650B Palace

KHS Prototyping, step 2.

2009-07-07T09:17:00.002-04:00

A sponsored racer has the KHS 650B Prototype in his paws. We saw a steel version last year, but this is an aluminum version. I'm guessing the first was a 26" that accepted 650b. I'm digging the shaped tubing! I'll keep everyone posted on any additional developments!

Soma B-Side in House

2009-06-13T17:32:00.005-04:00

650B Palace has taken delivery of Soma's B Side. This is Soma's first offering of a 650B formatted bike. It was teased at the BTI booth in 2007, and in 2009 Soma delivered! They sent us a making IRD fork as well. This is a production model fork, but they only had a small amount painted to match the B Side butterscotch color. Stock color is black, same fork, just black.
I must say that this bike yields a very different ride than my other MTB bikes. Typically, I am fond of a shorter stem and longer toptube. Soma has taken the XC road with this frame design. With a 71deg head tube angle and 73deg seat tube, my 577mm effective top tube length left me feeling short in the cockpit. My only option was a hideous 120mm stem in my parts bin. This length has put me a very racey position, but I still very comfortable and stable. I chose the Medium frame with the tip I would need a longer post. This info instantly reminded me of Niner's design, which helps with standover height. SO is typically not an issue for 650B wheels.
Soma shipped the frameset along with a Ensho Limited black sparkle saddle, as well as their ultra wide Odin Bar.

I capped off the bars with some Thick and Zesty cork tape. I figured some 'alt-bars' deserved some an 'alt-grip'. This is my first experience with bars tape for and MTB. We'll see how it holds up for me.
I'll report back once I have logged some decent trail time on this production 650B frameset.
Kudos to Soma for jumping on board so avidly!

Lovely double butted Prestige Tubing from Tange.

Awesomely easy horizontal dropouts with a derailleur hanger for the gearies.

Testing the Kenda Nevegals in 2.1" for this ride.

"S" bent stays will add some cush, but deliver the push.

Nicely chosen H2O boss reinforcements for the 2 sets on the frame.
Both sets are on the downtube, one on top, one on the underside.

VICIOUS CYCLES
Children of the Revolution 650B Rim

32 Hole
Eyeletted
Disc Specific
Retail at $40

BUY HERE

I purchased 5 of these rims before seeing them. Carl at Vicious gave me a heads up when he was on his way to NAHBS, and I placed my pre-order with him on his cell phone and in his van packed with Vicious gear. The link above shows a cross section of the rim. This isn't a relabeled Alex rim, or a Sun rim with a different name. I haven't seen this design rolled in a 27.5" version. I'm not sure who is making these for Vicious, but they have chosen a nice rim to call their own. It is nicely priced for home wheelbuilders out there. I have built 4 of the rims so far, and they build nice: round and true, very easily. The seams aren't perfect, but most aren't. It's almost not mentioning since it is a disc specific rim.
www.viciouscycles.com

650b TEASER

2009-06-05T10:12:00.002-04:00

Everyday, we are a little closer. Today brings us a teaser photos from Pacenti Cycle Design!

I WAS WRONG.

2009-06-04T09:23:00.004-04:00

Damn. Sorry everyone. The 2.1" Neo Motos won't be landing until the end of July. The VERY end of July. Expect to see them start shipping out of Pacenti Headquarters in August. Sorry for the wrong info. Way wrong info.

**An email from Pacenti Cycle Designs just hit my INBOX. Tires will begin shipping out of HQ in July-same day as arrival . I need to get my facts straight, again. **

FOR SALE

2009-06-02T20:29:00.003-04:00

Mr PVD, a MTBR user and frame builder, and all-round- fabricator is selling his custom 650B frame set with wheels and tires. I came across his CRAIGSLIST post located at http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/1202140598.html

The link has another link with additional photos.

check it.

Quasi Moto Tires Are Back in Stock

2009-05-28T14:11:00.002-04:00

Your favorite distributor should have the Quasi Moto back in stock and ready to ship. Have your LBS place an order and get rocking on one of the BEST selling tires for 650B off road!

$59.95 MSRP
Or order straight from www.bikelugs.com

Is It June Yet?

2009-05-28T12:01:00.003-04:00

June. We are SO close! Why June, you ask? Well, because the 2.1 Neo Moto lands in JUNE. That's why! Pacenti Cycle Design had a HUGE, and shocking, hit with the 2.0 Quasi Moto, so follow up tire had to be a NEED rather than a want. Folks demanded a smaller volume, aggressive knob'd tire, so Pacenti will be soon delivering the 2.1" NEO MOTO. When they land 650BPalace will be the first with official images of the tire. Originally, the tire line-up was to be Neo Moto, Quasi Moto, and Mini Moto. There are also rumors of another tread coming from Pacenti, as they have pushed back development of the Mini Moto. Only a rumor as I haven't gotten any word on the tread design or pattern.
And what are those damn fork makers up to? Maverick can custom tune your DUC or SC32 for 650B use. X-Fusion's 2010 model will be 650b ready. White Bros are still kicking out their Magic and Fluid 650B models. These manufacturers are definitely helping the cause when it come to a safe fork choice, but the population is still not happy. Why couldn't the Rock Shox Pike be tuned specifically for 650B? The 2.3" Neo clears the arch. How about a travel limitation added to a 650B specific Pike?
Anyways, check back VERY soon for news on the 2.1" Neo Moto. They will be available directly through Pacenti Cycle Designs by visiting www.bikelugs.com

You are now free to move about the cabin.

James Frames Custom 650B Revisited

2009-05-25T23:05:00.004-04:00

Well, I have had more saddle time on the aluminum hardtail fabricated by JP of James Frames in Boulder, CO. For an Introduction to the bike CLICK HERE.
The recently released IRD Fire XC Pro tire in the 27.5" model is quickly becoming a favorite rear tire. It has held tight in most of the common conditions to my Florida trails. We have had some nice downpours so the trails were in choice shape. Originally JP and I spec'd the frame to accept the largest tire I would ever run, which, at the time of conception, was the only offroad tire available: MTBR's Fav Tire Pick- The Pacenti NEO-MOTO in a width of 2.3". The James Frames takes the IRD like a champ with more than ample clearance.

The chain line is killer as well. JP nailed it, but the American Classic single speed hub has a load of adjustment, too. The cassette body is approximately 15mm wide and the cog can be placed anywhere on it. I am using the Endless Kick-ASS cog, which in fact, kicks ass. Ultra light weight, and solid. It is a nice compliment to the American Classic's sensitive aluminum carrier with its wide base.
I have had a few 650B conversions, and this James Frames is my second purpose built 650B, and it totally RAILS. My initial take on the bike was that I was sitting higher than I liked, but that has since changed. It is a very nice longer travel XC bike with the Maverick SC32. Well, since the SC32 has been tuned to a 4" travel, it is closer to a standard XC length travel. In time I will return the X-Fusion Velvet to this bike and run it at a full 130mm, but for now the 10cm is fine, no GREAT.

Definitive Cycles DEFCON test Ridden

2009-05-11T10:46:00.002-04:00

No, I haven't gotten my grubby paws on one yet but there is a write up on the web.
Follow the link (click image)

DEFCON 27Five

Dirt Rag: They're giving it away!

2009-05-08T13:24:00.003-04:00

Each month Dirt Rag offers up a Sweepstakes Bike each month, for free. FREE. They've given away Commencals, Diamond Backs, Gary Fisher, and everything in between.
This months give-away is a CARVER KILLER BEE. That's a titanium frame fro those who don't know. They are available with stock geometry and custom. If you win, you get to pick the geometry. WHOA. Free CUSTOM? That's right.

Pick up your copy of Dirt Rag at the local supermarket or book store and send in your entree. If you just want to subscribe, do so at:

WWW.DIRTRAGMAG.COM

Jamis 650B Explained

2009-04-30T01:46:00.001-04:00

Craig Hoyt with a quick interview about the new 5" travel 650B bike from Jamis.

JAMIS 650B ON BIKE RADAR

Jeremiah Bishop talks about his 650B/26 bike.

2009-04-21T21:18:00.000-04:00

TI 650B

2009-04-21T17:58:00.001-04:00

Hey you, AU! This is a prototype from Definitive more info when it breaks.

Kenda Nevegal Instock

2009-04-21T17:53:00.002-04:00

The voluptuous 2.35" Kenda Nevegal is finally instock at Quality Bicycle Products. Your local shop can order them at their will. Over 50 units instock. No site of the 2.1" version yet. I'll keep a look out and notify when those hit!
Daily we are getting closer to the 2.1" Neo-Moto's arrival. We. Wait.

Developments

2009-04-21T02:42:00.002-04:00

Xfusion has made it official for their newest Velvet release. The next gen Velvet will have a more standard offset, be offered in a 1.125" - 1.5" steer tube (as well as a standard 1.125"), and offer a 15TA option. I have an image of their catalog page, which I will post later.

In other news, 650BPalace will be collaborating with a frame manufacturer to assist with a design of a new 650B specific hardtail, and possibly a 5" travel frame. The process began today, so I'd rather keep the manufacturer under wraps. Wheels and tires will be shipping out tomorrow to designers can gear up and get more familiar with the format. More news as it comes!

Sharing 650B Links.

2009-04-11T21:09:00.002-04:00

Some words from MTBR regarding Ahrens Custom Bicycles

Ahrens on MTBR

Soma Fab info: B-Side Released

TEASING FROM JAMIS

2009-04-09T12:19:00.002-04:00

The new MountainBike Magazine has hit news stands along with a 4 page feature about 650B.
Jamis is planning a 5" travel model for 2010. Frame sizes will include 13", 15",17",19"21". It's price is not yet publicized.
The articles also include the Ventana El Bastardo, Haro's Sonix prototype, the Haro Beasley 1x9 and inamges of the Beasley SS and White Bros Magic 650B fork.
The articles include interviews with Kirk Pacenti, Patrick CRosby of Haro, Craig Hoyt of Jamis, and Sherwood Gibson of Ventana.
Do what you need to get your grubby hands on thie issue! The cover has a photos of Eric Porter doing a wallride with the text GO BIG.

check it.

James Frames, Custom 650B

2009-04-05T19:22:00.004-04:00

OK, my JP Boylan built frame is a complete bike, and refined! I had it built up in mid March, but it needed a few changes- which have occurred. The original build consisted of a too lengthy of a stem, and too high of handlebars. I've brought the steering lower and changed the fork from the X-Fusion Velvet to the Maverick SC32. This mandated a new front wheel, too. Luckily I had a matching rim laced to a Maverick 24/7 hub. The IRD Fire XCPro B* model Tires are very good, but I am waiting to mate my Pacenti 2.3" NeoMoto to the upcoming 2.1" Neo Moto on the rear.
I haven't taken this version off road yet, but pedaling in the neighborhood has me stoked for the trail.
Here is the final (hopefully) version of the James Frames 650B custom aluminum build. Unless, for some odd reason I choose to add gears...

JP is a great builder, who at one time worked for Dean Titanium, and I've heard he helped Walt of Waltworks get started. Check him out at www.jamesframes.com

(* I will be posting a write up on the IRD Firx 650B tire very soon)

CANNONDALE CONFIRMED

2009-04-03T12:05:00.002-04:00

CANNONDALE'S 650B Test Confirmed
JB raced on 650B.

Modified, even.

For the complete article check out:

BIKEMAG

More on Haro Sonix 650B

2009-04-03T11:27:00.003-04:00

I know a Haro rep in California, and he was kind enough to send me a few images of his freshly built 650B Sonix. Sean has this bad boy built with a X-Fusion Velvet, Ameircan Classic BXC's, Full XTR, and carbon steering components. Definetely and bike to lust over.
Thanks for the pics Sean Kneale!

2009-03-31T14:21:00.002-04:00

Shamrock Cycles
Groovy Cycleworks
Yipsan
Igleheart

These companies have what in common??
They are all featured in the fresh edition of Dirt Rag's NAHBS coverage,
with their 650B off road bicycles.
You damn right.
Haven't gotten yours yet?
DIRT RAG

2009-03-30T16:31:00.002-04:00

Bikelugs.com is blowing out ALL 650B merchandise. TIRES FORKS and RIMS all 650b specific with SLASHED PRICES! A Summer time sale? Who cares?! Just stock up on tires and rims, prices so low you won't want to pass this opportunity up! SALE LASTs UNTIL FRIDAY April 3rd.

Cannondale Rumors Swirl

2009-03-25T10:40:00.002-04:00

You make the call. This is Jeremiah Bishop's bike (and his legs). Rumors are rising of Cannondale testing the 650B on the front of the Monavie-Cannondale.com team bikes.
Nothing official from the Cannondale camp, but I have gotten word that 650B Rims and Tires were sent to Cannondale some 18 months ago. (Little birds- chirp chirp)

Check MTB RACE NEWS for the full story.

We're Moving!

2009-03-24T14:03:00.002-04:00

Be sure to adjust your book marks! This site is currently located at 650bpalace.blogspot.com but if you goto www.650bpalace.com you will be re-directed to the BLOGSPOT address. The new home will be the www.650BPalace.com , yes we will be a true dot-com.
The Blogspot addy will remain, but no longer updated.
Thanks!

2009-03-19T13:12:00.002-04:00

This is all you need to know for now...