As in the Princess and the Pea.

Ever have a customer who required excessive bike sizing attention? Who just needed that saddle adjusted one more time again, already after the previous four adjustments. It can be frustrating. It can be time consuming. As simple as the process is, there’s still the matter of selecting the bikes (sometimes a variety of sizes and models), there is the explanation involved (difference of components, frame shapes, materials), then the actual sizing (standing over, adjusting seat height, position, and angle, etc). It’s part of the job. But when a customer is overtly worried and emphatic about the size and fit of the bike, and admits to not know anything themselves, wouldn’t trusting—just a little—the advice and guidance of an individual in the industry be understandable?

The process by which I size someone on a bike isn’t a professional “bike fit” by any means, while it is a professional mechanic doing it, it isn’t a “bike fit” but merely “bike sizing”. There is a difference, right? The cost of a pro bike fit  taken into consideration, a shop mechanic’s guidance and advice should be valued to some degree as well. At least to the degree of following it somewhat?

As I understand it, a “bike fit” is a process that is typically paid for and a customer’s physiological dimensions are measured and applied to dimensions on a bike in order to reach the optimum in comfort and riding performance. (See Serotta, Fit Kit, etc.) This isn’t the same thing when a shop sizes you up on a bike, this process is far simpler and acts more accurately as a guideline alone. Stand over the top tube, got an inch? Good. Sit on the saddle, got some bend in the knee? Good. All other sizes and adjustments can generally be taken care of with saddle position, stem length, and at worst, crank length.

At the end of it all, isn’t it up to the customer to decide for themselves what the most comfortable bike to choose is? We’re bike mechanics, we don’t hold guns to people’s heads.

Yeah, I want you standing over my shoulder–commentary, suggestions, and all–and you’re in a rush, so you want it quick. So, if it’s a flat fix, and it’s a rush, don’t request a hub adjustment on top of it.

You know how to work on bikes but don’t have tools. What do you think this shop is a co-op? It’s not, get on the other side of the counter and wait if you want the work done. Otherwise, invest in your own tools and do it yourself.

Here’s a suggestion: Don’t stress out the mechanic if you want service.

Is this another marketing ploy? Or am I missing something?

26″ mountain wheels have an ISO of 559 right? From what I’ve found, 650B wheels have an ISO of 584. Right? And don’t our—fading in popularity?—”29′ers” have an ISO of 622? (Like a road wheel).

Looking at bead seat circumference on this chart seems closer, but still isn’t an equidistant compromise.

26″ mountain: 1755
650B: 1835
29′er: 1955

Looking at this chart, which coincides pretty well with Sutherland’s makes me question what’s wrong with 650A for that “best of both worlds” feel of this new wheel standard? A 650A wheel has a circumference of 1854 or an ISO of 590, pretty much smack between the two.

From this info I can determine that regular mountain tires won’t work, and tubes probably won’t be compatible either. Some forks will evidently; but generally speaking, this all spells out a big re-tooling for manufacturers. New frames, new forks, etc. Right?

Wouldn’t an ISO of 590 or so be a more equal compromise? Why settle for one obscure size over another if everything needs re-tooling anyway? Measure twice cut once, right?

My question is this: how much different does the 650B really feel? Is it really an equitable compromise between a 26″ and a 29′er? I have my hesitations now, but I won’t criticize it—or give it the axe—entirely before I try one out.

I’m sure this subject has been argued about ad nauseum somewhere else before, I just haven’t read it yet or bothered to search for that sure to be overly opinionated argument online. Does anyone have any insight they can lend on this subject? (Anyone that doesn’t have 650B wheels they’re trying to sell that is.)

Basically, is this newest kool-aid worth drinking?

I’ve found books again. I remember how to read and have been enjoying the departure from these incessant pixels.

Be back soon with something more substantial. In the meantime, pick up a copy of Life Inc. by Douglas Rushkoff it’s what I’m currently reading and recommending.

The entire introduction is posted here, check it out yourself.