I'm with RHM on this on, looks like a generic cruiser/hybrid to me, except that the complete bikes have better saddles and tires. Definitely out of place for the bespoke vintage-fancy Rivendell brand.
Originally Posted by
fender1
BACKSTORY: In the mid-’90s poor mountain bike riders wanted shock forks like racers had, so bike makers put budget ones on all models above about $300. It helped sales, but turned durable workhorses into high-maintenance wimps, making the “obsolete” rigid-forked bikes more desirable, since they didn’t go foul. By the early 2000s you could get an plain-forked late ‘80smountain bike for $150 or less. In 2015, they’re more scarce, cost $200 to $250,and inevitably needs $600 to $800 in parts and 7 hours of labor. That’s a lot for a 25-year old bike that cost $700 new.
First thing that popped into my head, before reading this post, was how similar this Riv looks to the '84 Stumpjumper I own - and my Stumpjumper is terrible as a cruiser. It's actually really nice for riding on snowy/icy pavement, but how many people are going to buy a $700+ Rivendell frame to make into a winter beater bike?