Tried out a Rivendell today...
03-26-15, 06:34 AM
#26
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I rode around on a Hunquapillar for a bit. It rode a lot like a bike. That was my impression.
I am a Riv fan. I think the bikes are great looking, I like Grant's bike philosophy, I love that they've pushed reasonable tire clearances into the mainstream. The fact that the bikes are relatively expensive is what it is. I bike almost exclusively. A 2,000$ bike is a good chunk of change, but if that $ gets me a bike that I'm excited to ride daily, and does what I want it to well, then I'd be ok saving up for it.
An off the peg hybrid could probably give me a similar ride, and perform it's job as well, but it wouldn't likely have the same, lasting, allure.
I am a Riv fan. I think the bikes are great looking, I like Grant's bike philosophy, I love that they've pushed reasonable tire clearances into the mainstream. The fact that the bikes are relatively expensive is what it is. I bike almost exclusively. A 2,000$ bike is a good chunk of change, but if that $ gets me a bike that I'm excited to ride daily, and does what I want it to well, then I'd be ok saving up for it.
An off the peg hybrid could probably give me a similar ride, and perform it's job as well, but it wouldn't likely have the same, lasting, allure.
03-26-15, 09:58 AM
#28
Senior Member
Maybe it's me, but they don't seem overly expensive for what they are....semi custom, hand built frames (in Asia I get it). From what I have seen, they are better built than most and one could easily spend 2x for a custom handbuilt.
I like his methodology, it's over the top at times, almost trying to play into the anti-carbon thing too much....but he's spot on with a lot of his comments.
I always liken Riv to Whole Foods...you spend more money for the same thing you could get someplace else, but, you can walk in and pick anything off the shelf and know it's going to be healthy, fairly environmentally friendly and work well. He tries for US made, which I respect, pushes the boundaries with clothing design and gives honest reviews of the hardparts he sells.
Bottom line, ride your bike, be comfortable, don't worry about latest fads, be durable and have some style while your at it....I think we can all agree with that!
I like his methodology, it's over the top at times, almost trying to play into the anti-carbon thing too much....but he's spot on with a lot of his comments.
I always liken Riv to Whole Foods...you spend more money for the same thing you could get someplace else, but, you can walk in and pick anything off the shelf and know it's going to be healthy, fairly environmentally friendly and work well. He tries for US made, which I respect, pushes the boundaries with clothing design and gives honest reviews of the hardparts he sells.
Bottom line, ride your bike, be comfortable, don't worry about latest fads, be durable and have some style while your at it....I think we can all agree with that!
03-26-15, 11:38 AM
#29
Senior Member
03-26-15, 01:59 PM
#30
Senior Member
I have issues with lots of what Petersen doles out, but he is consistent and a very early adopter of a philosophy that goes against the bike race culture. His time at Bridgestone produced some interesting bikes. I think Surly came along a bit after that. Personally I find the extremes of pure race technology and Petersen retro equally frustrating. That's why I like modern CF endurance and adventure bikes, the best if both worlds. Strength and weight advantages of carbon and modern stems an bottom bracket shells, big tire clearances, relaxed geometries
03-26-15, 05:01 PM
#31
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I have issues with lots of what Petersen doles out, but he is consistent and a very early adopter of a philosophy that goes against the bike race culture. His time at Bridgestone produced some interesting bikes. I think Surly came along a bit after that. Personally I find the extremes of pure race technology and Petersen retro equally frustrating. That's why I like modern CF endurance and adventure bikes, the best if both worlds. Strength and weight advantages of carbon and modern stems an bottom bracket shells, big tire clearances, relaxed geometries
03-29-15, 05:57 PM
#32
Senior Member
A Rivendell rolled into the shop. I gave it a spin (with permission from the mechanic). My thoughts:
1. Wow. So much flex. Great for riding on pavement at low speeds. Seems poor for sprinting, cranking up a hill, etc. Mine even had a double top tube, but the flex in the threaded stem, the frame, and the fork was pretty noticeably loose. I think the threaded stem was the main culprit.
2. Beautiful. Breathtaking lugwork and paint, and decals, and everything.
3. Comfy. The combo of the flex with the tires made it feel as smooth as butter. I could sit all day in the saddle. Unfortunately, my riding often includes biking activities other than just sitting in the saddle, piddling along.
So, overall, I admire the craftsmanship, but I'm glad I didn't save up for one sight unseen. I'm sure the Riv guys can custom-build frames with different specifications.
And #1 biggest takeaway: Long Live the Threadless Headset.
1. Wow. So much flex. Great for riding on pavement at low speeds. Seems poor for sprinting, cranking up a hill, etc. Mine even had a double top tube, but the flex in the threaded stem, the frame, and the fork was pretty noticeably loose. I think the threaded stem was the main culprit.
2. Beautiful. Breathtaking lugwork and paint, and decals, and everything.
3. Comfy. The combo of the flex with the tires made it feel as smooth as butter. I could sit all day in the saddle. Unfortunately, my riding often includes biking activities other than just sitting in the saddle, piddling along.
So, overall, I admire the craftsmanship, but I'm glad I didn't save up for one sight unseen. I'm sure the Riv guys can custom-build frames with different specifications.
And #1 biggest takeaway: Long Live the Threadless Headset.
This bike is for old retro grouches who ride slowly.
Disclaimer: I've never ridden a Rivendell and I own and ride bikes with threaded and threadless headsets.
03-30-15, 06:49 AM
#33
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Your "review" sounds like it came straight from Bicycling Magazine. It's amazing how many opinions you've formed and assumptions you've made based on a quick spin. All you did was rehash a bunch of stereotypes:
This bike is for old retro grouches who ride slowly.
Disclaimer: I've never ridden a Rivendell and I own and ride bikes with threaded and threadless headsets.
This bike is for old retro grouches who ride slowly.
Disclaimer: I've never ridden a Rivendell and I own and ride bikes with threaded and threadless headsets.
The real problem here:
A) You confused my casual 1-ride opinion for a review.
B) You can't escape your preconceptions about what you think I think.
03-30-15, 08:24 AM
#34
Senior Member
I don't dislike the aesthetic at all. As someone noticeably detached from the generation these bikes market to (or harken back to, at least), I still admired the bike and the craftsmanship, from design to paint.
That said, the noodly feeling in the frame didn't inspire me. It's a bike for a different rider. And some choices, like the quill stem, are antiquated for a reason. It might look like the bike you had in 1975, but that doesn't mean it's the "right" way of doing
That said, the noodly feeling in the frame didn't inspire me. It's a bike for a different rider. And some choices, like the quill stem, are antiquated for a reason. It might look like the bike you had in 1975, but that doesn't mean it's the "right" way of doing
03-30-15, 10:14 AM
#35
Jedi Master
@mdilthey: I appreciate the post. While your experience with threaded stems is inconsistent with mine, all any of us can do is share our experiences. I have bikes with both threaded and threadless stems and don't notice a bit of difference in the stiffness of either, but there is no risk of anyone calling me fast. I think the Sam Hillborne is a great frame, but I also realize that it's not going to work for everyone.
03-30-15, 10:27 AM
#36
Senior Member
???
Flex was never an issue with my Bruce Gordon quill stem. They are still made to be used with his Rock & Road. I've replaced my original "Chicken Neck" stem with a clamp on, threadless design just to tweak my fit but it is still attached to a quill adapter into the frame.
https://www.bgcycles.com/new-page-5/
Flex was never an issue with my Bruce Gordon quill stem. They are still made to be used with his Rock & Road. I've replaced my original "Chicken Neck" stem with a clamp on, threadless design just to tweak my fit but it is still attached to a quill adapter into the frame.
https://www.bgcycles.com/new-page-5/
Last edited by BobG; 03-30-15 at 11:24 AM. Reason: change wording
03-30-15, 10:28 AM
#37
In the wind
I think the people claiming that threaded stems don't flex any more than threadless probably don't ride in such a way that flex would be an issue.
I love the look of the stems on my Miyata and Lemond bikes, but when I stand and hammer, particularly when in the drops, I can notice the difference. YMMV
I love the look of the stems on my Miyata and Lemond bikes, but when I stand and hammer, particularly when in the drops, I can notice the difference. YMMV
03-30-15, 02:10 PM
#38
Senior Member
^^^
Exactly. I never hammer on a touring bike so even if my quill stem has some flex it would never be noticed.
I'm wondering if the flex noticed by Max originated from the tall aluminum riser on the Nitto stems typically used by Rivendell. The BG stems are chrome moly, have short risers and height is achieved by the angle of the horizontal section.
Nitto- https://goo.gl/LSojPN
BG- https://goo.gl/7YLRv2
Exactly. I never hammer on a touring bike so even if my quill stem has some flex it would never be noticed.
I'm wondering if the flex noticed by Max originated from the tall aluminum riser on the Nitto stems typically used by Rivendell. The BG stems are chrome moly, have short risers and height is achieved by the angle of the horizontal section.
Nitto- https://goo.gl/LSojPN
BG- https://goo.gl/7YLRv2
Last edited by BobG; 03-30-15 at 02:17 PM.
03-30-15, 02:20 PM
#39
Senior Member
This sort of sums it up for me. Retro is nice, but........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZbVsrYPOGE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZbVsrYPOGE
03-30-15, 02:34 PM
#40
The Left Coast, USA
I don't dislike the aesthetic at all. As someone noticeably detached from the generation these bikes market to (or harken back to, at least), I still admired the bike and the craftsmanship, from design to paint.
That said, the noodly feeling in the frame didn't inspire me. It's a bike for a different rider. And some choices, like the quill stem, are antiquated for a reason. It might look like the bike you had in 1975, but that doesn't mean it's the "right" way of doing things.
Nobody uses leather chamois anymore. We've moved forward.
That said, the noodly feeling in the frame didn't inspire me. It's a bike for a different rider. And some choices, like the quill stem, are antiquated for a reason. It might look like the bike you had in 1975, but that doesn't mean it's the "right" way of doing things.
Nobody uses leather chamois anymore. We've moved forward.
03-30-15, 03:04 PM
#41
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Max the Blogger is just troll'in...
Indirect disparagement of some else's preferences in (bikes, cars, audio equipment, indie bands, politicians, girlfriends etc.) is just a shallow attempt to validate one's own preferences.
Chances are it's not stem flex that's holding anyone back...
03-30-15, 03:08 PM
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Mine is a little flexy when I stand up and try to hammer up a hill. Luckily I replaced the 53/39 with a triple so I can stay seated.
03-30-15, 04:23 PM
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+1
Max the Blogger is just troll'in...
Indirect disparagement of some else's preferences in (bikes, cars, audio equipment, indie bands, politicians, girlfriends etc.) is just a shallow attempt to validate one's own preferences.
Chances are it's not stem flex that's holding anyone back...
Max the Blogger is just troll'in...
Indirect disparagement of some else's preferences in (bikes, cars, audio equipment, indie bands, politicians, girlfriends etc.) is just a shallow attempt to validate one's own preferences.
Chances are it's not stem flex that's holding anyone back...
03-30-15, 04:53 PM
#44
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Geez, so,the OP takes a ride on a bike and finds it wanting. Finds the threaded headset & quill stem wanting. From there replys spiral downward as if the OP disparaged their mother and suggested she choose an undesirable occupation! Geez folks, its a bike, get over it. So he doesn't like a bike style that you favor, no need for name calling and bottom feeding. I have far more respect for him then the replys.
03-30-15, 05:39 PM
#45
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I used the word review in quotes because you're right it wasn't a review. It was like a review but with no substance. And even though you didn't use the words old and retro grouches you implied them with your trite remarks. IF I were you I'd save my opinions for when they're backed by something more than marketing gibberish. For instance, quill stems are by no means antiquated. just because the pro peloton doesn't use them today doesn't mean they're an inferior connection between handlebars and headset.
He obviously hates rivendells and has a weight weenie technophile bias but is afraid to say so, because he doesn't want to be criticized himself for his own biases.
03-30-15, 05:41 PM
#46
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Geez, so,the OP takes a ride on a bike and finds it wanting. Finds the threaded headset & quill stem wanting. From there replys spiral downward as if the OP disparaged their mother and suggested she choose an undesirable occupation! Geez folks, its a bike, get over it. So he doesn't like a bike style that you favor, no need for name calling and bottom feeding. I have far more respect for him then the replys.
I just can't stand passive aggressive posters who have very clear biases but refuse to state them or even acknowledge them, pretend to be objective, and act as if they are enthusiastically passing along information about a test ride.
03-30-15, 05:49 PM
#47
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I'm bemused by the level of negative attention Riv bikes get on BF. Grant Peterson's design choices reflect a strong aesthetic that you can agree or disagree with but there are reasons for those choices. There are advantages to threadless but I doubt the advantages have much to do with one's subjective feelings about how they feel when you pull on them. In any case, the guys and galls who sprinted on quill stems did just fine. The real advantage is not a subjective feeling but the ease in changing bars and the ease of adjusting the headset (plus the dang thing doesn't slip out of adjustment). Those are pretty clear advantages. The disadvantage has to do with height adjustability. But if you want to focus on subjective feelings after taking a bike for a short ride around the block, don't be surprised if you get some pushback from people who have equally strong subjective feelings and did more than just ride their Riv around the block.
Sorry I like a lot of the OP's posts and reviews (and I have read quite a few of them) but this one, IMHO, falls short.
Sorry I like a lot of the OP's posts and reviews (and I have read quite a few of them) but this one, IMHO, falls short.
03-30-15, 06:05 PM
#48
Senior Member
I don't favor rivendells. I don't have much interest in buying one and from a strictly esthetic perspective, I don't care much for how they look.
I just can't stand passive aggressive posters who have very clear biases but refuse to state them or even acknowledge them, pretend to be objective, and act as if they are enthusiastically passing along information about a test ride.
I just can't stand passive aggressive posters who have very clear biases but refuse to state them or even acknowledge them, pretend to be objective, and act as if they are enthusiastically passing along information about a test ride.
03-30-15, 06:12 PM
#49
Senior Member
I'm bemused by the level of negative attention Riv bikes get on BF. Grant Peterson's design choices reflect a strong aesthetic that you can agree or disagree with but there are reasons for those choices. There are advantages to threadless but I doubt the advantages have much to do with one's subjective feelings about how they feel when you pull on them. In any case, the guys and galls who sprinted on quill stems did just fine. The real advantage is not a subjective feeling but the ease in changing bars and the ease of adjusting the headset (plus the dang thing doesn't slip out of adjustment). Those are pretty clear advantages. The disadvantage has to do with height adjustability. But if you want to focus on subjective feelings after taking a bike for a short ride around the block, don't be surprised if you get some pushback from people who have equally strong subjective feelings and did more than just ride their Riv around the block.
Sorry I like a lot of the OP's posts and reviews (and I have read quite a few of them) but this one, IMHO, falls short.
Sorry I like a lot of the OP's posts and reviews (and I have read quite a few of them) but this one, IMHO, falls short.
03-30-15, 06:15 PM
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