650b Wheels on K2 Proflex 4500/5500c

[draztik]

Has anyone tried fitting 650b wheels on these bikes? I'm getting a new front fork the X-Fusion Velvet and it says it can accept 650b wheels. I already have rear disc so all I need to know is if the 650b wheel will fit the carbon swing arm. Anyone have any success?

[jazclrint]

Not yet, but I have been thinking the same thing.  I am almost certain a 650B will fit in the Noleen fork though.  The Swingarm will be tight.

[Colin]

Depends upon what tyres you are planning on running, (you're lookimg at 584mm plus the tyre height)

No help whatsoever, but I run 700c (aka "29er") wheels on my XP-X with 1.125" Conti Ultra Gatorskin road tyres.
They easily fit on the Look Fournalles fork and I think they fitted on the Vector II's but not sure.
Just about fits on the x56 type rear swing arm as actually it's the Pivot mount on the frame that it nearly touches not the swing arm!

My first home build off roader was a 650B wheel bike that started life as a "small" flat bar road bike that I had as a kid in the 70's, I put the biggest tyres I could find on it and pushed it up Ivinghoe Beacon to bomb down the trails towards Ashridge Forest and also used it in the Chilterns above Sharpenhoe and Barton and explored the Icknield Way.

And I remember being quite concerned about the "odd" 26" wheels on my brand new Raleigh Maverick and asking the Halford's manager wether I could get spare tyres as they didn't seem very common!

Col

[draztik]

Interesting story Colin! I have a friend with a new 650b KHS next time we ride together I'm going to check if his wheel fits the carbon swing arm. I read somewhere someone suggested using blunt 650b wheels, I'm not sure what they meant by that. I have to do some more research. What are your guys thoughts on running this wheel size on the 4500/5500?

[jazclrint]

He was probably referring to the rim called the "Blunt" by Velocity.  From what I've read the are a really solid rim.  But as a pure XC guy they are unnecessary for my needs.  Mr. Pacenti (the designer of those rims I believe) has a few models coming out.  Most of the guys in the 650b forum on MTBR have had good luck with all the rims on the market accept the lightest one, I beleive.  I don't remember which one that is at the moment. 

Personally, I am really interested in going 650b on my 5500.