The idea of a 650B/584 size mountain bike seemed curiously daffy to some folks and angered others to fits of pontificating, complete with prognostications of tire bsd anarchy.

To me, it's an interesting use of a potentially "just right" rim size. I've enjoyed riding 700C wheelsets on trails, but the idea of slapping a 40mm-plus size tire on there is a little off my aestethic. It's pretty obvious that the "attack angle" of larger wheels is a good thing off-road, but big honkin' tires in large (40+) sizes start to make me a little nervous. I'm not a big, tall fellah with a significant motor.

On the other hand, every time I go back to a 26" wheeled mtb, it seems a little more like a toy than a bicycle. Could the 650B/584 - or as the kids are calling it, "27.5" work as a larger diameter tire that doesn't require a lanky/rangy rider?

This is one of those interesting developments that it's fun to be around. In a few years, we'll be able to begin looking back, able to offer a more balanced report. But, in the meantime, enjoy the ride!

Bombadils in the Galleries:

cc452 - Bombadil Prototypes at RBWHQ&L

Bombadil on the RBW site - Early Bombadil Sizing/Geometry Chart PDF - Bombadil Articles in the Rivendell Reader (coming soon!)

Bombadil Prototypes

Other 650B/584 mtb resources: SixfiftyB.com - Pacenti 650B mtb

Bombadil Prototype Testing- 4/08

In a secret testing facility somewhere in Northern California America

Toyoblog watch - Twin Top Tube Bombadil Prototype - 2/08

Looks like the fine folks over at Toyo have delivered another prototype of the Bombadil 650B/584 mountainbike. This one features a twin top tube, reminescent of the early days of Klunkerz on the mountain. GP has mentioned that he wants to make this bike "bombproof" even with significant loads. (Toyoblog translation supplied by Google).

Bombadil Prototype Photos - 1/08
These images of the Bombadil prototypes were taken during a visit to the RBWHQ&L in January, 2008. I had an opportunity to take a short ride this bicycle while there. It's extremely "light" handling, even though GP has spec'd a strong tubeset. I loved the low speed stability. It reminded me of why the best of the "pre-suspension" mtb's rode so well.

As with all prototypes, there may be some changes between the photos you see here and what gets delivered as a production model. But, as with all things Rivendell, they have a relentless attention to detail. Click here to see the photos.

Toyo Vists Rivendell - Bombadil photos on the Toyoblog - 10/07

Well, it seems that the fine folks from Toyo wisely hightailed it out of Las Vegas after Interbike - heading west to the lands of Walnut Creek. From their blog, it seems they had a good time at the show, and enjoyed the follow up visit to RBWHQ&L, where they had a chance to meet about the Rivendell Bombadil 650B mtb project - this photo was found on their blog. (Note - the links will take you to a Google Translation (Beta) version of their site.)

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Company Info:
Rivendell Bicycle Works
P.O. Box 5289 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
T 800.345.3918/ 925.933.7304
F 877.269.5847