The Transformation; 650b Tires

Throughout the birth of mountain biking about 30 years ago with the upcoming of the first mountain bike sold on the market being the Specialized Stump Jumper which to this day is a leading mountain bike in the trail bike classification, there have been many advances in technology including huge leaps in suspension, frame design and material, and tire size.  With the first few mountain bikes being made out of beach bikes converted with knobby tires into “mountain bikes”. These first make shift mountain bikes made by hippies have changed greatly throughout the years including a great change in the tire size.

The first mountain bikes largely produced until about 10 years ago all ran 26 inch mountain bike tires which allowed for easy handling and sharp turning. With the transformation and production of the 29er wheel size about 10 years ago many bikes including the cross country, and single track bikes gave most bike models the option of having the 29 inch wheel size. This transformation made a huge impact and giant leap in the mountain biking population as more riders found that the 29 inch wheel size had the ability of going faster and carrying speed better. In my case along a select group of others, the 29 inch wheel size wasn’t as appealing as it was being talked up. After riding a 29er for 2 years I found that although the larger wheel size does help with uphill climbing efficiency it is much clumsier around the corners and very awkward when going of the smallest jumps or drop offs. Now with the invention and production of the newest wheel size labeled as the 650b there yet becomes another exhilarating advancement to the mountain biking world. This new 650b wheel size becoming highly produced about 2 years ago is a tire in between the 29er and 26 inch wheel size that allows for a medium between the two extremes.  Although I haven’t been able to try out this new wheel size I would gladly take the opportunity to ride a bike with this qualification. The 650b wheel size allows for the easy maneuverability of the 26 inch wheel while also compensating with the 29 inch wheel size which allows for the ability to carry speed and climb hills more efficiently along with the noticeable increase in ability to roll over roots and rocks easier than the 26 inch wheel. So just based off of other reviews and articles I am very excited about this new leap and invention and would really enjoy testing this out.

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