Check out Kestrel’s “Ask a Pro Section” on their website!
http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/Explore/ASK-THE-PROS.
I just got my first question. Check it out!
Message: Is 650 dead? I am a short rider and concerned about getting a new 650 bike. Tires/tubes hard to find, especially on the course…as you know. Companies that make 650 bikes say they are the only way to go. Companies that make 700 bikes says that THEY are the only way to go. Your thoughts?
The question concerning 650c wheels vs. 700c wheels seems to be a HOT topic these days!
When I first started racing triathlons 12 years ago, 650 wheels were the ONLY way to go. It was not unusual to see a 6′ 2″ guy on a tri specific bike with 650 wheels. It looked “funny”, but 650c wheel were all the rage!
Somewhere around 2001/2002, the tide started to change. 650c wheels were no longer popular and bike companies stopped making the bikes, which was unfortunate for folks under 5’6″.
Lucky for us smaller riders (I am 5’7″), 650 wheels are making a comeback! While I do not consider myself short, I find myself in between sizes. I can go with either a 700c bike or a 650c bike. With a 650c wheels, however, I have a shorter reach frame with the proper head tube angle for good control and I never have toe “overlap” with my front wheel. With 700c, I did. I always had to be careful when making tight turns. But now, with 650c wheels and a smaller frame, I feel more in control. I am able to “man handle” the bike, take tight corners or bomb down mountains without hesitation. I love tucking in behind the bigger riders on group rides. It is my “Porsche”.
When someone asks me if my 650c bike is as fast as a 700c bike, my first response is: Is a small car as fast as a large car? All kidding aside, I believe that as long as the gearing is correct, there should NOT be a difference as to which size bike is faster. If bigger wheels made us faster, then bike companies would be making 800c wheels!
I think that if you are a smaller rider, under 5’6″, there is no question as to “if” you should be riding a 650c bike. A smaller bike with smaller wheels will fit you better!
I am hopeful that since a lot of the professional women (world champion, Mirinda Carfrae, Yvonne VanVlerkin, Jo Lawn, and myself) are now riding 650 wheels, races will take note. I hope we have tubes/tires more available on course. For now (since my double flat in Branson) I have taken more precautions. I take one extra tube with me while racing. Obviously the goal is not have a flat tire. I now consider the sag wagon a luxury and it should not be a necessity.
Good luck with shopping for your new bike!
650c bikes RULE!
Amanda,
Thanks so much for this post. I have been debating 700s vs. 650s for the past year. Every time I ask someone, they mention you and how much you like the 650s. It is great to have your insight. Kiersten (Team Trakkers Age Grouper)
You guys convinced me last season i’d be happy on 650′s..and I AM….loving my Kestrel and my 650′s…and I feel that I can actually handle the bike a bit better with it being smaller as well!!
MISS YOU!
Thanks for this post – I am happy I got my Kestrel in 650′s since I am 5’2″ – but struggled with the decision.
I ride a Kestrel AirFoil 650 as well, because it was recommended as the bike that fits me best at 5’5″. This bike handles so much better in the wind than my Kestrel Talon which was a 700, and I feel like I have much better control of the bike and am so much more comfortable. I had PR’s at every tri distance in 2010. I agree with your assessment.
Hi Amanda! This post was very timely for me – thank you!! I am 5’5″, and my first bike (road) had 650c wheels and LOVED IT. When I bought a tri-bike, it had 700c wheels, and for whatever reason, I never felt that it “fit”, even after getting fit to it several times. I agree – my first bike was so much easier to handle. I totally agree with you – 650′s are the way to go!! Thanks :).
Hi – Just some info – in a pinch, you can fold over a 700cc tube into a 650 wheel and it works…Have used this trick many times in training when the 650 tubes run out ….
Hi Amanda
This post has definitely made my decision easier. I am a short rider (5’1″) riding an XS small bike with 700 wheels. I am in the market for a new bike and the ones I like only come in 650. I was hesitant to decide on a small frame with 650 wheels because none of the riders I ride with ride with 650 and well I’ve been riding in 700. I’ll give it s go and ride on 6650. Thank you so much!