KHS did it. They went to 650b on their downhill bike. As far as we know, they're the first company to give it a go. The larger wheel size has a few advantages, like the ability to roll over rocks faster, but suitable downhill wheel and tire options are quite limited at the moment.
The KHS Factory Team will be testing out prototype models of the SixFifty 656DH in the next six weeks. In fact, Logan Binggeli plans to ride the 650b version at the Red Bull Rampage this year, so keep an eye out for that.
The bike is based around the current DH300 but has slightly tweaked geometry to accommodate the larger wheel size. As of right now the anticipated release date is late 2013 or early 2014.
What do you think? Is 650b fit for downhill?
toplinemagazine
7/11/2012 10:53 PM
khsitalia
7/8/2012 2:05 PM
as italian KHS distributor we are the origin of this rendering (not picture!) " how could be new KHS SixFifty 656 for downhill...".
on our web site is clearly specified that this image is a mix components of KHS DH300 and KHS Sixfifty 656Xc ...not a real picture...while is confirmed that in a few weeks KHS Factory Racing Team will begin testing a new dh mtb in 650B.
Dereka15
7/6/2012 6:29 PM
mickey
7/6/2012 9:14 AM
I've been building and racing 650b xc bikes for 5 years now.
29'rs suck, as we all know, but 650b stuff get's a little bit better roll over and little bit better cornering over a 26" wheel that definitely helps you have more fun.
As soon as I can buy a DH casing 650b tire I'll have one wedged into my Dorado in a heartbeat.
Y'alls gonna be OK with 650b stuff. It's fun and fast and doesn't require a freak bike. Nothing to dislike really...
JimEG
7/5/2012 8:22 PM
KHS may be the the first, but won't be the last.
Fear Nothing.
TRex
7/5/2012 1:50 PM
deadatbirth
7/5/2012 2:07 PM
erwinmruiz
7/5/2012 2:10 PM
ratchetnator
7/5/2012 1:26 PM
KHSFactoryRacing
7/5/2012 12:43 PM
bturman
7/5/2012 12:55 PM
iceman2058
7/5/2012 12:29 PM
Josh_Swanke
7/5/2012 11:32 AM
kidwoo
7/5/2012 11:53 AM
bturman
7/5/2012 12:16 PM
manhartt
7/5/2012 8:08 PM
Martijn_Vermonden
7/5/2012 11:22 AM
bstens
7/5/2012 11:12 AM
Freeridewriter
7/5/2012 11:16 AM
mdustinelliott
7/5/2012 11:24 AM
Krispy
7/5/2012 11:11 AM
WANT!!!! I've been ruined by 29ers and at this point in time want a 650 DH or at least park bike.
Looks like they just stuffed the wheels in there, the BB looks high. I could be way off.
Excavator tires? At least it's the best Kenda can do.
boylagz
7/5/2012 11:10 AM
samnation
7/5/2012 1:58 PM