{"id":35839,"date":"2022-04-16T14:00:53","date_gmt":"2022-04-16T12:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=666288"},"modified":"2022-04-16T14:17:16","modified_gmt":"2022-04-16T12:17:16","slug":"650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"650b vs 700c for gravel riding: which is best for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Katherine Moore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 16 April 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Diverging from their road-going ancestors, gravel bikes<\/a> offer a choice of wheel sizes: the standard 700c<\/a> as seen on road bikes, or slightly smaller 650b \u2013 with many gravel frames designed to be able to accommodate both.<\/p>\n

You can often choose between these gravel wheel sizes when ordering your new gravel bike setup<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n

What are the differences between these hoop sizes, and what are the pros and cons of each? Should you have a set of each with different tyres for tackling different terrain?<\/p>\n

Here, we take an in-depth look to help you decide which are the best gravel wheels<\/a> for your rig.<\/p>\n

What is 650b?<\/h2>\n
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Even some top-end wheelsets \u2013 such as the pictured Roval Terra CLX EVO \u2013 can be had in 650b.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dylan VanWeelden\/Roval<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

What does 650b actually mean? The name for these wheels \u2013 which are essentially the same thing as 27.5in mountain bike wheels<\/a> \u2013 is derived from a French sizing system, just like 700c (29in<\/a> equivalent).<\/p>\n

The number relates to the approximate diameter of the wheel, including the tyre, while the letter relates to the approximate width.<\/p>\n

We use the word approximately here, because this measurement includes the tyre, which can vary greatly in size according to the tyre\u2019s profile. To be more accurate, from rim bed to rim bed a 650b wheel measures 584mm in diameter, with a 700c rim measuring 622mm. Bit less catchy, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

When we talk about 650b wheels for gravel riding<\/a> though, we typically associate this smaller wheel size with larger-volume and width tyres, as there\u2019s usually more tyre clearance in the frameset to accommodate this chunkier rubber compared to 700c wheels.<\/p>\n

Therefore, when compared to a 700c wheel with a narrower tyre, the effect of the decreased diameter of the 650b wheel rim is lessened due to this increased tyre size. Effectively, the rolling diameter of the two different setups is usually more similar than you might expect.<\/p>\n

Pros of running 650b wheels on a gravel bike<\/h2>\n
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BikeRadar\u2019s Robyn Furtado opted for some Hunt 650b Carbon bikepacking wheels when testing the Canyon Grail 6 WMN<\/a>.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robyn Furtado \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

650b wheels are typically used in conjunction with wider tyres \u2013 in the region of 45mm up to 2.1in (53mm) \u2013 compared to 700c wheels.<\/p>\n

This allows riders to run lower tyre pressures, yielding enhanced grip as well as improved comfort. A greater cushion of air can also reduce the risk of pinch punctures, especially when set up tubeless<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Greater grip comes in handy on the rougher trails, while increased comfort is especially useful for longer, multi-day bikepacking<\/a> tours.<\/p>\n

Just as some shorter riders tend to opt for 650b tyres on the road for better handling in proportion to the frame size and reduced toe overlap, this can also be the case when it comes to gravel riding<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lastly, 650b wheels tend to be stronger than 700c, as the shorter spoke triangle leads to a more robust construction.<\/p>\n

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Cons of running 650b wheels on a gravel bike<\/h2>\n
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The volume difference between a 47mm-wide tyre on a 650b rim and a 40mm tyre on 700c.<\/span><\/figcaption> Katherine Moore<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As 650b wheels and tyres for gravel riding are relatively new, there\u2019s a slightly more limited selection to choose from, although this is improving.<\/p>\n

Most 650b tyres will be higher-volume options (45mm and above), and usually feature a greater level of tread, like the 47mm WTB Sendero<\/a>, which is essentially a little cross-country tyre.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve already got a 700c wheelset, then you\u2019ll need to fork out for a 650b alternative. Thankfully, there are a range of options on the market to suit most budgets, from entry-level builds to bespoke, lightweight and race-focused carbon wheelsets.<\/p>\n

Remember you\u2019ll also need inner tubes to match your new wheels \u2013 whether that\u2019s for your standard setup or a spare in case of any tubeless setup<\/a> issues. Check out our full guide on tubeless tyre repair<\/a> before taking to the trails if this technology is new to you.<\/p>\n

Pros of 700c wheels on a gravel bike<\/h2>\n
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Some gravel bikes boast generous clearances \u2013 50mm with 700c wheels on the Canyon Grizl.<\/span><\/figcaption> Marco Freudenreich<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As 700c wheels have been the norm for a long time, there is good availability of gravel-specific wheelsets on the market.<\/p>\n

Axle-standard incompatibilities aside<\/a>, there\u2019s nothing technically stopping you from using a road bike or mountain bike wheelset on a gravel bike.<\/p>\n

However, remember that you\u2019ll need to check the internal rim diameter before you buy because that largely determines a wheelset\u2019s suitability for use with gravel tyres.<\/p>\n

To be precise, ETRTO tyre standards (reviewed in 2020) recommend 21mm internal-diameter rims for 29 to 34mm tyres, 23mm internals for 35 to 46mm tyres, and 25mm for tyres measuring 47 to 57mm (up to 2.2in).<\/p>\n

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Enjoy a great selection of tyre widths, tread and casings in 700c.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robyn Furtado \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As well as good wheel availability, 700c tyre availability is also better, along with a whole raft of different widths and tread options<\/p>\n

Many people claim that a larger-diameter 700c wheel will offer easier rollover, just like a 29er mountain bike setup. However, it\u2019s more nuanced than that when it comes to gravel.<\/p>\n

Of course, if both 700c and 650b wheelsets were set up with the same width of tyres \u2013 let\u2019s say 40mm \u2013 then the 700c wheelset would have a greater external diameter, and therefore greater rollover.<\/p>\n

However, most people opt for a wider, higher-volume tyre for 650b wheels, which significantly reduces this difference between the setups\u2019 external diameter, and hence the impact on rollover.<\/p>\n

The other primary benefit of 700c wheels that is often quoted is the reduced rolling resistance, which is why 700c is the most popular choice when it comes to gravel racing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This is a bit of a broad generalisation and is dependent on both tread and tyre width chosen, as well as tyre pressure.<\/p>\n

For a more in-depth look at rolling resistance and tyre choice<\/a>, check out Simon von Bromley\u2019s extensive guide.<\/p>\n

Cons of using 700c wheels on a gravel bike<\/h2>\n
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Are you pushing the limits of tyre clearance with 700c wheels on your frameset?<\/span><\/figcaption> Matthew Allen \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The downside of 700c wheels is that you may be significantly limited to the maximum tyre width you can fit. This may also extend to limits on mud clearance and space for traditional mudguards.<\/p>\n

This is dependent on frame design, however, and many modern gravel bikes will have oodles of tyre clearance on 700c wheels.<\/p>\n

650b or 700c, what\u2019s right for you?<\/h2>\n
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Chunky 650b WTB Sendero tyres are suited to rowdier riders on more technically challenging trails.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wilderness Trail Bikes<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Just like all cycling gear choices, the best wheel size for your gravel bike will depend on what kind of gravel riding you enjoy and what you\u2019re hoping to get out of your time off the tarmac.<\/p>\n

Wanna get rowdy and hit up some MTB trails, or want to cross a mountain range with everything you\u2019ll need for a week? Try 650b.<\/p>\n

Looking to go fast over smoother hardpack and tarmac with no compromise on speed? 700c will probably be best for you.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s so much more to this question than simply wheel size though, because all these attributes are also dependent on your tyre choice and how this interacts with the wheel size.<\/p>\n

It appears preferences are changing too, as James Heaton, WTB\u2019s European marketing specialist explains. \u201c\u200b\u200bOur wider 700c gravel tyres are growing in popularity. Frame designers are creating bikes with more and more tyre clearance and it\u2019s allowing more riders to appreciate the benefits that come with larger-volume tyres.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreviously, it was largely riders with 650b wheels that could enjoy the extra comfort and grip that comes with bigger tyres, but it looks like the world of floaty fun is slowly opening up to those with 700c wheels too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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A wave of newer, rowdier and more bikepacking-oriented gravel bikes, such as the Cotic Cascade, are offering tyre clearances for MTB tyres with 700c (or 29er) wheels.<\/span><\/figcaption> Richard Baybutt<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ollie Gray, Hunt Bike Wheels\u2019 road and gravel brand manager seems to agree. \u201cIt\u2019s common to see clearance for 700 x 45 now, whereas a couple of years ago it was necessary to run a 650b wheel if you wanted a high-volume tyre. Frame design has caught up, so running bigger wheels with bigger tyres is easier than it used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Ollie, sales figures show that 700c looks to be crowding out 650b as the de facto drop-bar wheel size. \u201cHowever, I don\u2019t think 650b will disappear,\u201d he continues, \u201cand honestly, I really think a pair of 650b wheels can be a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to gravel bikes. It\u2019s a really easy way of making one bike feel like two.\u201d<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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By Katherine Moore Published: Saturday, 16 April 2022 at 12:00 am Diverging from their road-going ancestors, gravel bikes offer a choice of wheel sizes: the standard 700c as seen on road bikes, or slightly smaller 650b \u2013 with many gravel frames designed to be able to accommodate both. You can often choose between these gravel […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":35840,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"8"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you.jpg",1616,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you-768x513.jpg",768,513,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you-1024x684.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you-1536x1027.jpg",1536,1027,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/04\/650b-vs-700c-for-gravel-riding-which-is-best-for-you.jpg",1616,1080,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Katherine Moore Published: Saturday, 16 April 2022 at 12:00 am Diverging from their road-going ancestors, gravel bikes offer a choice of wheel sizes: the standard 700c as seen on road bikes, or slightly smaller 650b \u2013 with many gravel frames designed to be able to accommodate both. You can often choose between these gravel…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/35839"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35839"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}