Originally Posted by
ToledoTom
alcjphil and Tim Iowa, many thanks. And that's a sweet looking bike, Tim.
Originally Posted by
alcjphil
Agree
Thanks, guys. It is retro fantastic, for sure, and a super comfortable ride.
It's a '97 Rivendell Road Standard. Newvex lugs by Richard Sachs, Reynolds 753 tubes (531 fork), silver brazed by Waterford. It's much sportier than most of Rivendell's current offerings (Roadeo notwithstanding); it has pretty classic sport/touring geometry.
I found it on my local CL for a great price, with vintage 90s Campy bits and Phil Wood hubs (freewheel rear). But it barely cleared a 700 x 28 tire, no fenders, minimal clearance.
I built some 650b wheels, and now it fits 38 mm tires under fenders, using Paul Racer brakes.
I'm running a 3 x 10 drivetrain. It has dynamo lights and USB charging.
I've since swapped the saddle for a Brooks B17 Special (hammered copper rivets) and the bar tape for Brooks leather.
I use it for touring, commuting, and gravel riding. I can add front panniers with a Tubus Tara, but the front rando bag is perfect for most everyday uses. It's not that light (~30 lbs as shown), but it rides incredibly smooth.
When I want to ride faster/lighter, I take my CF Foundry Auger disc. But when I want to ride for miles and miles, this is the bike I take. I've done one full RAGBRAI and several shorter tours on it. Based on the condition of the original drivetrain, the previous owner put a lot of miles on it as well.
It's a lifetime bike that I will never sell.