Originally Posted by Gartenmeister

I've been quietly watching this thread for a couple years now; decided it is finally time to contribute. I have two.

Awhile ago I found a 1984 Trek 890 found in fair condition on CL for $100. I learned that if the Poor Man's bike needs upgrades (and most of them do), the price will very quickly escalate. Beyond the basic criteria laid out in the OP, Rivendells tend to be fairly nicely appointed. In pursing that standard I entirely rebuilt the bike. It now has Phil Wood hubs on tandem rims, along with a lot of other nice used parts. It is tough, it carries weight with ease and it is ugly so nobody wants to steal it. It is super useful. Total investment: about $850 and well-worth it. It is a nice bike. How Rivendell-ish is it? I don't know, but I have to think that Grant would approve.


I like the Trek a lot, but I've noticed a few posts (like # 563) suggesting that the Sam Hillborne is the real Poor Man's Rivendell. I concur. I found a frameset on e-Bay (not much discount BTW) and built it up. I think it turned out well. Granted, this cost a bit- but it was cheap compared to a "real" Riv.