Homebrew 650b Conversion

I had a extra set of Velocity Atlas 650b wheels lying around, so I thought I would set them up on a Homebrew complete bike and see how well they fit.

I think the results are quite pleasing. It really looks like the frame was made just for these tires.

I traded the stock IRD B57s for some Rivendell Silver long reach calipers, and the brake reach lines up just above the bottom of the slot. This allows for plenty of fender clearance, even with 38mm tires.

These brakes are super easy to adjust, so the entire operation took maybe 10 minutes after I pulled the bike out of the box. I used the venerable Panaracer Col De La Vie tires, which were at one time pretty much the only 650b tire you could get.

Nowadays there are many other good options, but for the money I still think they're a great value. They may not be the fastest rolling tread pattern, or the lightest casing (that distinction goes to the Soma Grand Randonneur tires), but they roll pretty darn smoothly and they give the bike a nice traditional look that I enjoy.

For rough roads, gravel and dirt paths these wider tires are a smart upgrade. The minimum reach on the Silver brakes is 57mm, so you could easily set them up with the 700c wheels and have an extra 650b wheelset ready to swap out depending on the kind of riding you planned on doing. All it takes is a quick brake pad adjustment and you're ready to go.

Besides the obvious pneumatic suspension gains, going to larger tires has the knock on effect of improved grip when cornering. Do to the increased volume you'll be able to run lower pressure without worrying about pinch flats. Lowering the pressure will increase the amount of rubber in contact with the road while leaning into a turn. You'll really appreciate increased stability if you ever find yourself descending a steep chicane with loaded panniers.

Another nice thing about running 650b wheels on the Homebrew is that the geometry remains relatively sporty compared to a heavy duty touring bike. The short chainstays and steeper headtube angle keep the handling lively and responsive, so it's still fun to ride with just a small front rack or saddle bag.

If you're 650b curious but you're on a budget, you might want to give the Homebrew a closer look. Converting it to 650b wheels only takes a few minutes and you probably already have the tools you'll need to make the swap.

Sandra's Privateer Build

Hi Evan,

I've already posted a picture of my new Privateer on the New Albion FB page, but thought I'd send along this picture of it in the sun with a SOMA rack on it on with my brevet bag from Ruthworks SF. 

I'm putting miles on the bike and am really enjoying riding it around. 

Looking forward to more updates on the New Albion blog as more people discover what a great value these bikes are besides a heck of a lot of fun to ride. 

Sandra

Privateer Build for Gravelbike.com

I just had to take some pictures of this bike before sending it off. The Privateer is such a versatile bike, so it can be built up many different way for different conditions and riding styles. This one is set up for unpaved roads, long distance rides and some light trail riding.

We used all our favorite parts on this build. Plenty of gears, friction shifters, chubby tires, and a semi upright hood position make this build ideal for all day rides off the beaten track.

The Soma Classic Curve fork matches the frames geometry perfectly, and looks great with the silver panels and components. The traditional fork blade bends make this especially compliant ride.

Tons of clearance, even with 38c tires.

The Sun XCD rear derailleur allows you to shift a wide range cassette paired with the Sugino XD triple cranks.

Keep an eye on www.gravelbike.com for the upcoming review.