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I think 650b was pushed to allow bigger tyres over 700c in most frames but it has been slightly killed off by all the new gravel bikes coming out with clearance for 700c 2"+ tyres.
PhilDAS-
650b was pushed to allow bigger tyres over 700c
That was certainly on the pitch for the 3T Exploro bike, which was designed at least ten years ago. But since then frames have evolved, and gear trains offer lower gearing. Reason for my own choice was that the same gear train (GRX 2 x 11) on road and gravel bike produces identical gearing on 28-622 and 47-584 tyres. This was specifically one of the pitch points for the Exploro.
HarmanMogul
Very thorough test, with the interesting assertion that the 650b wheel is 'somewhat outdated'. As i've found, tyres from major brands are mostly 47mm, suggesting that this wheel size is generally destined for rougher parcours.