Which 650b tyres to use with a Kona Project 2 rigid fork?

[User84300]

Hey good people

I'm just about to change he wheelset on a Kona hybrid bike which has a Kona Project 2 rigid fork for 650b wheels
The frame clearences for the rear are fine and if I wanted to, could run a 2.0inch tyre with comfortable clearence. But the fork only has '650b clearence' of about 63mm according to my digital calipers. A 2.0 inch tyre might fit here, but I'm worried it could be a tight fit with just 6mm clearence per side? I would much prefer 1.8 or 47c tyres with what I would describe as a light mtb tread, but I cannot find any!

There seems to be a real shortage in the tyre market (at least here in the UK) for 1.8 tyres in 650b. I need a light mtb tread to handle wet slightly slippery roads.

Any suggestions folks?

 

[Spiderweb]

These 650 B’s are available in both 42mm & 50mm, not quite what you want but decent at £13 plus post.
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYCLMSOXP/clement-xplor-mso-tyre

Terrine Elwood 650 x 47 but they are expensive and I’m not sure if they are available in the UK?

https://www.wtb.com/products/venture
Not sure these are available in the UK either?

 

[User84300]

Thanks for the advice Spiderweb Yes those Clement tyres are a bargain, and a great tread pattern for virtually any riding. I just wish they were a touch under 50mm though. Local bike shops tell me that WTB tyres are hard to come by in the UK at the moment, not sure why. Shame, as they seem to have some good 47c options. Alot of people have told me recently that there is a big need for 650b tyres inthe 1.7-2.0 range.

 

[User84300]

Any more tyre suggestions? I have 64mm of fork clearence. Am I right in thinking that tyres do not always measure to their specified width?

 

[CXRAndy]

What surface are you going to use the bike on?