soma grand rando and it's 650b wheels compared with 700c
I had this posted to touring, maybe being more of a fit question, it will be better here. Any answers or advice are welcome.
I have been wrestling with the idea of turning my Bianchi cross bike back to simply cross and building up a touring/rando type using some of my parts that I know work best for me when touring and rando type rides. I am presently using my Bianchi cross specific bicycle for touring type rides. I do note that with a load, it still rides nicely but feels sluggish at times and front heavy which is why I am steering towards a more rando specific frameset. I especially have been looking at several models and the new Soma Grand Rando has my attention. Of course, the factor coming up is the tire size of 650B which is the only option for the soma grand rando.
I haven't tried a 650B at all for any amount of riding time. But I stood over one that was 'my size' as stated by someone who was an enthusiast for the 650b. And It just felt low and small. I rode it only briefly, so i cannot give it a fair review. It might just be that way because of what I am used to riding but I was wondering, at 6' tall (inseam about 34), will the 650b feel too small for me? Or will I be just as well to continue to run 700c wheelset.
When I did ride the Bianchi as simple cross, it was a fast, sweet ride and I think it would make a awesome crosser again and also use for the 'New' catchphrase niche gravel grinder type bike. Which, BTW, I feel that my cross would handle just about any of that terrain, just as it did years ago before those words became a new type of cycling.
thank you