I have read a lot of post on this forum regarding the 650c vs. 700 debate and I hate to add to it; however, here goes: I used to ride a 700c Kestrel 4000 and when looking for a new bike liked how the Ti bikes felt and put my money down to get a Ti Phoon in 2003; however, I could not get it in the 700 size and was forced to sell my race wheels and go with 650c wheels. My bike times were as fast as ever and I was happy with my bike…until this past month a crack whore without any license or insurance plowed into me and damged my bike. My insurance is taking care of the bike, which leaves me with the dilemma. Now that the Blade and Ti-Phoon is all custom, what bike do I go with? What is the difference? I am 5’8" and currently have (had) a 53cm bike. Everyone at the bike shop recommends that I go with the 700 now. I see Tom Demerly is around my size and I believe he rides a 650c bike and I believe Dan rides a Ti Phoon as well (I think it may be 650c as well). My question is, if you are at the 5’7-5’8" range and can go either way with a custom bike which bike would be the best relative to pure speed and fit. If the ti bikes that ABG make are custom for the Blade and Ti-Phoon and I believe you can specify they use either version of Ti (6/4 or 3/2) along with frame geometry and size of tubes, why wouldn’t you order the custom Ti-phoon which is about a grand cheaper then the Litespeed and why is the Litespeed that much more? I see the Blade weighs in a bit more then the Ti-Phoon; however, I believe that is from the different Ti and higher seat tube length. Any other differences I should consider? Any and all replies are welcome.
Greg
Remember, the reason for 650c wheels was so that you could get low enough up front. A good tri bike has say a 10cm headtube. Add a 700c wheel under that. Stem slammed all the way down on the headset cover, and you might not be able to get low enough up front, relative to your seat height if you are under 5’-7".
The other benefit of the 650c wheels is getting them cheaper of e-bay and running a cool looking monster 54 front chainring to make up for the smaller tires and not frying your legs 