650c or 700c Wheels?

We have received two questions on 650c and 700c size wheels from Danielle and Kay, similar questions that we try to answer here.

Danielle’s Question:
I am having a steel lugged frame custom made. Due to my long legs and short torso, they would like to go 650c wheel set-up.
Will the 650c wheels go away like the 27″ wheels? Or am I better off going 700c and just dealing with the toe-overlap and stretched out position?
Thank you in advance!
Dani

Kay’s Question:
Is it really true, the bigger the better?!? heehee
I am having a custom made frame and would like to get the best fit as possible (for me).
My inseam is 30.75″ with a short torso, therefore leaving me with toe-overlap and a super short (60mm) stem with off the shelf frames. Would it be wise to go ahead and have my new frame designed for 700c wheels and just “deal with it” or have the frame made for 650c wheels and settle for the wheels and tires that are still out there? Will someday the 650c wheels become extinct just like the 27″ have become?
Thanks in advance!
Kay

Hi Dani and Kay.

First Dani, I can see your problem, 700c wheels are better because they do roll well and great for cornering, also you don’t need to mess around with different gear ratios. 650c wheels could be your answer, but you can mess around with the frame angles, if they are more laid back on the head set then the top tube can be shorter and you have less front wheel – toe over lap. Then the stem can also be short so that you will not be over stretched, look for handle bars that don’t go too far forward, stay away from so called anatomic handle bars as they are usually deep and put your hands too far forward.

Talk to the frame builder again and see what he says, ask about 75 degree seat angle and a 72 degree head angle and some forks that have a bugger rake, he will know what the handling will be like and if it is feasible. Good luck with your new bike when you get it, Dani.

Now Kay.

Yes Kay, size is important! I hope you read what I’ve told Dani as this refers to your question too. I would suggest looking at the dimensions of the smallest off-the-peg frames; extra small and check out the women’s specific frames from Specialized, Trek, Scott, Orbea, Cannondale and Giant, they offer many frame sizes and dimensions and there might be one to suit your body size.

650c wheels are becoming difficult to get your hands on and obviously tires and tubes are in the same boat, whether they will become extinct or not, I can’t say, but it’s very possible.

I hope this has helped both Dani and Kay, and anyone else who maybe thinking of 650c wheels and matching frame.