Originally Posted by Hangtownmatt

My wife and I were in Walnut Creek, CA and took the opportunity to stop by Rivendell. I'm happy to report these people are the real deal; true bicycle enthusiasts. I got the opportunity to meet Grant as well as a couple other members of the staff, and I can honestly say they practice what they preach. Shortly after we arrived, Grant rode up on his current commuter, a prototype in development, and wasn’t wearing a stich of lycra. He didn’t look at all like what I had pictured in my mind, nor did he behave like so many anti-Rivendell posters would like you to believe. We were there because my wife was interested in the Betty Foy. I was just interested in checking out Rivendell. We fully disclosed the fact we were just looking, but they still took the time to measure us both and encouraged us to go for a ride. I, on the A. Holmer Hilsen and she on the Betty Foy. We were both impressed by the quality of the product and the quality of the ride but did not have enough time to fully evaluate. We left without purchasing and did not feel any pressure to do so. Afterall, at that time I rode two different “vintage” road bikes; a Bianchi and Nishiki and was perfectly content.

A couple/three months later we went back to Rivendell. Lisa really wanted to give the Betty Foy model a good test run. Right up front I told Grant I wasn't interested in the Sam Hilborne, but that I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and give it a try. They set me up and sent us on our way. Lisa and I didn't come back for about three hours. Walnut Creek is pretty bike friendly with tons of dirt and paved trails. To make a long story short, we came home with a Betty Foy and a Sam Hillborne. I had never felt so comfortable on a bicycle. I did not want to get off.

I disagree with posts comparing all Rivendell’s to custom frames. Both the Sam Hillborne and Betty Foy frames cost well below custom steel. For example, the frames cost $1,050 each, not $2,000 and included fork, headset, bottom bracket, and frame saver treatment with ample customer service and test rides to ensure the best possible fit. A custom frame/fork from my local builder would have cost me $2,500. That would have been worth every penny to have gotten the right fit, but for me anyway, I was able to find that on the Hillborne. And, I could still get all fussy about parts, customize my bicycle anyway I want, and make it uniquely mine, because I came home with only frames.

I’ve put more miles on my Sam Hillborne this year than any other bike, in a given year, for the last 20 years. I’m a commuter and averaged 3,000 miles per year. This year I rode 4,200 miles in 10 months! I’ve ridden my Bianchi once since purchasing the Sam Hillborne. I have not ridden the Nishiki and I have a Rivendelized 1994 Trek 950 MTB just hanging from the rafters collecting dust. Rivendell’s work. People think they are expensive, and they are, but nothing is more expensive than trying to make a bike fit that never will.

Matt

Originally Posted by GP

You can find used complete Rivendells for less than $1500. In 2011 I bought a 700cc All-Rounder that had been built up as a commuter but had almost no miles on it. It was handmade in December 1998. It had a couple of paint chips on the right chainstay but that was it.

Originally Posted by tarwheel

Hmmm ... your initials are GP. You found a great deal on a used Rivendell. Your name wouldn't be Grant Peterson, would it?

Originally Posted by tarwheel

Hmmm ... your initials are GP. You found a great deal on a used Rivendell. Your name wouldn't be Grant Peterson, would it?

Originally Posted by tarwheel

The Soma San Marcos is the real deal -- Rivendell designed with all of the features their frames are known for, at a reasonable price ($950). If you are dead set on a Riv bike, the San Marcos is the least expensive option unless you can find a used one for less.

Originally Posted by DIMcyclist

I guess I'll play the gadfly and remind everyone that, advocacy & goodwill aside, this thread is essentially about less expensive alternatives or equivalents to Rivendell bikes, not a cheering section for them.

Originally Posted by DIMcyclist

.. less expensive alternatives or equivalents to Rivendell bike...
Just as an example, the Japanese commuter I'm restoring will cost- in its totality, with extensive frame modifications, custom paint, and even a very nice bit of kit (including a Synergy/105 650b wheelset)- all of about a grand.

... Maybe $1100. (I have yet to pick up the cables & housing... )

That's pretty reasonable for a complete bike and still less than just a Hillborne frameset with similar features.

Originally Posted by Hangtownmatt

Yes, but keep in mind, this thread by its very nature is a cheering section for Rivendell because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Originally Posted by corwin1968

I think a lot of what constitutes a "poor man's Rivendell" is what Rivendell bicycles mean to a particular person... It's all in the eye of the beholder.

Originally Posted by Hangtownmatt

Yes, but keep in mind, this thread by its very nature is a cheering section for Rivendell because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Matt

Originally Posted by noglider

I'd bet there's a big difference in weight. I've had two Surly Cross Checks, and they are quite heavy. They're a decent value, since they cost a lot less than other frames, but I can't say they are a duplicate of a Rivendell in any way when comparing weights.

Originally Posted by gerv

Yep.. that would be my thought. Very beautiful frame.

Originally Posted by Hangtownmatt

My wife and I were in Walnut Creek, CA and took the opportunity to stop by Rivendell. I'm happy to report these people are the real deal; true bicycle enthusiasts. I got the opportunity to meet Grant as well as a couple other members of the staff, and I can honestly say they practice what they preach. Shortly after we arrived, Grant rode up on his current commuter, a prototype in development, and wasn’t wearing a stich of lycra. He didn’t look at all like what I had pictured in my mind, nor did he behave like so many anti-Rivendell posters would like you to believe. We were there because my wife was interested in the Betty Foy. I was just interested in checking out Rivendell. We fully disclosed the fact we were just looking, but they still took the time to measure us both and encouraged us to go for a ride. I, on the A. Holmer Hilsen and she on the Betty Foy. We were both impressed by the quality of the product and the quality of the ride but did not have enough time to fully evaluate. We left without purchasing and did not feel any pressure to do so. Afterall, at that time I rode two different “vintage” road bikes; a Bianchi and Nishiki and was perfectly content.

A couple/three months later we went back to Rivendell. Lisa really wanted to give the Betty Foy model a good test run. Right up front I told Grant I wasn't interested in the Sam Hilborne, but that I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and give it a try. They set me up and sent us on our way. Lisa and I didn't come back for about three hours. Walnut Creek is pretty bike friendly with tons of dirt and paved trails. To make a long story short, we came home with a Betty Foy and a Sam Hillborne. I had never felt so comfortable on a bicycle. I did not want to get off.

I disagree with posts comparing all Rivendell’s to custom frames. Both the Sam Hillborne and Betty Foy frames cost well below custom steel. For example, the frames cost $1,050 each, not $2,000 and included fork, headset, bottom bracket, and frame saver treatment with ample customer service and test rides to ensure the best possible fit. A custom frame/fork from my local builder would have cost me $2,500. That would have been worth every penny to have gotten the right fit, but for me anyway, I was able to find that on the Hillborne. And, I could still get all fussy about parts, customize my bicycle anyway I want, and make it uniquely mine, because I came home with only frames.

I’ve put more miles on my Sam Hillborne this year than any other bike, in a given year, for the last 20 years. I’m a commuter and averaged 3,000 miles per year. This year I rode 4,200 miles in 10 months! I’ve ridden my Bianchi once since purchasing the Sam Hillborne. I have not ridden the Nishiki and I have a Rivendelized 1994 Trek 950 MTB just hanging from the rafters collecting dust. Rivendell’s work. People think they are expensive, and they are, but nothing is more expensive than trying to make a bike fit that never will.

Matt

Originally Posted by dvald001

The all-rounder bike is something that I want to see become more common place.

Originally Posted by Schwinnsta

The only niche open to Grant is at the upper end. He could spec out a "poor man's" Riv. It would have to be made in China or Taiwan. but he couldn't make money for long at it. Others would copy it if it caught on and would sell it cheaper could.

Any way here's mine. It is from an 87 Panasonic Mountain Cat. I had many of the parts on it already. I changed the stem, handlebars, fenders, seat and tires. I plan to add a rack, front basket, and a kickstand next.

Originally Posted by Schwinnsta

Any way here's mine. It is from an 87 Panasonic Mountain Cat. I had many of the parts on it already. I changed the stem, handlebars, fenders, seat and tires. I plan to add a rack, front basket, and a kickstand next.

Originally Posted by gerv

Nice to see these old mountain bikes revived... they are very practical. Great commuters. You can buy them at bargain prices and there are so many ways to repurpose and customize them. I like this one.