Is it worth it (new wheelset/tires vs just buying a new f/s 29er ) ? I have a 2012 SC Superlight and was thinking about doing it. I think I have enough clearance with the Fox Float RL fork's bridge. Is it that different riding/feeling over a 26er? I've ridden a 29er and know that it's a significant diff over a 26er.
Worth is a matter of personal worth. It's not about what you get out of it, it's how much youre willing to spend to scratch that itch Is any of this sport really about the money? To me its a constant balance between what I can afford and what I wanna ride or try next.
I've heard of people that tried it and really liked it. A couple caveats, if you like to run a bigish volume front tire the arch clearance might not be much on your 26" fork. Check the tire to downtube clearance at full compression too. Also, if just doing the front, the bigger tire will raise the front end(duh) and slacken the head angle and raise the BB a little, as well as increase the "trail" geo measurement. That's OK for DH stability but could make it more wandery/floppy on slow uphills and corners. I personally haven't tried it but looked into it fairly extensively and decided not to. Best thing is to give it a go yourself after considering the possible issues you might face.
If you've got a buddy with a 27.5 bike just throw on his front wheel and give it a spin. With only a 27.5 front wheel, it will make it slacker. However, Im not sure if the head angle will be raised if both wheels were converted. I have a 27.5 bike and I like it. Caveat .. I came from a giant anthem 26er. Anything slacker will feel more stable to me. That being said I cant really comment on the dollar : performance ratio.:-k
Maybe if you're curious about a 650b bike you should demo one and then decide if it's worth spending the money to change your Superlight. I don't necessarily think a dedicated 650b frame will be exactly like converting your 26er but it'll at least help you make a more informed decision.
Tani at The Path once asked me a very painful question - which almost cost him a sale: "What problem are you hoping to solve with this purchase?" Lucky for him, I was motivated by cool factor far more than logic. I bought the DHX Air to replace my perfectly-fine RP23. However, Tani's words have stayed with me ever since. I pass them along to you in this moment of decision.
Fongster before you decide to convert do some research online to see if there exists any other 650b Superlights. The RL fork you own how much travel is it? You'll need either a 650b fork or at least 150mm of travel for proper clearance. As for the rear I don't think you will have enough clearance. I know the nomads are not convertible. Worth is the quality that renders something desirable, useful or valuable. If your bike is compatible it's so worth it to convert to 650b. Plus you won't need to drop a couple grand on a new bike.
Did a quick search and found this. Not much info but its doable. Im a gear head so I say do it. Itll keep the new bike bug away for a bit too! http://forums.mtbr.com/650b-27-5/26-sc-superlight-650b-compatible-804024.html
Read this: http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/trail-tech-cutting-through-the-275-wheel-size-hype-38058/ I just took a tape measure to my 26" front wheel with a Telonix 2.6 and it measured around 27.5"
The only thing that ties the Nomad and Superlight together is the brand. Their suspensions are completely different designs. And there are plenty of superlights converted...it's one frame I was considering before I purchased my bike. And you don't need a 150mm fork for proper clearance...wtf?
If you read the Bike Radar article you would've seen that pic showing a 27.5" wheel not quite measuring 27.5. I'll post a pic of my wheel later
I have wheelset that I am not using if you want to try it out. I can bring them to OTH tomorrow. PM me.
Here's my wheel, 26" Sun Ringle Rhyno Lites laced to Intense/Hadleys with a Kenda Telonix 2.6. Definitely over 27" diameter
I'm seeing two questions. Is it worth buying a wheelset for a liked whole bike with a frame/fork not designed for it? I think not unless you got them for a song. Is it worth slapping on those wheels for grins before you mount them on your new, mid-travel 275-specific bike instead of a gangly 29er? Depends on your size and preference, but I say absolutely!
What you can do is try a 27.5 front wheel. For the most part majority of the 27.5 tires will fit fox forks because of the higher arch, definitely does not fit regular Rockshox forks. It will give you a bit more stable and better roll over for the front wheel. You really can't tell the difference between a 26 and 27.5 rear wheel. Most 26 frame won't fit a 27.5 rear wheel. If you can borrow a 27.5 rear wheel and let all the air out of your shock so you can see if it rub the seat tube at full compression. Unless you can clear it fully I would not run a 27.5 in the rear unless you like surprise buzzing of your seat tube and free braking when your suspension is at full compression.
Just for shits and giggles I went in the garage to measure the wheel size of the 3 bikes I own 26er, 650b and 29er. Here are the results: 26er measures almost 27" with a 2.35 Bonty XR4 650B measures a little over 27.5" with a 2.2 Hutchinson Cougar 29er measures 29" on the dot with a 2.3 Bonty XR4
