Ooh, that's nice!
I just found the above 650B-converted Trek 400 on Velospace...as you may recall, I picked up a 1992 Trek 400 frame to build up as a budget low-trail (using Kogswell conversion fork), 650B-shod randonneuse, and I've been wondering if/how Col de la Vie tires would fit in the rear. This photo shows that they can work!
posted by jim g at 12:19 PM
4 Comments:
I did not know that was what you intended to do with the Trek 400 frame. Is this just an experiment to try the combination of low-trail and 650B? Btw, I love my CdlVs, but boy those Pacenti Pari-Motos sure look nice...
Lee, the Trek 400 frame will serve for a variety of experiments:
Foremost, I got a bigger frame to see how that fits/feels. This frame is also 9/6/9 butted tubing, and I want to see whether it "planes" for me, as my old Nishiki Prestige (Tange #2 tubing, also 9/6/9) did.
I'm currently building it up in standard 700C mode to experience traditional "US Sport Touring Geometry" (think Rivendell Rambouillet). Plus, I want a "normal", non-rando, not-low-trail, no-baggage bike to knock about on for a while. Probably 28mm tires, maybe 32mm, depending on whether I decide to add fenders.
Later, I will swap the 650B wheels in, to compare how this frame rides against my RB-1 conversion. If I like this Trek enough as a 700C bike, I will convert the RB-1 back to original, and sell it off.
Beyond that, I want to reconfigure the Trek as a 650B+low-trail test mule -- to experience 650B + low trail, to experience wider tires + low trail, and to see whether this bike shimmies like my Kogswell does. The frame tubing on this Trek is a little stouter than the Kogswell, and I want to see if/how that affects things. If this bike works out, it'll get rear canti studs brazed on and a fresh powdercoat, and it'll likely become my main ride!
Wow--that's a high-value experiment! Best of luck! Are your thoughts on frame-sizing changing do you think?
Lee, I do know that these days I seem to like my handlebar height nearly even with the saddle. Headtube length is something I've started paying more attention to.
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