650b (27.5") is catching on the in the mountain bike world as a size halfway inbetween 26" and 29" tires. Fans say that they feature the best of both worlds; 650b tires roll over obstacles better and are more stable at speed than a 26" wheel, but they are lighter and less unwieldy than a 29er wheel. Soma's B-Side is a versatile steel steel machine which features
Tange/IRD Sliding Dropouts which allow for hassle-free singlespeed or geared setups.
New for 2014, Soma has slackened the head tube angle for a more modern, relaxed "ready" position, and included a beefier head tube that will accept tapered forks for maximum compatibility.
THE GOOD STUFF:
- Tapered 44mm head tube
- Updated geometry designed around a 100mm (69 deg HTA) or 120mm (68 deg HTA) fork for a more all-mountain feel.
- Tange Prestige heat-treated butted CrMo steel; butted CrMo rear end
- Disc brakes only (no canti studs)
- Tange/IRD Sliding Dropouts allow geared and single-speed builds with easy wheel removal
- S-bend seatstays and chainstays
- Low sloping top tube/short seat tube
- 27.2mm post size/28.6mm frt. der. size/29.8mm(or 30.0) seat collar
- Recommended tire size: 1.95 - 2.4"
- Color: Pumpkin Orange
- Sizes: Sm(14.5"), Md(16.5"), Lg(18.5"), XL(20.5")