Nashbar Bee’s Knees 650b Single Speed

One of the newest bikes to arrive for testing at MtnBikeRiders.com is this little steel beauty. This is the Nashbar Bee’s Knees Single Speed 650b.

Product description:

The new 650b mountain bikes are the next big thing and the Nashbar Bee’s Knees Single Speed 650b mountain bike is a perfect example of why. The Bee’s Knees Single Speed has the benefits of a 29er without the draw backs. Its bigger wheel size (about 27.5″) means you can roll over stuff that would stop most 26″ MTB’s, but it is smaller and more nimble than a full-size 29er bike. It’s a sweetly spec’d, super simple bike at a value you won’t find anywhere else.

Super simple single speed drive train is ready to tackle nearly any terrain with ease
650b chromoly fork is strong, lightweight and ready to crush some singletrack
Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power
Chromoly frame is stiff, lightweight and ultra-durable
Alex XD-Lite 650b wheels are lightweight and trail ready

Cockpit view.

Our test bike is a small.

Here’s the specs:

FRAME: 650b Chromoly, standard 1 1/8″ head tube, trail tuned chain and seat stays, disc tabs and water bottle mounts
FORK: 650b Cromoly, disc tabs, standard 1 1/8″ steerer
REAR SHOCK: None
HEADSET: FSA Hammer, 1 1/8″
CRANKSET: Alloy square taper 104mm bcd with 38t ring
BOTTOM BRACKET: Square Taper
SHIFTERS: None
LEVERS: Avid BB5
HANDLEBAR: 6061 Oversized Riser Bar, 620mm width, 25mm rise, 5 degree sweep
STEM: Alloy, 7 degree rise, 90mm
FRONT DERAILLEUR: None; Chainguard
REAR DERAILLEUR: None
CASSETTE: 16T
BRAKES: Avid BB5 mechanical
WHEELSET: Alex 650b XD-Lite, 6-bolt IS disc
TIRES: Kenda Nevegal, K-1010, 27.5×2.1 (650b)
PEDALS: None
SEATPOST: Alloy, 27.2x350mm
SADDLE: Mountain
CHAIN: KMC Z410
GRIPS/TAPE: Kraton Black

When we discussed reviewing this bike with Nashbar, they admitted that the gearing is a bit tall for it.They said that they have no problem with us changing things around to suite our riding and gearing preferences. We also plan on testing this bike as a commuter. We figured we might as well put that tall gearing to use before we make those changes we mentioned.