Originally Posted by
rekmeyata
That new bike model that Rivendell sells for $1,500 is not a Rivendell, it's a bike they spec'd out of Taiwan; Rivendell sells a bike model called Rivendell, the frameset alone starts at $3,500 and it's made by Mark Nobilette in the USA. The only other models made in the USA bike Rivendell sells is the Atlantis, Roadeo, Hunqapillar, and the A Homer Hilsen which are made by Waterford here in the USA. All the prices Rivendell quote is for frame and fork only no components. Rivendell also sells the Soma San Marcus which you can get on line for a bit less money elsewhere, Rivendell sells it for $900, but again the prices are just frame and fork, however I have heard complaints that the frame is a bit noodly.
I don't think they have even shown the $1500 bike, so they aren't selling it yet. Rivendell's custom bikes come with a downtube decal that says "Rivendell" compared to their production models. A custom can be anything but designed by Grant.
The Sam Hillborne comes with a seatpost, bottom bracket, and headset and I believe the Betty Foy did too, Cheviot does too.
The only real complaint I have heard about the Soma is that the paint isn't as well applied as Riv models.