650b’s not dead, says Hunt as it bucks the big wheel trend with its overhauled Adventure wheelset
Does the market still have space for the smaller rim diameter? Yes, plenty, says the British brand
Hunt's Adventure Carbon Disc 650b gravel wheels have experienced a complete redesign, despite the prevailing narrative that 650b wheels are dead. The company stands by its claim that 650b is alive and kicking, even better than ever. The new wheelset weighs 1,390g, making it 71g lighter than its predecessor, while the internal rim width has been increased to 27mm, and the maximum tyre size has expanded to 65mm.
Hunt has incorporated its H_Core technology into the new rims, which reduces porosity in high-stress areas and improves impact resistance, making the rims suitable for harsh singletrack terrain. The internal width of the new rim is 27mm, and the external width is 32mm, making it optimally suited for 45-60mm tyres. The new design also includes preformed carbon angular spoke patches for protection against spoke pull-through, and the hub has been upgraded from an older six-pawl version to a 36-tooth, nickel-coated ratchet system with extra sealed bearings.
The price remains unchanged at £949 for a pair of wheels. The 650b standard offers several advantages, including lighter overall weight, nimbleness, faster acceleration, and better maneuverability on technical terrain. Moreover, 32-inch wheels are too big for smaller frames, leading to unmanageable toe overlap or too-long steering geometry.
The 650b is a more suitable option for smaller riders. The company's decision to upgrade compatible products instead of making them obsolete is refreshing and promotes sustainability.
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