I wasn't entirely comfortable with last winter's riding on 40mm 700c tires-I wanted something a bit wider. I don't have that bike anymore. Finding bikes that fit 45mm tires with fenders is a bit of a challenge, and fenders aren't optional for me(average 130 inches of rain/year).
So I'm looking at bikes that come with 650b tires, that fit fenders. Thru-axles a definite plus, I hate fussing with wheel alignment.
So far I'm seeing the Breezer Doppler. Cheap and pretty. Also HEAVY, no stack/reach in the geometry chart and their contact email address isn't valid. Nor does breezer respond to facebook messages. So that makes me wary. I like the fork mounts.
The kona rove seems like a great bike, but a little bit more than I'd like to spend.
The standard rando twin six sure is pretty, but if I'm going to spend that kind of money I'd really like thru-axles.
The Fuji Jari advertises itself as fitting 650b 50mm tires, but I'd need to build wheels separately. Or I could build up a frameset? I suppose there are a bunch of bikes like that.
Any other suggestions for me to look at? There has to be more, but I'm pretty illiterate when it comes to brands. "Just go test ride" isn't really an option when you live 4 hours from a major metropolitan area and you're 6'4".
The Salsa Fargo is the other known 650b bike. That one might be a little higher than the Kona Rove NRB DL.
Kona does have 3 levels of Rove NRB. The bottom end one is about $400 less than the DL. The big difference is mechanical brakes vs. hydraulic and Tiagra vs mostly 105.
The other option is to get one of the cheaper Jamis Renegades and buy a 650b wheelset. They posted one that a shop had done on their Facebook page so I know it works. Jamis has Renegades that retail as low at $799 so price wise it could work.
My Jamis Renegade Exile frame fits WTB Horizons with SKS Bluemels 53 fenders without any issues. Granted, I had to buy a separate set of 650B wheels because it came with 700C wheels. I believe the steel versions also have similar tire clearance; I am unsure if the carbon models at the top of the line can fit Horizons or not (at least with fenders). The steel and carbon models are all thru-axle of 2017; the Exile (aluminum) version is quick-release.
If you are considering carbon I recently picked up a Diamond Back Haanjo EXP for $1,500. I am really liking is so far. 650b, lots of clearance, thru axles, fender rack mounts, disc brakes. And an awesome army green color.
Yes re Twin Six Standard Rando has 650B build and nicely matched fenders for the steel version.
Re Fargos, know the gen 4 bike with Firestarter fork doesn't have eyelets. You can buy the steel Firestarter and the gen 5 bike carbon fiber Firestarter fork accommodates fenders.
I know some 2017 (now last year's model) Rove ST bikes are out there.
I understand the distance from bike shops but delayed gratification and efforts to try bikes has been time well spent for me. The hardly used gen 4 Fargo I got came from extending the search and a 3+ hour drive I found was well worth it.
