650b wheels measure approximately 27.5″ from tyre edge to tyre edge. 700c wheels measure approximately 29″ from tyre edge to tyre edge.
Both wheel sizes have pro’s and cons, but circa late 2023, 700c is undoubtedly the preferred wheel size fitted to many factory fresh gravel bikes. However, the smaller 650b wheel size is still relevant, despite dropping in popularity.
650B is Still Relevant Video
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In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew explains the obvious differences between 650b and 700c, and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of 650b. Are they still relevant?
Additional Photos
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Links of Interest:
- 1065 Gram Berd Sparrow Gravel Wheels! – Long-Term Review
- XeNTiS Kappa2 650b / 27.5″ Carbon 4-Spoke Wheelset Review
- Let’s Turn a Road Bike into a Gravel Bike
- WTB Venture 650b x 47mm Tire Review
- WTB Sendero 650b x 47mm Road Plus Tire Review
- WTB Resolute 42 650b and 700c Tubeless Ready Tires Review
- WTB Byway Road Plus 650b Tubeless Ready Tires Review
- WTB Horizon Road Plus 650b Tubeless Ready Tires Review
- How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
- Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Guidelines
- Tailwind Nutrition (JOM’s choice of on-the-bike hydration)
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
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I highly rate my alloy 650b’s for the purpose I bought them for, being light single track, and days where I know it has the potential to damage my beautiful 700c carbon wheelset…
Alloy 700c’s would probably be a good all rounder for me, but I had the option to pick up some well priced alloy 650b wheels from Curve that had never been ridden by the first owner, so Curve bike, and 2 sets of Curve wheels makes me a very happy lad! ✔️✔️✔️🚵🏽♂️🚵🏽♂️🚵🏽♂️
Yes! You’re right!
Someone out there (Cinelli?) did some research and found the ultimate size for rolling resistance, aerodynamics, and weight was a 26” wheel. Of course it’s all a compromise.