Surly Straggler 650B convert to 26?
02-08-16, 03:16 PM
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Surly Straggler 650B convert to 26?
I am intrigued by Bicycle Quarterly's idea of an "Allroad Enduro" bike. I'm wondering about using a Surly Straggler 650B frame and using 26 inch wheels on it. Thoughts, suggestions? Will it work?
02-08-16, 03:34 PM
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It might. Do you have the bike? Or are you looking?
So the idea is to accommodate a mid sized fat tire (26x3?)
It looks like the forks should accommodate a 26x3 tire. The seat stays might. I can't tell about the chainstays. Disc brakes would be a huge benefit for the conversion.
How wide of rear hubs are recommended for the conversion? I know with my fat conversion, 24x4 1/4, the bottom bracket and chain line is a bit of a problem, and I do rub slightly in the lowest gear in the rear.
So the idea is to accommodate a mid sized fat tire (26x3?)
It looks like the forks should accommodate a 26x3 tire. The seat stays might. I can't tell about the chainstays. Disc brakes would be a huge benefit for the conversion.
How wide of rear hubs are recommended for the conversion? I know with my fat conversion, 24x4 1/4, the bottom bracket and chain line is a bit of a problem, and I do rub slightly in the lowest gear in the rear.
02-08-16, 06:30 PM
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I'm looking. And hence asking the question. I have a 650B bike now but it maxes out at 42 width. I'd like to get a little more off road ability with a 50mm or so tire.
It would be great to run wider at times too. Especially in the winter.
My main concern is BB being too low. Also whether or not there would be enough clearance for a 50mm or 54mm tire at the chainstays and seatstays.
It would be great to run wider at times too. Especially in the winter.
My main concern is BB being too low. Also whether or not there would be enough clearance for a 50mm or 54mm tire at the chainstays and seatstays.
02-08-16, 07:17 PM
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I don't have the frame. Maybe someone can measure the fork width, chainstay, and seatstay clearances.
As far as BB clearance.
650b is 584mm
26" is 559mm.
Or, 25mm difference. Half that (radius) is 12.5mm.
Surly sells the Straggler with 650x41 tires.
I would expect the bike to also be fine with 650b x 1.5" (38mm) tires.
So, say you go with a 50mm tire, the profile will be about 9mm taller, and 4.5mm wider (each side) than stock.
So, going to (FULLY INFLATED) 26"x50mm, your BB drop should be about 3.5mm, or about exactly the same as going with the 650b x 38mm tires.
Less drop with wider/taller tires. So, a 26x2.2 (55mm) would be slightly taller than the 650bx41.
The difference, of course, is that if you run them at low pressure, the BB may actually sit a little lower, or bounce lower when riding.
I saw a note that the Straggler had a 72mm bottom bracket drop, slightly more (lower) than the typical 26" (61mm?), but you're wanting to run awfully large tires.
Going with disc brakes, you don't have to worry about cantilever brakes fitting.
As far as BB clearance.
650b is 584mm
26" is 559mm.
Or, 25mm difference. Half that (radius) is 12.5mm.
Surly sells the Straggler with 650x41 tires.
I would expect the bike to also be fine with 650b x 1.5" (38mm) tires.
So, say you go with a 50mm tire, the profile will be about 9mm taller, and 4.5mm wider (each side) than stock.
So, going to (FULLY INFLATED) 26"x50mm, your BB drop should be about 3.5mm, or about exactly the same as going with the 650b x 38mm tires.
Less drop with wider/taller tires. So, a 26x2.2 (55mm) would be slightly taller than the 650bx41.
The difference, of course, is that if you run them at low pressure, the BB may actually sit a little lower, or bounce lower when riding.
I saw a note that the Straggler had a 72mm bottom bracket drop, slightly more (lower) than the typical 26" (61mm?), but you're wanting to run awfully large tires.
Going with disc brakes, you don't have to worry about cantilever brakes fitting.
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