I’m really getting tired of the limited wheel and tire selection for 650c and while looking at tri bikes websites, almost all force you into 650c if the frame is less than 55cm in size. What I don’t get is why? I’ve read all the Slowtwitch and Bikesport, etc. articles, and currently have a 78 degree, 650c wheel tribike. But looking for 650c wheels and tires, I’ve found I either go low end, or very high where as if I was on 700c my choices would be greatly improved. Now, I could just get a road frame, and build it that was but then I would have to go to a forward post, shorter aerobars, blah blah blah. Does anyone know of a manufacturer (other than going custom) that builds 700c tribikes (76-78 degrees) in sizes like 53, 52 cm?
On a frame that size your head tube length might keep you from getting the handlebars low enough,but you can always use a stem with a lot of drop(might be hard to find) or use a adjustable stem
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Well after my little rant/fit there, I clicked on the Cervelo link just to check one more biker maker. So here’s where I got egg on my face. All the way back to the Cervelo One model, you can get 700c wheel down to a 51cm frame. Why is this not available with most companies? Oh well, guess gerard will get my next purchase.
It’s simple: because unless you want to use a severely down-angled stem, that is the only way to get the aerobars low enough relative to the saddle.
If you like having your aerobars way up high so that you punch a big ol’ hole in the air, then you don’t need a steep-angled tri bike in the first place - just slap some shorty aero bars on a road bike, and skip the forward seatpost.
Cervelo makes small size 700 frames in all their tri bikes - Dual, P2K and P3.
I’m not totally sold on 650’s unless you’re a smaller size (under 5’7") and see no point for 650 with taller people. I fall into “no man’s land” at 5’10" where it could be either or.
I hear what you are saying. I have been involved with the sport of triathlon and cycling for a very long time. Have always ridden 700c bikes so never had a problem getting the wheels/tires that I needed. However, my girlfriend recently bought a 650c tribike and I must say that the selection of clincher tires( in Canada) is terrible. It’s essentially all high end that’s available( $70+/tire) Meanwhile, I can get a decent set of clincer tires for my bike for less than $30/tire.
Look towards the Javelin Arcole. The Arcole is also made as a 700c bike all the way down to the 51 size. As a racer that has riden both the P3 and the Arcole, I would recomend taking the time to test ride the Arcole as well as the P3
Felt Road frames are 700c and have 76 degree seat angles in the 52cm frame size. Great riding bikes and incredible value. Bikesport in Michigan sells them and have set up more than one for use with aero bars.