valygrl

I have posted before that my sister is having handling problems with her 47cm Rivendell Atlantis.

I'm seeking feedback from other folks who have ridden this bike in this size - any information, postive or negative, would be helpful. We're trying to figure out if it's *this* bike in particular that has a problem, or if there is a design flaw, or ???

The rider is 5'2", normal female proportions, riding the Atlantis with a light/moderate self-contained touring load in front and rear Jandd MTB panniers on Bruce Gordon racks. The handling problems occur both loaded and unloaded.

Thanks!
Anna

late

Hi,
please describe the problem.

valygrl

I intentionally did not describe the problem, because I don't want to "lead the jury" / influence the replies by telling too much about the problem.

I am seeking feedback from other folks who have ridden that model bike, in that size.

Thanks!

Anna

late

You won't find anyone riding that bike in that size.
I suggest you start talking about it, with us, and with Rivendell, before someone gets hurt.

Alekhine

Hi Anna.

While this doesn't address the Atlantis in particular - it's about English bikes for women - I remember reading this article, which contains a lot of information about frame geometry and the specific difficulties of sizing petite women. I don't claim it to be some pinnacle of physiological detail and authority, but it seems to be soundly written and could give you some comparison clues.

Perhaps if you compare the geometries and specifics indicated in the article with those of the Atlantis, you might come to a conclusion? I do hope she figures out a satisfactory way to ride that Rivendell; they are awfully expensive bikes to not be happy with. She may want to investigate a relatively inexpensive full custom, however.

valygrl

Wow, this is a great article... Going to have to spend more time with it this evening. Thanks!

Alekhine

Sure thing. I hope it helps.

There are actually a number of other articles by Chris and Myra that are very good, again many written with women cyclists in mind:

https://www.myra-simon.com/bike/tips.html

fsor

Your issue kind of bugged me when I read your first posts. Maybe the geometry lacks trail due to the smaller wheel? It would be interesting to add a small amount of weight to the front wheel perimeter (eg heavy rim strip, tire liner, etc) to increase its angular momentum (without changing tire profile or width) and see if this stabilizes the issue. I have read that some find the Atlantis handles (relatively) quickly with the front unloaded. I haven't built mine up yet, and it is a big frame anyway, so I cannot comment directly. kind of a mystery.....sorry for your troubles

Kodama

Assuming that this thread isn't actually just axe-grinding I agree with the above that you aren't too likely to get much advice here on an Atlantis of that size. You'll have much better luck on the Rivendell mailing list which can be subscribed/viewed to here:
https://www.bikelist.org/mailman/listinfo/rbw

Another thing to consider is to just give it up. Rivendells hold their value very well and you can probably sell it at almost no loss. Try the above list, the iBob list and the Touring lists which are all managed here:
https://www.bikelist.org/

valygrl

Thanks Kodama - not axegrinding, I'll go check out the archives there.