650b Conversion
To my shock, I've been able to transfer all of my 650b components over to the Katakura Silk with NO MODIFICATIONS WHATSOEVER. Comparing measurements to my "made for 650b" bike frame, everything is exactly - and I mean EXACTLY - the same spacing. For the moment, I am as far along as I can be: fenders and rack can't be permanently installed until my brake calipers arrive sometime next week. I've run out of red housing; that, too, will arrive next week. Meanwhile, the wheels spin with more than adequate clearance for the 650b x 38 tires - ironic, because 25's were about the best I could do with 700c. Front and rear derailleurs are fine tuned and shifting perfectly on the stand. If I decide to keep the Brooks Pro rather than use a black Brooks Cambium C17 that I have, I'll need to add a pair of the VO bag loops for a saddle bag. Had I decided upon center-pulls rather than the dual pivots I chose, I would have installed a French mini-front rack for a small, lightweight, traditional front bag. Still not sure why I didn't go that route to be honest.
650b Conversion
To my shock, I've been able to transfer all of my 650b components over to the Katakura Silk with NO MODIFICATIONS WHATSOEVER. Comparing measurements to my "made for 650b" bike frame, everything is exactly - and I mean EXACTLY - the same spacing. For the moment, I am as far along as I can be: fenders and rack can't be permanently installed until my brake calipers arrive sometime next week. I've run out of red housing; that, too, will arrive next week. Meanwhile, the wheels spin with more than adequate clearance for the 650b x 38 tires - ironic, because 25's were about the best I could do with 700c. Front and rear derailleurs are fine tuned and shifting perfectly on the stand. If I decide to keep the Brooks Pro rather than use a black Brooks Cambium C17 that I have, I'll need to add a pair of the VO bag loops for a saddle bag. Had I decided upon center-pulls rather than the dual pivots I chose, I would have installed a French mini-front rack for a small, lightweight, traditional front bag. Still not sure why I didn't go that route to be honest.