After taking some time off from training I am getting back into it and what better way than a new bike? So I am considering 650c vs. 700c tri bikes (felt, cervelo, QR ect). Does anyone have experience with how a 650c wheel bike and 700c differ in fit and handling? I fit well on a Litespeed Saber frame in 53cm size and OK on a Felt s22 in 54cm (both 650c bikes). I know that the 650c vs. 700c question is often argued but let me know what you think if you have ridden both. Thanks
Depending on body size and position. I would consider 650 only, if you are sure to ride steep (>= 77,5 degrees).
<170cm: go 650
170-180: doesnt matter - I chose 700 for 176 because my preferred wheelset is only available at 700 (www.xentis.at)
180: go 700
Of corse there are all kinds of exceptions …
I agree with adal, I think it’s basically a fit issue. BUT, IF you can fit just as well on a 700 as a 650, it depends upon something else…do you like to buy used wheels? It seems to me that the used 650’s are cheaper than used 700’s…although the tubes/tires for 650’s are a little harder to find…and if you have a flat or some other wheel mishap, there will be fewer athletes around with a 650 replacement you can bum.
I’ve never ridden a 650, but, I THINK they tend to be a little more harsh riding…different enough to discern from a 700? Don’t know. It would make sense that a slightly smaller wheel would be slightly stronger, though! If you are really heavy, maybe a 650 would be a better choice for that reason? I imagine that the contact patch is just a little smaller on a 650…enough to make a difference? Don’t know.
All that said, I’d go for 700 if I can fit on a bike with 700.
I made a tough decision to go from 650c to 700c this year. It’s still too early to tell, but for me it appears to be a wash. I went from a 53cm Litespeed Saber to a 53cm Guru TriLite.
I always ran a pretty steep seat tube angle and it is harder to get that with the 700c bike, but with some help from my LBS, I’m at 79 degrees on the Guru. Overall, the ride is better, which surprised me going from a titanium bike to an aluminum bike, but I do not feel that it is as responsive getting up to speed from a stop. Nor is it as responsive on hill climbs.
I did do some homework in advance though and measured my positions on the 650c bike and then made some educated guesses on which frame geometry and mfg to go with. In the end I’m happy. The most important thing is that I’m comfortable on the new bike.
For sprint races, I would like to of kept my 650c bike, however for long rides (1/2 IM for me),I’ll take the 700c bike. I was able to make the switch (with the help of E-Bay) for almost no additional funds. I would feel remorse if I had made the change and it cost me thousands of $'s.
I’ll be able to tell you in a couple of weeks; I just made the switch from 700c down to 650c and should have my bike completely set up over the weekend and after riding it for a while I’ll get back to the the thread.
Bryin,
Yaqui (how do you know if you haven’t ridden one!?) and Adal hit it pretty good. I am 5’10 1/2 so I am right in the middle. I have been on 650s the last 8 years and love it, but the truth is, at my size, that it is 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other.
I went from 700 Ti to 650 Aluminum and believe the comfort argument is complete BS. Comfort is: 1. position, 2. tires, seat, handlebar tape. Oh, and for Yaqui and me, how old you are, how many kids you have, and number of prior injuries.
If you don’t need one size or the other based on being either tall or short, I personally don’t think it makes one darn bit of difference. If you need one size or the other for proper fit, then if makes a big difference.
Just ride,
“believe the comfort argument is complete BS”
you’re right. frame materials and wheel size are the last things i’d change if a more comfortable bike was what i was after. other things matter much more.
“believe the comfort argument is complete BS”
you’re right.
What a day! Positive affirmation from Slowman! 6/2/04 2:44pm EST. Some days are good, and others are just great!
I sure am glad I said I didn’t know about the 650 vs 700 comfort and contact patch issues! Can I have some of that affirmation you got david? If you haven’t already used it all up and have any left to spare, that is!
A 650 wheel should be more sturdy though, shouldn’t it?
A 650 wheel should be more sturdy though, shouldn’t it?
Is this jsut bait for Slowman?
Yes, it should be more sturdy, or in the alternative, can be built with fewer spokes (lighter and more aero).
Man, as a Masters father you are worthy of affirmation!
aahhh. Feel much better…thanks.
Hey, at one time this past year I had a 19 year old in engineering and a 19 MONTH old in diapers! Quite a difference, although, in some ways, still similar 