I don’t have a 650b bike so I haven’t really done a lot of studying up on the current offerings in that size. I know the size is just begining to be widely accepted so you probably won’t find a full array of offerings. Pacenti is about the only company I can think of off of the top of my head that has a wide selection of tires in that size.
Yes, I’ve found it kind of amusing that 650b is almost "controversial". 😆 But I wanted to take the plunge to full-suspension when I started this winter, and the deal I got on my 2010 Jamis B1 from [url:1py6x8c8]http://www.sixfifty.com[/url:1py6x8c8] (through ebay) seemed pretty good. I’m happy with it. As a roadie, shrinking from 700C down to 26 would have been a bigger jump. On their site, they are offering a Schwalbe Racing Ralph 650B Tire, but it’s pretty pricy ($75.99). Better pricing on ebay (currently someone is bidding $110 for a pair).
Bicycling recently published some 650 info from Sea Otter [url:1py6x8c8]http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/gear-650b-wheels-makes-splash-sea-otter[/url:1py6x8c8]. The article claims that I should be able to find some new options: "For years, the only real 27.5-tire options came from Kirk Pacenti, the primary prophet behind the wheel size. But slowly, more tires have come on the market. The latest: a Nobby Nic in 27.5×2.25 from Schwalbe and the Maxxis Crossmark in a 27.5×2.1. Both are capable "most conditions" tires that are excellent additions to the tire choices currently available. Those options include Kenda’s Nevegal, the Fire XC Pro from Panaracer, WTB’s Wolverine, three Pacenti options and, soon, a run from Vee Rubber."
I’ll probably take CCR’s advice and hold-off purchasing for a bit. I want to get my per ride cost down; and I’m still having occasional bouts of low motivation due to my low current fitness level.