The Pro650 takes the advantages of both the Pro26 and Pro29 and melds them in to one. Being on 27.5 inch wheels, the Pro650 allows you to have the increased momentum, traction, and smoother ride of a 29er while having the decreased rolling weight and lower center of gravity of a 26 inch bicycle. Of course, it's fast as hell too.
The Pro650 incorporates a massive 2" downtube and a 1.375" top tube, both of which are triple butted to decrease weight without sacrificing performance. Climb with confidence knowing that each watt is transferred directly to the dirt and descend through your favorite set of berms with an almost auto pilot sensation. The 44mm headtube links the two together creating a very stiff and unwavering front-end. Point and shoot! You'll be ripping through tight switchbacks like never before and climbing without the steering twitch of other brand's 650b offerings.
26" riders who've been wanting to get on a "big wheel" bike but feel a little small or overwhelmed on a 29er will instantly fall in love with the Pro650. It is the perfect bridge between the wonderful worlds of the Pro29 and the Pro26. The Pro650 will fit you like a glove and take you to new heights both on the mountain and the podium.
Strengths: Excellent climber, stable and precise on the way down, real all rounder breed.
As others have underlined is fast, fast and fast and transfers a very high level of confidence on the trail.
The stiffness of the frame does not impact the comfort, even on relatively rough terrains.
Weaknesses: Found none so far but will keep looking
Bottom Line:
Who should buy it: Anybody looking for a mechanically simple but high performing trail bike able to handle anything, out of hard core downhill.
Originally got my Pro 650 as a complement to a 650B carbon 5" travel full suspension bike
I am actually using the Pro most times lately as even if the ride requires more focus and attention when choosing lines downhill on rough trails, overall is too much fun.
Almost thinking to replace the full sus carbon frame with a Pro 650 FS, to see if the similar look can convince me to pick it up more frequently :-)
Outstanding work of engineering and design by Lynskey.
Bike Setup: - XT group (2x10 36/24 + Gamut Bash), 785 RD with cage lock
- XT brakes
- White Brothers TRC Loop 120 fork (very nice fork but will replace it with a 2014 FOX Float 120 CTD remote control when they start to ship out as this frame deserves it)
- Stans Archex 27.5 wheels
- Nobby Nic 2.25 tires
- Race face Turbine stem and seat post
- Race Face Sixc handlebar cut to 720 mm
- Selle Italia SL XC saddle
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2013
Strengths: stiff on the climbs & supple on the d'hills, good stand over height, quick but confident handling, climbs like a goat
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
It is a fast, mile-munching, hill-climbing beast. its got a classic look and overall the geometry is awesome, folks at Lynskey are true artisans & great to deal with, I would highly recommend.
Bike Setup: XT gruppo, Rock Shock Revelation RCT3, Stan's Crest wheelset, Maxxis Ikon/Ardent
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Submitted by
Victor Mux
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2013
Strengths: I have .26s and .29s and I never really felt right with either tire size. After racing with the 650B, I quickly found out the 650B is the right choice for me. Its truly the best of both worlds. I can easily go over stuff while still cut sharp corners. The bike overall is simply awesome. The bike is effortless to ride. In a 12 mike race, I never got tired. If you are serious about mountain biking and want to best, this is the right choice.
Weaknesses: The decals don't have any gloss protection so they run off easily in transport and riding. I don't care but others might.
Bottom Line:
The crew at Lynskey will treat you right by listening to you and making sound recommendations. Once the order is made, you'll experience fast shipping. I can't complain about anything. Simply said, it's the whole experience is awesome.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Daniel lust
a Cross Country Rider
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2013
Strengths: Lightweight, solid feel, stable in turns, responsive, looks awesome, FAST
Weaknesses: Great things take time to build
Bottom Line:
Wow, how do i begin?
let me preface by saying that i have ridden a 26-inch Specialized Epic (full suspension) for the last 8 years. it has been a great bike over the years but as i have improved my skills and riding ability i have found myself needing an upgrade. I did demo a few different 29-inch bikes but honestly felt that they were a little too big for me. Tires were "huge" and because i ride a small frame it seemed as though the tires were much closer together, therefore, limiting the agility of the bike in corners and switchbacks.
so...i took the plunge and decided to be a early adopter of the 650b (27.5-inch) bike. I did thorough research online and with friends in the industry and felt comfortable that this was the right size for me. Now i embarked on the journey to find the right bike for me. Everything i found online in the 650b size was built for bombing downhill with lots of travel. i am more of a cross country rider so these bikes did not really appeal to what i needed.
Then, a friend mentioned "TITANIUM" as an option. Well, there is only one bike manufacturer on the market who has a titanium 650b mountain bike.
I looked at it, read the specs, bothered the heck out of the sales guy and slept on it...for a couple of weeks. after all, spending this much money on a bike sight-unseen from a website is a bit of risk.
Let me be the first to say - I WAS BLOWN AWAY. Don kept saying how great this bike was going to be - and he really under-promised and over-delivered.
Although the waiting two months for delivery was agonizing, the day i unwrapped it from the box was breathtaking. it was gorgeous - the build, the geometry, components, shape, smell, etc...
Ok, now the good stuff. i was finally able to get out last weekend and take it on the dirt. decided on a mellow trail for this first journey (remember i have been on full suspension for 8 years so let's take it easy). no worries at all, this bike was smooth, responsive, solid on the downhill, and...FAST...
I enjoyed every minute on the trail and can't wait to get back on it and test it out on some more technical climbing and bomber descents. I do stare at this bike each day when i get home and am counting the days until i have the chance to get back in the hills and set some new PRs on strava.
I wish i had more to share about the ride, but it was only 17 miles and most of if was mellow desert singletrack with some jeep road coming back. I am very happy with the purchase (even though i often have buyers remorse with even a pair of shoes). Not this time, i a so happy with the choice that i made.
and to Don - THANK YOU. you were the deciding factor in this decision. your responses to my barrage of questions and requests really set Lynskey apart from all other choices. Not only do you sell an amazing bike, you truly back it up with amazing service.
I am forever a Lynskey fan and trust me i will be promoting the hell out of your bikes here in Arizona.
