Confrérie des 650

When the Confrérie started its activities in the late 1990s, shortage was imminent so one of the most urgent actions has been to find reliable sources for 650B rims, or else we facing the risk that part of a significant fleet of valuable touring bicycles, otherwise suitable for many more years of enjoyment to their owners, could get grounded on the occasion of unavoidable road mishaps. The threat is now behind us, and several models exist on the market.

Rigida ZAC-19R

We concede that this new profile, successor to the "Sphinx" series now out of production, would deserve a more glamorous name. As might not be obvious from the opposite picture, the 650B version will only be available in silver-anodized finish. This new rim, with double skin, double eyelets and 36 holes, is flatter and slightly wider than the Sphinx it replaces, but we tried it and found it quite suitable.

Rigida "Sphinx"

The initial talks between the Confrérie and Rigida resulted in a first production run called "Ariès", soon followed by the “Sphinx" with basically the same specifications, i.e. to equip fast and polyvalent touring bicycles. With double skin, double eyelets and 36 holes, this product exhibits a classical look and is suitable for a variety of utilizations from fast to heavily loaded touring. It was also successfully adopted on some tandems.

CTA - Velocity "Synergy"

Velocity is a reputable Australian manufacturer well represented in the USA. They have several 650B rims on their product list, thanks to the work done by Lynn P. MILLER, an Australian specialist who endeavours to expand the 650B spirit in Australia.

The version of greatest interest to us is "Synergy", a double skin distributed by Lynn MILLER of CTA as well as a number of US specialists. It exists in different drilling schemes (32-, 36-, 40- and 48-holes), and an asymmetrical version also exists for those who like to have balanced "umbrellas" on their rear wheel. Its 470 grammes make it lightweight and those who adopted it are obviously satisfied.

CTA - Velocity "Aerohead"

This recent project was initiated by Lynn MILLER (CTA) who negociated with Velocity the production of a specific 650B batch and made it available to US distributors. As the name “Aerohead” implies Lynn MILLER is targeting with this profile a “fast touring”-oriented public. Again an asymmetrical version is available for the rear wheel.

Drilling is made on demand, which means an extreme freedom. However most units delivered are 32- or 36-holes, suitable for polyvalent machines.

Sun CR18

We confess this is yet unknown to us. Derived from a well known, very robust profile, the 650B version of this rim has been announced on American web sites, yet with some comments on the actual size, making it extremely difficult to mount a tire on it. We are keenly waiting for any further contribution from our readers...

Publication of "Confrérie des 650" /// 57, avenue de Montpellier 34270 CLARET - FRANCE