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edscoble
Went for a nice ride around 'Het Westland' (greenhouse area between Den Haag and Rotterdam) yesterday to try out the 650b setup on my Grade. Lots of neglected cycle lanes and country lanes with crappy surfaces. Made for a comfy exploring type of ride. I can say for sure that the Panaracer GK 42mm didn't make me slower, average speed was the same as my other rides without pushing as hard (hr monitor zone 1-2 instead of 2-3).
However, I wouldn't advise this setup. Clearance between the chainstays is tight, 2-3mm now the tyres measure 42mm. Fine with me for a couple of rides because these wheels are going on an other bike soon and I'm never too far from home/ my wife can pick me up with my car. But 38mm would be safer, and then it would be easier and cheaper to just chuck a couple of Jon Bon Passes on the standard wheels.
So, fun yes. But the (alloy) Grade is not really a good 650b option imho.