650b can be fun.
My perspective is that tire diameter is a function of design necessities and aesthetics.
Wider profile tires are available in 700c, 650b, and 26". For good wide road tires, I think the best selection may be had in 700c - for better or worse. Good compliant tires come in a variety of widths (and consequently tire pressures) without adversely affecting speed. Most roads aren't smooth, and so more compliance can actually enhance speed. Meanwhile, any aero impacts related to tires are not well studied or understood.
In sum, one can put good wider tires on any "adult" sized bike and get benefits like smoother ride and more cornering traction. All three wheel sizes work fine.
There is a point where wheels look too small for a frame. If you're on 69cm frame, even 700c will look small. But, as frame sizes get smaller, smaller wheels look better proportioned. Is this a learned aesthetic? Maybe, but it works for me.
On the other hand, the distance rider generally has some specific needs that go beyond comfort, especially to maximize speed. One is that the bike handles easily and isn't nervous - this is especially important as a rider tires. Another is that the bike handles all situations well - which implies no toe-clip overlap, fenders for wet situations, and the ability to handle a variety of surfaces (among other things).
Smaller tire sizes help to avoid toe-clip overlap, especially as frame sizes decrease. This issue is exacerbated when fenders are used. As the profile of a tire increases (say from 23mm to 37mm), this also exacerbates the overlap problem. Both of these are good reasons for the builder to consider 650b or 26" tires.
Along with these issues, the builder has to consider handling with the wider tire. Wider tires often add to stability and overall traction, but shouldn't be allowed to interfer with the ability to steer around obstacles or provide feedback to the rider. A good builder will have the experience and training to make necessary adjustments.
In the end, the ride that Dave describes is cool. Under good conditions (ie rested, good weather) the bike will keep up with everyone else, but under bad conditions (rough road, bad weather, fatigue) the bike will continue to be fun to ride and will help the rider succeed.
By the way, some French bikes in the 50's had these ride attributes with wide tires, fenders, and racks with all up weights below (in a few instances well below) the 20 pound mark.
If 650b tires help us get more bikes like this on the road, then they benefit all riders.
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