2014 Kona Unit. Will 650b work on it?
09-29-18, 11:34 AM
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2014 Kona Unit. Will 650b work on it?
I see the newer Units can do both 29r and 27.5+. Not too savvy with bike tech--how could I determine if 650b would work well on a 2014 Unit?
KONA BIKES | 2014 BIKES | TRAIL 29" HT | UNIT
KONA BIKES | 2014 BIKES | TRAIL 29" HT | UNIT
09-29-18, 11:53 AM
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I think 27.5 = 650b. 27.5+ just uses a super fat tire to get close in overall diameter to a 29. Don't see why you couldn't' run regular tires on a 27.5/650 wheel, should work fine other than changing the geometry slightly.
09-29-18, 11:59 AM
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I always thought 27.5 was bigger, but yeah apparently it's the same rim size as 650B.
https://www.rei.com/blog/cycle/advan...ng-27-5-wheels
https://www.rei.com/blog/cycle/advan...ng-27-5-wheels
09-29-18, 12:12 PM
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Thanks. Yeah, I thought 650b and 27.5 were the same as well. Just wondering if there's any other consideration that could make it not a great idea. I'm a little guy and while it's been fun, 29rs have always been pretty "wagon wheel" feeling for me. I notice much improved handling in tight situations on my 650b bike. The question I guess would be if it's worth putting the $ into new wheels for this as an experiment, or just sell it and look for a ss that's already 27.5.
Last edited by pbass; 09-29-18 at 12:24 PM.
09-29-18, 12:36 PM
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It will lower your BB a little bit so if you ride rocky terrain pedal strikes are something to think about. Will also change your gearing a little. It can be done, but using 27.5 wheels on a frame designed for that wheel size is optimal.
09-29-18, 02:15 PM
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Yep, I hear ya. I do ride in rocky SoCal. And looking at prices for wheelsets, it just doesn't make a lot of sense to try this only to discover it doesn't ride well.
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