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Tempo vs S12S LTD for 650b

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Tempo vs S12S LTD for 650b

Old 01-12-20, 02:29 PM
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etherhuffer 
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Tempo vs S12S LTD for 650b

I have both frames, 64 cm. I would like to do a 650b conversion. The Fuji is heavier, Tempo less so. Any experiences with these? I see some where folks have cold set the chain stays for clearances. For clearances, the Fuji seems better
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Old 01-12-20, 02:55 PM
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I'd go with whatever has the most clearance tire, but brake reach and bottom bracket height are also key issues. How do those measure up on the two frames?
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Old 01-12-20, 03:05 PM
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Calipers and rulers coming out
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Old 01-12-20, 07:12 PM
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I wouldn't want to invest in that particular Fuji frame. Not "mid-level" enough.
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Old 01-12-20, 07:21 PM
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The Fuji. I'm pretty sure the chainstays are longer, trail is lower, it has better clearances, and it looks less like a racing bike.
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Old 01-12-20, 07:50 PM
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Clearances on the Tempo will be tight, although it's a much better frame.
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Old 01-12-20, 08:32 PM
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I actually like converting go-fast frames to 650B. It smooths them out but doesn't lose the attributes of lightweight climbing. My Lemond is an example (with 38mm x 650B tires):

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Old 01-12-20, 08:55 PM
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I had an 87 Tempo and Fuji S12-s. I converted the Fuji and it was fairly simple with plenty of room for the fat tires.


I had more plans for it but this is how I finished with it.

Very smoother rider and surprisingly fast when I got on it. Built it to use on Sunday rides when recovering from long Saturday rides. Just found I was taking out the Opus III for that purpose more so I sold this locally to a guy who is loving it.
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Old 01-13-20, 06:25 AM
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Both. Fuji is a heavy low trail touring bike that will take 42mm tires. The Tempo is a light not low trail race bike that will take 38mm tires. You definatly need both. I have the same frames, so ask me how it all worked out in ten years......
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Old 01-13-20, 08:22 AM
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Check the bottom bracket drop. I measured my Tempo, and it was 75mm, which is a little low, especially if you use long cranks. I didn't try to put 650Bs on it. I think you might be able to use sidepulls on the Tempo, but the Fuji might require Dia-Comp 750s, or MAFAC Raids or copies of the latter. I happen to like CP's, especially with brazed on posts . I also like wider tires; I think the Fuji would be a better candidate;
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Old 01-13-20, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by etherhuffer
I have both frames, 64 cm. I would like to do a 650b conversion. The Fuji is heavier, Tempo less so. Any experiences with these? I see some where folks have cold set the chain stays for clearances. For clearances, the Fuji seems better
What year is your Tempo?

I was able to put 38mm tires with fenders on a 1985. Rode very nicely.


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Old 01-13-20, 01:43 PM
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If you average all the responses out, it looks like you've got to convert both. That's the jury's verdict.
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Old 01-13-20, 09:15 PM
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Guilty as charged!
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Old 01-13-20, 11:28 PM
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Buy/build the wheels first, buy the long-reach brakes, then try them on both frames.
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Old 01-14-20, 09:44 AM
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That's a tough one. Fuji for the smoothness, Tempo for the sprightly ride.

I converted my Lemond Ti. I have 38mm tires, and they are very, very tight. If the wheel goes out of true, I won't be able to ride. I'm not sure I'll keep it this way. Eventually, I will try the wheels on my McLean which has more clearance. I might not even keep the Lemond. It's nice, but maybe it's just not for me.

Lemond:



McLean:

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Old 01-19-20, 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by ironwood
If you average all the responses out, it looks like you've got to convert both. That's the jury's verdict.
Oh crap! You're right! Ha ha!
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Old 01-19-20, 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by abshipp
What year is your Tempo?

I was able to put 38mm tires with fenders on a 1985. Rode very nicely.


1987 Tempo. Did you coldset
the chainstays?
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Old 01-19-20, 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bark_eater
Both. Fuji is a heavy low trail touring bike that will take 42mm tires. The Tempo is a light not low trail race bike that will take 38mm tires. You definatly need both. I have the same frames, so ask me how it all worked out in ten years......
Yeah. I would like fenders, Fuji would be better. I could rerake the fork on the Tempo for trail. So many choices
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Old 01-20-20, 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by etherhuffer
1987 Tempo. Did you coldset
the chainstays?
I had a 1987 years ago. I seem to remember max tire size being 25mm on that one. I could squeeze in 28mm on my 1985.

On the 1985 pictured I spread the dropouts to 135mm, but no crimping for tire clearance.
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Old 04-15-20, 10:41 PM
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Reviving this and thanks to all on comments and photos of conversions. Nice rides
New question: Re-space the rear to 130 or 135mm? I don't plan on exceeding seven speeds in the rear. Chainline issues?
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Old 04-15-20, 11:22 PM
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7-speed should only require ~126mm.
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Originally Posted by chandltp
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Originally Posted by noglider
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Old 04-15-20, 11:39 PM
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True. Thinking about hub choices. Have not sorted out choices yet. I don't need high end stuff.
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