Hello - I'm a new member to the group, and I'm in the process of ordering an A. Homer Hilsen frame from Rivendell. I've been given the option of both the 650B frame (56cm) and the 700c frame (55cm). After conducting as much research as I can online and talking with my bike knowledgeable friends, I'm still finding the decision to be difficult. I'm not sure how much information I should give here, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about my dilemma.
My AHH will be primarily a commuter bike, but will also serve me on longer weekend rides and perhaps some light touring in the future. What I like about this bike is its ability to tackle a wider range of conditions - road and off-road (nothing gnarly, mind you) - and it is just a beautiful looking bike! In my adult life, I've only ever known my current ride - a Rocky Mountain Fusion mountain bike from the mid-90s. I'm looking forward to riding a bike much more suited to my style of riding. The Fusion makes me work pretty hard and it's h-e-a- v-y! Availability of the 650B wheels is my biggest issue. I have only found two stores locally that can help me out with this (they don't have anything in stock but would have to order), though I've not conducted an exhaustive search. Talking with the folks at the local stores was quite illuminating. The first kept telling me that the tire was a new fad - something for the folks who want to be different. The second had no idea what I was talking about. I'm not all that mechanically inclined, so I depend on my LBS (to my chagrin) - though I hope to change this in the future and become more adept at working on my bike. I'm leaning heavily toward the 650B because of the many things I've read about it on sites like 650B Palace (http:// 650bpalace.blogspot.com/) and La Confrérie des 650 (http://www.cyclos- cyclotes.org/650/index_ang.html). Even the Country Bike Shop (http:// www.countrybikeshop.com/) makes me feel the 650B is the choice I should make. But still a lingering doubt remains. I can't imagine I'll regret my decision, but I worry that I might. While I have you - the second part of this question might be what width should I get? And what brands/models do you recommend? I know much of this is subjective, but I'd be happy to read your thoughts. Thanks. Cheers, Zaelia -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
