Mountain Bike Monday - LYNSKEY MT650

When mountain bikes first came out all that was available in a "true mountain bike" was the 26" size.  In the early 1990's companies started to manufacture equipment to handle a 700c (or 29") wheel size.  Today, 26" bikes are difficult to find at most shops because of the popularity of the 29'er.  Now bike manufacturers are coming out with the 650 to help split the difference of the 26" and 29" size.  Today we are going to highlight a Titanium 650 from Lynskey - The MT650.

Here are some highlights from Lynskey:

Enjoy the balanced bliss of 27.5-inch wheels aboard the MT 650. 650b wheels offer the quick acceleration found in a 26-inch platform along with the superior rolling, extra stability, and enhanced traction of a 29er. Shimano’s XT components, Vuelta MTB ProDx wheels, Kenda Nevegal or WTB Wolverine 27.5" x 2.2" tires and FSA handlebar, stem and seatpost round out a package that’s race-ready.

• Certified Aerospace Grade 3Al/2.5V straight gauge titanium tubing
• Durable hand rubbed Bright Brushed finish
• 2013 Shimano XT component group
• Vuelta MTB ProDx wheels
• FSA seatpost, handlebar and stem
• Under top tube cable routing
• Disc brake specific design
• Easily accommodates up to 2.4 tires
• Wright-style dropouts for 9mm QR axles
• Designed for 100-120mm travel suspension forks or rigid 465mm forks
• Accepts 1-1/8" fork steerer tubes
• 68mm bottom bracket, English threading
• Lifetime Warranty
• Large frame weighs approx 3.3 pounds

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frame	2013 MT 650
Finish	Bright Brushed
Sizes	S, M, L, XL
Fork	X-Fusion Velvet RL2 650 120mm
Wheelset	Vuelta MTB ProDx 650 (Tubeless "Capable")
Tires	Kenda Nevegal 2.35 x 650
Brakeset	Shimano XT
Shifters	Shimano XT
Front Derailleur	Shimano XT
Rear Derailleur	Shimano XT Shadow M781
Crankset	26/38x175 Shimano XT
Cassette	11x36 (or 34 depending on availablity) Shimano XT
Saddle	Lynskey Sport Black
Seatpost	FSA XC-255 27.2 x 400mm
Handlebar	FSA V-Drive Low Rise 680mm
Stem	FSA OS 190 (100mm)
Headset	Orbit Equipe 1-1/8
Headtube Headset Size	1-1/8" Standard
Bottom Bracket Type	68mm Standard English
Seatpost Diameter	27.2mm
Seat Tube Diameter (Front Derailleur Clamp Size)	34.9
Wheel Size	650b
Max Tire Width	2.3
Dropouts	Wright Style w/ Replaceable Hanger
Rear Spacing	135mm
Brake Type	Disc

MSRP: $2,840

As you can see the drive behind this size bike is quicker acceleration than the 29'er but better clearance than the 26".  I test rode one in California a while back and the conditions were conducive to a 29'er where I was riding so I could not see the "benefit" of 650 but around our neck of the woods I could see it being helpful.  To confirm that though I would need to take one out to Sprague Brook and ride around and then compare it to the 29'er to see if there is much more acceleration.  Keep posted for more on this in the future once we get our hands on some 650 models.

Time to start planning your winter training so stop by and sign up for our Fall or Winter Race Series.  Slots are filling up fast so don't delay!

 

Service Clinic coming up September 26, 2013 - 7:00 - 9:00pm

 

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