Poor Man's Riv is a state of mind: the Riv fit. A bad fit on a pricey frame does not work. I bought a Nashbar Road "Frame" a few years ago for about $60 with sale/coupon. Even though it is not a Riv, I built it with a Riv fit in mind. The frame was the right size (not undersized), higher handlebars over saddle (dirt drop stem/mustache bars), 34/46 compact crank with 12-32 in back for ease up steep hills, and B17 for my butt comfort. The fit was like a Riv, and it is the most comfortable bike I have. Un Riv parts of the frame you sacrifice for the Poor Man Budget (one must make compromises): carbon fork (however, the headtube was 1 inch and I was able to get a threaded carbon fork), carbon seat post, aluminum frame, Neuvation wheels (upgrade from poor Nashbars budget wheels...), Nashbar cassette (no freewheel), tight frame so hard to fender, not eyelets for racks/fenders, Nashbar tires, short reach Nashbar brakes. Riv addon or like Riv addons: Ritchey compact crank from Riv with low Q (crank and wheels cost more then frame...). wide gearing, Baggins saddlebag, Brooks saddle, Silver Shifters bar end, friction shifting, NOS front Suntour FD ($10), Mustache bars, cloth bar tape, Shimano brake lever from Riv., traditional frame geometry. Overall, the bike is not harsh to ride despite the aluminum naysayers. Maybe it is the carbon parts smoothing the ride along with the fit. Of course, it Riv prophesy come true, I will be riding someday and the caron will suddenly snap and the aluminim will fatigue into a doomsday situation... What a way to go, at least I will die happy on my bike...