issue with big 700c on the short gang is toe overlap becomes unreal.
650 would in theory allow big tyres without change to toe overlap.
go the whole hog n buy cheap 26 mtb rims 2008 style
650 would in theory allow big tyres without change to toe overlap.
You're right.
Seeing that 700c x 23mm is more or less identical to a 650b x 42mm, so you might actually get less toe overlap with a 38mm tyres, a very slightly lowered BB, and slightly lighter handling.
issue with big 700c on the short gang is toe overlap becomes unreal.
650 would in theory allow big tyres without change to toe overlap.
go the whole hog n buy cheap 26 mtb rims 2008 style