Show Us Your 650B Conversions
#826
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,157
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3810 Post(s)
Liked 6,691 Times
in
2,611 Posts
I've always thought of the S12-S as the quintessential sport touring bike, and converting one to 650B increases the utility greatly. Here's one I had for a while, converted to 650B x 38mm wheels. There was certainly room for fenders.
#827
Senior Member
I stand 5' 11" with a 32" inseam, rather long legged and have ridden 58 - 59 cm sized bikes, the Rawland Stag I also use is 58 cm square and fits well enough, though in reality the slightly smaller 56 cm Fuji is better suited. But then I am retired and at an age where being closer to the handlebars is more comfortable. The stem is a Nitto Technomic 70mm with Velo Orange Rando handlebars which are also quite comfortable giving a nice upsweep. Keeps the stem height lower, I also like the " in the drops " design, made all the better by their being splayed outward.
Some other observations are that there is no toe overlap with the front wheel and the bottom bracket drop is still quite good once converted. I cannot help but think the bike was designed with 650b in mind, the Japanese do generally have a thing for French bikes. Or at least they use to so the influence is there.
I was also using 175mm crank arms with no issues, if you study my bike you can get an idea based on my measurements and yours. Of course a longer stem if needed can allow for slight differences in top tube length. The crankset currently in use has 170 mm arms so the seat post went up a bit to compensate. I do not feel cramped while riding at all and my arms are on the longer side but neck issues have had me go with a shorter stem / higher handlebars.
Some other observations are that there is no toe overlap with the front wheel and the bottom bracket drop is still quite good once converted. I cannot help but think the bike was designed with 650b in mind, the Japanese do generally have a thing for French bikes. Or at least they use to so the influence is there.
I was also using 175mm crank arms with no issues, if you study my bike you can get an idea based on my measurements and yours. Of course a longer stem if needed can allow for slight differences in top tube length. The crankset currently in use has 170 mm arms so the seat post went up a bit to compensate. I do not feel cramped while riding at all and my arms are on the longer side but neck issues have had me go with a shorter stem / higher handlebars.
Last edited by VintageRide; 02-10-21 at 05:22 PM.
#828
Senior Member
I like that Lejuene by the way. Had a lower end model made around 1968 in green metallic - nice enough bike in nice condition that would have probably been great converted. It had steel cranks and Rigida rims, Mafac center pulls etc. Unfortunately I sold it after a few months.
#829
Full Member
As far as 650b convertability is concerned, I would say yes. @bear_a_bug did one awhile ago that turned out very nice. Not sure what the frame differences are outside of the LTD version had chrome socks front and rear, at least for the years I've seen.
Woulda kept mine if they had made a 24" frame. The 23" was just slightly undersized for me. Ended up selling it to a friend who really loved it, too.
Likes For bear_a_bug:
#830
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Loved my S-12 S LTD, except for that mouthful of a model name. Chrome socks were a nice upgrade from the usual S-12 S. It's eerie how well they take to 650B conversions, almost like that permutation was considered when it was designed. Weirdest part is how well the chainstay indentations line up and accommodate 650B x 42 tires.
Woulda kept mine if they had made a 24" frame. The 23" was just slightly undersized for me. Ended up selling it to a friend who really loved it, too.
Woulda kept mine if they had made a 24" frame. The 23" was just slightly undersized for me. Ended up selling it to a friend who really loved it, too.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#831
Full Member
#832
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Thanks, @bear_a_bug. I think I sold that model, and you're right, it came with 500g calipers. It really did work out well for you.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#833
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 30
Bikes: 2001 Litespeed Classic, 1997 LeMond Zurich, Ross Mt. Olympus frankenbike
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
7 Posts
Just finished this project, It couldn't have gone smoother. Rims from Cycles Toussaint, 38mm Col deVie tires fit with no chainstay modification (although snug), tektro 556 brakes, and the BB height is the same. (? not sure how I managed that)
#834
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 1,715 Times
in
611 Posts
.
__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#835
Full Member
The now-obligatory Fuji S12-S conversion--- in this case a somewhat oddball variant called the "10th Anniversary" edition, which I think was a celebration of a Boston area shop's relationship with Fuji? I saw a blurry picture on craigslist and the paintjob made me think it was a Touring Series IV, but I was happy to find an S12 and the price was right. The 22" frame is a bit small for me, but this was really an experiment to see how I liked the 650b ride. Now I need to find a 23" S12 ltd frame to put these wheels on...
Very happy with how the Tektro brake calipers work with the original DiaCompe levers... Rims are Pacenti with new 105 hubs.
Original owner put on the triple and the Suntour BL long-cage derailleur, so this thing is ready to climb some hills!
Very happy with how the Tektro brake calipers work with the original DiaCompe levers... Rims are Pacenti with new 105 hubs.
Original owner put on the triple and the Suntour BL long-cage derailleur, so this thing is ready to climb some hills!
Likes For no67el:
#836
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times
in
1,433 Posts
@scaldin it looks like an original design!
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#837
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,964
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
Testing my 650b wheelset in another frame. Now installed in a Schwinn SuperSport.
Likes For Dylansbob:
#838
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
Posts: 4,440
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1167 Post(s)
Liked 992 Times
in
491 Posts
Wow! How does that DA RD handle that amount of chain wrap and sprocket size?
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
#839
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,964
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
I was feeling too lazy to swap the freewheel, so I left the 32t on and just put a cheap hanger extender on it. It *works*, but was skipping around a bit under hard power. Haven't really ridden the bike beforehand, so I don't know if the derailleur is tweaked, the extender is flexing, I can't shift anymore, or maybe, just maybe I'm putting too much power down for the frame.
Those extenders are kinda handy. I used one with a short cage rapid-rise xtr on a 1x with a 42t. That was with a friction shifter, but I think it would have indexed.
Likes For Dylansbob:
#840
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Denver Metro, CO
Posts: 392
Bikes: 1972 Fuji The Finest | 1990 Bianchi Giro | 1999 LeMond Buenos Aires
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 303 Times
in
134 Posts
Love these color combos on this era of Schwinn (late 1980s I think). I see them pop up from now and then around town and am always intrigued. Also like the ubiquitous Ironmans, but something about the white Seat Tubes get my heart rate and blood pressure up! Cool looking conversion!
#841
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,964
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
Love these color combos on this era of Schwinn (late 1980s I think). I see them pop up from now and then around town and am always intrigued. Also like the ubiquitous Ironmans, but something about the white Seat Tubes get my heart rate and blood pressure up! Cool looking conversion!
#842
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chicago
Posts: 93
Bikes: 1973 Jack Taylor ToB, 1974 or '75 LeJeune Champ du Monde (possibly from the Carre Shop), 1971 Motobecane Le Champion, 1980s Rodriguez frame (future 650b conversion project)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 38 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Just helped a friend by the 24” size of this year of super sport! I’m excited to see it as a 650b conversion.
Dylansbob , is there additional clearance for a wider tire or do the Col’ d’ Vie max out that space at around 36mm wide? Also, did those Zac19 rims build up nicely?
thanks for experience!
best,
Dylansbob , is there additional clearance for a wider tire or do the Col’ d’ Vie max out that space at around 36mm wide? Also, did those Zac19 rims build up nicely?
thanks for experience!
best,
#843
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,964
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
Just helped a friend by the 24” size of this year of super sport! I’m excited to see it as a 650b conversion.
Dylansbob , is there additional clearance for a wider tire or do the Col’ d’ Vie max out that space at around 36mm wide? Also, did those Zac19 rims build up nicely?
thanks for experience!
best,
Dylansbob , is there additional clearance for a wider tire or do the Col’ d’ Vie max out that space at around 36mm wide? Also, did those Zac19 rims build up nicely?
thanks for experience!
best,
If I pull the adjusters and slam the wheel all the way back, I can fit a set of Hectre on these rims. I'm not because the clearance is ~2mm and I like to ride my local city mtb park on *all* my bikes. The hectes I have came from the co-op and have a slight wobble in the casing. Clearance everywhere else is fine, maybe even for a fender. If I decide to keep this bike, I may put a slightly deeper crimp than the factory did on the chainstays.
#844
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Chicago
Posts: 93
Bikes: 1973 Jack Taylor ToB, 1974 or '75 LeJeune Champ du Monde (possibly from the Carre Shop), 1971 Motobecane Le Champion, 1980s Rodriguez frame (future 650b conversion project)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 38 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Thanks, Dylansbob ! Great to hear Hetres could possibly fit. And that recent zac19 are a good rim to build up. I have a pair that’s anodized more brown ish than black and an older decal. I had read that the first extrusion was problematic for mounting tires, maybe inaccurate in size by a small amount, making 650b tires slightly too big. I don’t know if I have first or later extrusion. Anyway, thanks for additional annecdotal data.
best,
leif
best,
leif
The Zacs built up pretty nicely. They're a proven, doublewalled extrusion, so they should be at least as strong as my mediocre wheelbuilding skills. I've probably done ~50 wheels in the last decade and still feel like they're ******.
If I pull the adjusters and slam the wheel all the way back, I can fit a set of Hectre on these rims. I'm not because the clearance is ~2mm and I like to ride my local city mtb park on *all* my bikes. The hectes I have came from the co-op and have a slight wobble in the casing. Clearance everywhere else is fine, maybe even for a fender. If I decide to keep this bike, I may put a slightly deeper crimp than the factory did on the chainstays.
If I pull the adjusters and slam the wheel all the way back, I can fit a set of Hectre on these rims. I'm not because the clearance is ~2mm and I like to ride my local city mtb park on *all* my bikes. The hectes I have came from the co-op and have a slight wobble in the casing. Clearance everywhere else is fine, maybe even for a fender. If I decide to keep this bike, I may put a slightly deeper crimp than the factory did on the chainstays.
#845
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
Posts: 4,440
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1167 Post(s)
Liked 992 Times
in
491 Posts
I bought a set of cheap 650b wheels from ebay in 2016 and they used Zac19. They are not the worst rim I’ve ever used, but they aren’t the greatest either. Getting the bead to seat properly was doable, but not as easy as a Grand Bois, Pacenti, or Velocity. You definitely get what you pay for in this case.
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
#846
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Posts: 2,107
Bikes: Road ready: 1993 Koga Miyata City Liner Touring Hybrid, 1989 Centurion Sport DLX, "I Blame GP" Bridgestone CB-1. Projects: Yea, I got a problem....
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 753 Post(s)
Liked 737 Times
in
422 Posts
Anyone know about " Mach1 ER10" rims? Their double wall at least.
https://www.jbi.bike/site/product_de..._number=742431
https://www.jbi.bike/site/product_de..._number=742431
#847
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Eastern Shore, MD
Posts: 2,107
Bikes: Road ready: 1993 Koga Miyata City Liner Touring Hybrid, 1989 Centurion Sport DLX, "I Blame GP" Bridgestone CB-1. Projects: Yea, I got a problem....
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 753 Post(s)
Liked 737 Times
in
422 Posts
#848
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Portland, Cascadia
Posts: 514
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 226 Post(s)
Liked 258 Times
in
112 Posts
I bought a set of cheap 650b wheels from ebay in 2016 and they used Zac19. They are not the worst rim I’ve ever used, but they aren’t the greatest either. Getting the bead to seat properly was doable, but not as easy as a Grand Bois, Pacenti, or Velocity. You definitely get what you pay for in this case.
Likes For GeoffroyFromLux:
#850
2k miles from the midwest
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington
Posts: 1,964
Bikes: ~'75 Colin Laing, '80s Schwinn SuperSport 650b, ex-Backroads ti project...
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 525 Post(s)
Liked 931 Times
in
446 Posts
Finally finished, except for a 46 or 48t chainring and barend caps.
Likes For Dylansbob: