly-new wheelset for €73 shipped too (Mavic with Ultegra hubs I think).
If anyone´s interested I post up piccies when the build is done. My budget is €200 and I think I´ll come in under!
Personally I can´t understand the prejudice against bikes with 26" wheels. But hey, if it means they´re cheaper second-hand, then great!
Well then according to your logic I’m dumb (perhaps dumber). I bought a TREK Hilo 2000 a few years ago. I’m 6’1". the frame is a 60 & the wheels are 650c. Used the bike in Kona, all over the US & in New Zealand & no negative comments. Perhaps I don’t ride in the rarified pretentious air as you do.