650b vs 700c Wheels: Pros & Cons, similarities and differences

What is a 650b bike wheel?

A 650b bike wheel is a wheel size with a rim diameter of 584mm, commonly referred to as 27.5 inches when paired with tires. The “650” originally referred to the approximate outer diameter of the tire in millimeters, and the “b” indicated a medium tire width in the French tire sizing system. The 650b wheel was developed in France in the early 20th century, primarily for touring and utility bikes. Today, it has become popular for gravel, adventure, and mountain biking due to its ability to accommodate wider tires, providing better traction, comfort, and control on rough terrain. While not as common as 700c in road racing, 650b is widely used in off-road and mixed-terrain cycling, offering an ideal balance between agility and stability for casual and long-distance rides.

What are the pros of 650b wheels on a gravel bike?

The pros of 650b wheels on a gravel bike include better traction, improved comfort, greater control on rough terrain, increased tire clearance, and enhanced versatility for off-road riding, with tire widths typically ranging from 40mm to 50mm and pressures between 2.0 to 3.0 bar (29 to 43 psi).

1. Better Traction: The wider tires, often 40mm to 50mm, provide a larger contact patch, improving grip on loose or uneven surfaces, especially on gravel and dirt roads.
2. Improved Comfort: Running wider tires at lower pressures, typically around 2.0 to 3.0 bar (29 to 43 psi), helps absorb bumps and vibrations, delivering a smoother ride on rough terrain.
3. Greater Control on Rough Terrain: The smaller 584mm diameter of the 650b wheels, combined with wider tires, enhances handling and stability, especially in technical sections like rocky or muddy trails.
4. Increased Tire Clearance: The smaller wheel diameter offers more space in the frame and fork, allowing tires up to 50mm wide, and providing extra cushioning and improved traction on challenging surfaces.
5. Enhanced Versatility: 650b wheels are adaptable to various conditions, from smooth gravel paths to rugged off-road trails, offering flexibility with tire widths from 40mm upwards and compatibility with tubeless setups for better puncture protection.

What are the pros of 650b wheels on a road bike?

The pros of 650b wheels on a road bike include better comfort, enhanced handling, improved maneuverability, increased tire clearance, and the ability to run lower tire pressures, typically with tires ranging from 30mm to 42mm and pressures between 3.0 to 4.5 bar (43 to 65 psi).

1. Better Comfort: The ability to fit wider tires, such as 30mm to 42mm, allows for greater cushioning and comfort, particularly on rougher or uneven road surfaces.
2. Enhanced Handling: The smaller 584mm diameter of 650b wheels improves agility and responsiveness, making it easier to navigate tight corners or technical descents.
3. Improved Maneuverability: The smaller wheel size offers more nimble handling, which is beneficial in urban settings or on winding roads, allowing for quicker direction changes.
4. Increased Tire Clearance: 650b wheels provide more space for wider tires in road bike frames, enabling riders to use tires that offer greater grip and shock absorption, particularly on rough or mixed-surface roads.
5. Lower Tire Pressures: Wider 650b tires can be run at lower pressures, typically around 3.0 to 4.5 bar (43 to 65 psi), improving traction and comfort without sacrificing rolling efficiency, especially for longer rides or rougher roads.

What are the cons of 650b wheels on a gravel bike?

The cons of 650b wheels on a gravel bike include higher rolling resistance, reduced top-end speed, limited tire options, lower momentum on smoother surfaces, and potential compatibility issues with some frames and components.

1. Higher Rolling Resistance: The wider tires, often 40mm to 50mm, create more contact with the ground, which increases rolling resistance compared to narrower 700c tires, reducing efficiency on hard-packed surfaces.
2. Reduced Top-End Speed: The smaller 584mm diameter of 650b wheels means they have a lower top-end speed, especially on flat, smooth roads, compared to the larger 700c wheels.
3. Limited Tire Options: While tire choices for 650b wheels are increasing, they are still less abundant than 700c options, limiting selection, particularly for specific tread patterns or brands.
4. Lower Momentum on Smoother Surfaces: Due to their smaller size, 650b wheels tend to lose momentum more quickly on smoother surfaces, making them less efficient for long stretches of pavement.
5. Compatibility Issues: Some gravel bike frames and forks are optimized for 700c wheels, and fitting 650b wheels may lower the bottom bracket height or require additional adjustments to maintain proper geometry.

What are the cons of 650b wheels on a road bike?

The cons of 650b wheels on a road bike include reduced rolling efficiency, lower top-end speed, limited tire options, potential compatibility issues, and changes in bike geometry, especially for road-specific performance.

1. Reduced Rolling Efficiency: The smaller diameter (584mm) and wider tires increase rolling resistance compared to 700c wheels, making 650b wheels less efficient on smooth, paved roads.
2. Lower Top-End Speed: Due to their smaller size and higher rolling resistance, 650b wheels do not maintain momentum as well as 700c wheels, limiting speed, especially on flat terrain or long road descents.
3. Limited Tire Options: While gaining popularity, tire choices for 650b wheels are still more limited than for 700c wheels, particularly for narrower road-specific tires.
4. Potential Compatibility Issues: Some road bike frames are designed specifically for 700c wheels, and switching to 650b may alter the bike’s geometry, potentially lowering the bottom bracket and affecting handling.
5. Changes in Bike Geometry: The smaller wheels may lower the bike’s bottom bracket height, which could lead to pedal strikes, especially when running lower tire pressures (around 3.0 to 4.5 bar) on rough roads.

What is a 700c bike wheel?

A 700c bike wheel is a standard wheel size with a rim diameter of 622mm, commonly used in road, gravel, and hybrid bikes. The “700” originally referred to the nominal outer diameter of the tire (700mm) in the French tire-sizing system, and the “c” denoted a medium tire width. This wheel size became popular in the early 20th century, especially in Europe, with brands like Michelin and Mavic leading its adoption. Today, 700c wheels are highly popular for both racing and casual biking due to their efficiency, speed, and ability to handle a variety of tire widths and surfaces. They are widely used in road racing, touring, commuting, and gravel cycling, offering a balance of performance and versatility.

What are the pros of 700c wheels on a gravel bike?

The pros of 700c wheels on a gravel bike include better rolling efficiency, higher top-end speed, more tire options, greater momentum on smoother surfaces, and compatibility with most gravel bike frames.

1. Better Rolling Efficiency: The larger diameter of 700c wheels (622mm) reduces rolling resistance, making them more efficient on hard-packed gravel and smooth surfaces, compared to smaller wheels.
2. Higher Top-End Speed: The larger wheel size allows for higher top speeds, especially on flat or downhill sections, as the increased circumference covers more ground per revolution.
3. More Tire Options: 700c wheels offer a wider range of tire options, from narrow 35mm tires for fast gravel rides to wider 45mm tires for rougher terrain, giving riders more flexibility for different conditions.
4. Greater Momentum on Smoother Surfaces: Due to their larger size, 700c wheels maintain momentum better on smoother terrain, making them ideal for long gravel rides with mixed conditions.
5. Compatibility with Most Gravel Bike Frames: 700c wheels are the standard size for many gravel bikes, ensuring they fit easily without requiring adjustments to frame geometry or bottom bracket height.

What are the pros of 700c wheels on a road bike?

The pros of 700c wheels on a road bike include better rolling efficiency, higher top-end speed, a wide range of tire options, better momentum, and universal frame compatibility.

1. Better Rolling Efficiency: The larger 622mm rim diameter of 700c wheels allows for reduced rolling resistance, which is ideal for smooth roads and long-distance rides, making it easier to maintain speed with less effort.
2. Higher Top-End Speed: Due to the larger circumference, 700c wheels cover more ground per revolution, resulting in higher speeds, especially when paired with narrow tires (typically 23mm to 28mm) that run at higher pressures, around 6-8 bar (87-116 psi).
3. Wide Range of Tire Options: 700c wheels offer a vast selection of tire sizes and types, from 23mm racing tires to 35mm endurance tires, providing flexibility for different road conditions and preferences.
4. Better Momentum: The larger size of 700c wheels helps maintain momentum, especially on flat terrain or descents, making them ideal for fast-paced road cycling and racing.
5. Universal Frame Compatibility: Most modern road bikes are designed for 700c wheels, ensuring easy compatibility with frames, brakes, and components without needing modifications.

What are the cons of 700c wheels on a gravel bike?

The cons of 700c wheels on a gravel bike include less traction on rough terrain, reduced comfort, limited tire clearance, slower handling on technical sections, and greater susceptibility to pinch flats.

1. Less Traction on Rough Terrain: The narrower tire options for 700c wheels, typically 35mm to 45mm, provide a smaller contact patch, reducing grip on loose or uneven surfaces compared to wider 650b tires.
2. Reduced Comfort: 700c wheels generally require higher tire pressures, around 3.5 to 5.0 bar (50-72 psi), which results in a stiffer ride with less shock absorption on bumpy or gravelly roads.
3. Limited Tire Clearance: Many gravel bikes designed for 700c wheels have limited frame and fork clearance, restricting the ability to fit wider tires above 45mm, which could enhance grip and cushioning.
4. Slower Handling on Technical Sections: The larger 622mm diameter of 700c wheels can feel less nimble and more challenging to maneuver in tight or technical terrain, making them less agile than smaller 650b wheels.
5. Greater Susceptibility to Pinch Flats: Running narrower tires at higher pressures on rough terrain increases the risk of pinch flats, especially when riding over sharp rocks or uneven gravel surfaces.

What are the cons of 700c wheels on a road bike?

The cons of 700c wheels on a road bike include a less comfortable ride, limited tire clearance for rough roads, slower acceleration, and greater vulnerability to pinch flats.

1. Less Comfortable Ride: 700c wheels typically use narrower tires (around 23mm to 28mm) with higher tire pressures, 6-8 bar (87-116 psi), which can result in a stiffer and less forgiving ride on rough or uneven roads.
2. Limited Tire Clearance for Rough Roads: Many road bikes designed for 700c wheels have limited frame clearance, restricting the ability to use wider tires (over 32mm), which would otherwise improve comfort on mixed or rougher road surfaces.
3. Slower Acceleration: Due to the larger 622mm rim diameter, 700c wheels have more rotational mass, making them slower to accelerate compared to smaller wheel sizes, especially when climbing or sprinting.
4. Greater Vulnerability to Pinch Flats: Running narrow, high-pressure tires on uneven roads increases the risk of pinch flats, particularly when encountering potholes or sharp road debris at speed.

What are the similarities of 650b vs 700c wheels?

The similarities of 650b vs 700c wheels include their compatibility with modern gravel bikes, availability in tubeless and clincher options, use of similar materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, and suitability for both gravel and road biking, depending on tire choice and terrain. Both 650b and 700c wheels are versatile, with different strengths for gravel biking depending on the terrain, while sharing key features like material construction, tubeless compatibility, and adaptability to different tire types.

What are the differences between 650b vs 700c wheels?

The differences between 650b and 700c wheels lie in their size, tire width, rolling efficiency, traction, comfort, and terrain suitability. While 650b wheels are better suited for rough, technical terrain due to their smaller diameter and ability to accommodate wider tires, 700c wheels offer better rolling efficiency and speed on smoother surfaces, making them more suited for long-distance gravel or road biking.

650b vs 700c rim size

650b rims have a diameter of 584mm (approximately 27.5 inches), while 700c rims have a larger diameter of 622mm (approximately 29 inches), making 700c rims slightly bigger and more efficient on smooth surfaces, whereas 650b rims are better suited for rough terrain and wider tires.

650b vs 700c tire size

650b tires typically range in width from 40mm to 50mm (approximately 1.57 to 1.97 inches), offering better traction and comfort on rough terrain, while 700c tires generally range from 35mm to 45mm (approximately 1.38 to 1.77 inches), providing faster rolling efficiency on smoother surfaces.

650b vs 700c wheelset size

650b wheelsets have a total diameter of 584mm (approximately 27.5 inches), while 700c wheelsets measure 622mm in diameter (approximately 29 inches), making 700c wheels larger and more efficient for rolling on smooth surfaces, whereas 650b wheelsets are better suited for off-road terrain and wider tires.

650b vs 700c wheelset weight

650b wheelsets are generally lighter when paired with similar materials, with weights typically ranging from 1400g to 1700g for aluminum rims and 1100g to 1400g for carbon fiber rims, whereas 700c wheelsets tend to weigh slightly more, with aluminum versions ranging from 1500g to 1800g and carbon fiber wheelsets from 1200g to 1500g, due to their larger size and longer spokes.

650b vs 700c tire pressure

650b tires typically run at lower pressures, with clincher tires ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 bar (approximately 29 to 43 psi), tubeless tires ranging from 1.8 to 2.8 bar (approximately 26 to 40 psi), and tubular tires ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 bar (approximately 36 to 51 psi), whereas 700c tires generally run at higher pressures, with clincher tires ranging from 3.0 to 4.5 bar (approximately 43 to 65 psi), tubeless tires from 2.5 to 4.0 bar (approximately 36 to 58 psi), and tubular tires from 3.0 to 5.0 bar (approximately 43 to 72 psi) for more speed and efficiency on smooth surfaces.

650b vs 700c acceleration

650b wheels accelerate faster than 700c wheels because their smaller rim diameter (584mm vs. 622mm) results in lower rotational mass, making it easier to spin up, especially on shorter distances or climbs. This means 650b wheels can reach higher speeds more quickly over shorter distances, potentially gaining a few seconds in a sprint or climb over 100-200 meters, while 700c wheels maintain better speed over longer distances due to their larger size and improved momentum.

650b vs 700c for gravel biking

650b is better than 700c for gravel biking because it allows for wider tires, typically 40mm to 50mm, which provide better traction, comfort, and control on rough and uneven gravel terrain. The wider tire profile on 650b wheels reduces rolling resistance on loose surfaces and lowers the risk of punctures due to the ability to run lower tire pressures, around 2.0 to 3.0 bar (29 to 43 psi). While 700c wheels offer better speed and efficiency on smoother gravel sections due to their larger diameter, 650b wheels excel in providing stability and comfort on technical and rougher terrain, making them the preferred choice for challenging gravel conditions.

650b vs 700c for road cycling

700c is better than 650b for road cycling because its larger rim diameter (622mm) offers lower rolling resistance, better aerodynamics, and higher top-end speed, especially on smooth, paved surfaces. The key factor is the ability to run narrower tires (typically 23mm to 32mm) at higher pressures, around 6-8 bar (87-116 psi), which reduces friction with the road and improves efficiency. While 650b wheels provide more comfort with wider tires and lower pressures, 700c wheels are more efficient for maintaining speed and momentum, making them the preferred choice for road cycling, racing, and long-distance rides.

650b vs 700c for bikepacking

650b is better than 700c for backpacking because it allows for wider tires, typically 40mm to 50mm, which provide greater comfort and traction on varied terrain, making it ideal for off-road and rough trails during long-distance rides. The key factors are the ability to run lower tire pressures (around 2.0 to 3.0 bar or 29 to 43 psi), which improves comfort and reduces fatigue over uneven surfaces, and the increased stability that comes from a larger contact patch. While 700c wheels offer lower rolling resistance and more speed on smoother roads, 650b wheels handle heavier loads and rougher terrain better, making them more suitable for carrying gear over mixed terrain during bikepacking adventures.

Are 700C or 650B Wheels More Comfortable To Ride?

700C is more comfortable to ride than 650B in most cases because its larger wheel diameter allows for smoother rolling over obstacles like small bumps and potholes, which translates to less vibration and a more cushioned ride. But 650B wheels with wider, low-pressure tires may offer better comfort on gravel and rough terrain, but 700C wheels provide superior smoothness on paved roads and steady handling. Therefore, your choice of wheel size as part of your bike equipment should depend on the type of riding and terrain. Below are a few factors that affect riding comfort.

1. Tire width and pressure: 650B wheels are often used with wider tires, which can be run at lower pressures. This improves shock absorption and increases comfort on rough or gravel roads. Wider 650B tires offer better cushioning compared to narrower 700C tires.
2. Wheel geometry: The smaller diameter of 650B wheels may offer more nimble handling, but the larger 700C wheels tend to have better momentum and roll more easily on smoother terrain, offering a steadier feel.
3. Bike geometry: The frame and fork are often designed differently depending on whether 650B or 700C wheels are used, which can affect the bike’s overall comfort. For example, bikes designed around 650B wheels often have more clearance for wider tires, enhancing comfort on rougher surfaces.

650b vs 700c, which is faster for gravel biking?

700C is generally faster for gravel biking than 650b on smoother terrain because its larger diameter maintains momentum better and rolls more efficiently over obstacles, but 650B with wider tires excels in rougher, technical terrain by offering better traction and control.

650b vs 700c, which is faster for road cycling?

700C is faster for road cycling than 650b because the larger wheel size reduces rolling resistance, and when paired with narrower, higher-pressure tires, it minimizes drag and increases efficiency on smooth pavement.

650b vs 700c, which comes with wider tires?

650B wheels typically come with wider tires than 700c, often ranging from 40mm to 50mm, as they are designed to handle rougher terrain by providing more traction and a more comfortable, cushioned ride at lower tire pressures.