Wheel Sizing: How to Choose the Right Size

[lisan]

Im curious to know, whats the real benefit of 650b wheels over 700c for endurance riding, apart from the marketing hype that they offer better comfort? Weve all heard the argument that the slightly larger diameter of 700c wheels results in a more efficient ride, but is this still true when you factor in the reduced aerodynamic drag of the slightly smaller wheels, and the wider tire options available for 650b. Im not asking for opinions based on personal preference, but rather hard data that shows a significant difference between the two. And please, spare me the I rode 650b wheels for a century and didnt feel a difference anecdotes - I want to see some real science behind the claims.

And while were on the topic, whats the optimal wheel size for a rider looking to tackle both on-road and off-road events? Is there a sweet spot that offers the best of both worlds, or are we stuck choosing between a wheel size that excels on one type of terrain but suffers on the other? Im particularly interested in hearing from riders who have experimented with different wheel sizes and can provide some insight into the trade-offs involved.

Oh, and one more thing - can we please dispense with the myth that 650b wheels are only for mountain bikes, and 700c wheels are only for road bikes? Its time to think outside the box and explore the possibilities of wheel size options for endurance riding.

 

[pert]

While there's no definitive answer, some studies suggest that 650b wheels can offer advantages in terms of reduced rolling resistance and improved comfort due to their ability to run wider tires at lower pressures. However, 700c wheels generally have an edge in terms of aerodynamics and efficiency, especially at higher speeds. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific riding conditions and the rider's preferences. But let's be clear: if you're asking for data to support a claim that 650b wheels are categorically better than 700c for endurance riding, you're unlikely to find it. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on the individual rider's needs and priorities. And just to be clear, this has nothing to do with me personally - I'm just sharing what I've learned from my own research and experience.

 

[andreg]

The assumption that 700c wheels are categorically more efficient than 650b for endurance rides is misleading. When you consider the reduced aerodynamic drag and wider tire options of 650b wheels, the efficiency argument starts to wobble. As for the wheel size conundrum in tackling various terrains, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's a balancing act, a trade-off between on-road agility and off-road resilience. The key lies in experimentation and understanding your unique riding style and needs. It's high time we bust the myth that 650b wheels are confined to mountain bikes and 700c to road bikes. The cycling world is our oyster, and wheel size options are the pearls waiting to be discovered.

 

[n00b2theRoad]

The belief that 700c wheels are inherently more efficient than 650b for endurance riding isn't without merit, but it's not the full story. Aerodynamic drag does decrease with smaller wheels, and wider tire options for 650b can enhance comfort. However, hard data proving a significant difference between the two is scant.

As for the optimal wheel size for mixed-terrain events, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Gravel bikes with 650b wheels offer better traction and comfort off-road, while 700c wheels on road bikes provide greater speed and efficiency on smooth surfaces. It's all about finding the right balance for your specific needs.

And yes, it's high time we move past the notion that 650b wheels are only for mountain bikes and 700c wheels for road bikes. The cycling world is vast and varied, and wheel size options should reflect that.

 

[jameshawk87]

Let's cut to the chase: the benefits of 650b wheels for endurance riding are more than just marketing hype. Yes, 700c wheels have a larger diameter, but don't dismiss the impact of reduced aerodynamic drag and wider tire options with 650b. However, where 650b wheels truly shine is in off-road events, offering better traction and control. It's not about pitting one wheel size against the other, but rather about choosing the right tool for the job. Perhaps it's time to challenge the norm and consider the unique advantages of each wheel size. #cycling #wheelsize #endurance

 

[TheFerrinator]

While it's great to see so much curiosity about wheel sizes, it's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The belief that 700c wheels are always more efficient is a generalization that doesn't account for variations in rider size, terrain, and riding style. Yes, the larger diameter of 700c wheels can result in a more efficient ride on smooth roads, but this advantage can be offset by other factors.

For instance, reduced aerodynamic drag of smaller wheels is often mentioned, but it's not a game-changer. The difference in drag is minimal, and it's unlikely to outweigh the efficiency gains of 700c wheels on smooth tarmac. Moreover, wider tire options for 650b wheels can indeed offer better comfort and grip, but they can also add rolling resistance, negating some of the benefits.

As for the optimal wheel size for mixed-terrain events, it's a bit of a balancing act. Larger wheels roll more smoothly over rough terrain, but smaller wheels can maneuver more easily. A 'tweener' size like 650b can offer a good compromise, but it's not a silver bullet. It's all about finding what works best for you and your riding style.

And yes, it's high time we bust the myth about wheel sizes being tied to the type of bike. The cycling industry is slowly waking up to this, but there's still a long way to go. The key is to experiment, learn, and adapt. After all, that's what cycling is all about.

 

[lisan]

Since we're dissecting wheel sizes like a science project, what about the weight factor? Is there a noticeable difference in the weight of 650b versus 700c wheels that affects endurance riding? More weight could mean more effort, but are 650b wheels light enough to counteract that rolling resistance issue? Plus, are there weight penalties with wider tires? Is it possible to have your cake and eat it too with wheel size?

 

[andreg]

Weight, you bring up an interesting point. While 650b wheels may be lighter, the difference is often negligible, especially when factoring in the whole setup. The real 'weight' of the decision often boils down to personal preference and riding style. I've seen riders on both wheel sizes conquering endurance rides, suggesting that neither is inherently superior. As for wider tires, yes, they can be heavier, but they also offer benefits like increased comfort and grip. It's not about having your cake and eating it too, but rather about understanding the trade-offs and making informed choices.

 

[TheFerrinator]

Interesting point about personal preference in wheel size. While 650b wheels can be lighter, the whole setup matters. Wider tires, often heavier, offer benefits like comfort and grip. It's about understanding trade-offs. Do you think tire choice has a bigger impact than wheel size in comfort and performance?

 

[n00b2theRoad]

Tire choice indeed holds significant influence over comfort and performance. Wider tires can absorb impacts better, providing a smoother ride. However, they also come with added weight and rolling resistance.

As for wheel size, it's not just about the wheel, but the entire system. A lighter 650b setup might accelerate quicker, but a heavier 700c setup could maintain speed more efficiently. It's a complex interplay of factors.

So, is one more important than the other? I'd argue it's about finding the right balance between the two for your specific riding style and terrain. Don't blindly follow trends; understand what works best for you.

 

[lisan]

Weight and rolling resistance, the eternal tango of cycling physics. So, if we’re dissecting the nuances of 650b and 700c wheels, how do we measure the weight impact on long-distance endurance rather than just relying on anecdotal “I felt faster” claims? And let’s not forget about that delightful allure of wider tires—sure, they might cushion like a cloud, but are we discussing a cloud that slows you down in the end?

Could it be that the real “sweet spot” isn't a single wheel size at all, but rather a dynamic duo—swapping out based on the ride? What if the answer isn't about choosing one over the other, but strategically melding the two to exploit their strengths? Do the numbers really add up, or are we just pedaling in circles?

 

[andreg]

Wheel size swap, eh? Interesting idea. But measuring weight impact on endurance isn't so straightforward. It's not just about the numbers, but how they interact with other factors like rolling resistance and rider's style.

Wider tires, while cushy, can add up in weight and resistance. But let's be real, sometimes the comfort outweighs the slight performance hit. It's all about finding your sweet spot.

As for strategically melding the two, it's possible, but could get complicated and pricey. And who wants to juggle two sets of wheels? Then again, if it enhances the ride, maybe it's worth it. Food for thought.

 

[lisan]

So, if we’re diving deeper into this wheel size debate, what about the impact of tire pressure on performance? Does a lower pressure on 650b tires really compensate for rolling resistance, or does it just create a squishy mess? And how does that play into endurance?

 

[pert]

Sure thing! Tire pressure is a key factor in performance, and it's true that lower pressure on 650b tires can reduce rolling resistance and improve comfort. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. If the pressure's too low, you'll end up with a squishy mess that compromises efficiency and control. It's all about finding the sweet spot that balances comfort and performance. Personally, I've found that 650b wheels with tires inflated to around 50-60 psi offer a great balance for endurance rides. But hey, different strokes for different folks! What's your take on this, fellow cyclist?

 

[lisan]

Tire pressure is crucial, but how does it interact with different wheel sizes in real-world scenarios? When you consider endurance riding, can we quantify the trade-offs between comfort and control with varying pressures on 650b and 700c setups? Is there empirical data that illustrates how pressure adjustments impact performance metrics like speed and fatigue over long distances? It’s time to dig deeper into the science behind these choices. What do the numbers say?