mhespenheide 

A long shot, but I'll check.

Having moved to Seattle, I want to try drinking the Jan Heine / Frek kool-aid. So I'm looking for a rim-brake frame that can fit 650b 42mm tires and also fenders. I'm hoping to keep the price somewhat reasonable in the first go-around since this whole style is new to me; consequently, I'm hoping to find a frame from the late 70's or early 80's (only saying that because those are more likely to have the clearances that I'm looking for -- happy to consider newer options as well).

Requirements: 61-63cm seat tube (measured center-to-top), ~59cm top tube (measured center-to-center, depending on the seat tube angle).

Secondary points: I'm looking for 8/5/8 tubing. Tange #1 or Reynolds 531. Or others? If you've already tried a conversion and know that it works, that's a huge net positive in my book.

Tertiary points: I'd kind of prefer to avoid French threading and component sizes, but it seems like various Peugeot and Motobecane models are the "best" for conversions, so if that's the way that I need to go, so be it.


I've got an Austro-Daimler and Trek 640 in hand that are close to being right, but the A-D doesn't quite have the clearance and the Trek is a touch small. gugie is graciously looking at a Motobecane on my behalf, so that's a third option already in the mix. There's a Schwinn (Panasonic?) with 9/6/9 Tange Champion #2 tubing on the local Craigslist that should work well, aside from the tubing. A Trek 710 would be the dream, with a Specialized Sequoia a close second. Is anyone holding any other options they want to offer up? Cosmetics aren't important as it will need a refinish after the frame work.

Kilroy1988 

I'll be posting a 24.5" 1972 Raleigh Professional frame for sale soon - that's a 62cm (c-t) seat tube with a 58.5cm (c-c) top tube. It's got a couple little dings in the head tube that can easily be knocked out with a mallet and pipe set in the tube and as can be seen, it could use fresh paint and decals! The chrome is mostly nice with a little scuff here or there. The fork had the paint stripped and the chrome is dull behind the old finish. It belonged to my uncle for decades and I rode the heck out of it after getting it up and going three years ago, beautiful quality. It's made for 700c but I've seen 650b conversions - the member below got his to fit 38mm + fenders.

My '76 Raleigh Pro 650b Conversion / Touring / Rando Bike - Bike Forums

Below is a photo of the frameset I'll be selling. Just need to get some decent photos, it's already stripped down... I'll be asking $200 for it considering the little headtube dings.

I understand if it's not what you want, but the sizing is right and the conversion is possible! Cheers!

-Gregory

GhostRider62

Caliper rim braked? I do not think that is possible with 42mm and fenders. 38mm probably could maybe handled by Tektro 559 calipers? This is something to consider in advance. Yes, I did a conversion and could not fit 42mm with fenders. I used Peter Mooney sport touring frame, it sports some OX Platinum bla bla tubing. Super bike. It won't plane. I did a couple brevets on it and never ride it anymore, it is too slow for me. It is a little small for your requirement, I'm only 6'3''. My only advice would be to figure the brakes and clearances

ehcoplex 

I've converted an '87 Trek 400t and a '72 PX-10 to 650b- both with 42c tires and fenders, and both with rim brakes (Tektro 559 on the Trek, Mafac Raids on the PX-10). The Trek required a little bit of chain stay dimpling for peace-of-mind tire clearance, the PX-10 didn't require anything, though I did spread the rear triangle to fit 126mm hubs. The Trek is nice, but I absolutely love the PX-10 (in spite of it being a little bit small for me). I was eyeing a larger PX-10 frame (25") BF member vonfilm had on offer to replace my slightly-too-small one, but can't really justify the expense at the moment. Maybe he still has it. A Gugified PX-10 would be fantastic (IMO).

evwxxx

I have a nice Holdsworth Mistral frame that is 61cm c to c (62.5 c to t) on seat tube and 59cm c to c on top tube. Of course Reynolds 531 throughout. Good condition, usual paint chips but no dents or dings. Let me know if interested!

jeirvine 

I have this ~1981 Holdsworth Special that works very well for a rim brake 650B conversion. It's a 60cm frame, but I can send some key wheel fit measurements if that would be helpful. Weinmann 750s reach the 650Bs and work fine. It's running VO fenders with Pari-Moto 1.5s which measure 37mm wide. I think there's room for at least 42s.
-John

kroozer 

My 1972 Motobecane Le Champion has ample clearances for 650Bx42 tires and fenders, without any modification. It also has a fairly long wheelbase and relaxed geometry. The Weinmann 750 Vanqueur front brake has enough reach, but the rear needs a drop bolt. Yes, you'll need a French-threaded HS and BB and a 22.0 stem, but so what, they're very easy to find. 650B was mainly a French thing, so IMO a French frame is the most appropriate anyway. Standard Campagnolo dropouts. The later LC's (silver and lilac mid-70's) were much tighter and racier and won't work for this. Look for a 71-73 LC with black/red or blue/white finish.

mhespenheide 

Y'all are awesome! Definitely looking into these.

Using either cantilevers, or Mafac Raids (preferably with brazed-on frame mounts), or Paul Racer brakes (again, preferably with brazed-on frame mounts). Rene Herse sells modern equivalents today, too, but they're more expensive than I prefer.

nesteel 

IIRC, I have a 24"(61cm) Trek 710 frameset in the basement. Will confirm when I get home from work.
I might still have a 24" 728 frameset too.

nesteel 

1982 Trek 710 24" C-T seat tube, 22.75" C-C top tube Tired paint, scratches, chips, etc...but original.
1982 720 (728?) 24" C-T seat tube, 22.75" C-C top tube. Recent custom powder coat, previous owner had some mods done before PC'ing it (FD tab, front brake mount lowered, etc..)
1992 Bridgestone RB-2 24" C-T seat tube, 23.5" C-C top tube. Presentable original paint.

swen0171 

Are these for sale? Asking for a friend…

mhespenheide 

I love the idea of these, but the top tubes are too short. I've got a 640 frameset in the basement that has that length of top tube and it's just a touch too small. Thank you for checking!

Robvolz 

Portland’s Bike farm co-op has a 62 Raleigh from 1973.

I think it’s listed for either $100 or $75.

only a three hour drive away.

Tall, vintage, and not a whole bike. Although we have all the other parts as needed.

randyjawa 

$50.00 US plus shipping for frame and fork only.

Velo Sport Prestige, 62cm (as I recall), Tange #2 tube set...