Originally Posted by
ironwood
One of the things Rivendell does right is to offer bikes with wheels that are more proportionately sized for the frames. 559 for small frames, 584 for slightly larger frames, and 622 for the largest frames.
GP long tried to get a new tire size built with a bead seat diameter of 603mm. He could get the rims built but not the tires. I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years one of the big players announced the new ideal tire size, 603mm.
Yes, and it’s not the only thing they do right. Despite the dismissive attitude of some, they built bikes for a segment of the riding population that can’t be found elsewhere. As chain stays and wheel bases seem to be getting shorter in general, Riv’s are longer. Nothing wrong with either, but if you prefer longer, you can’t really find anything comparable.If you prefer upright seating and swept back bars on a bike with high end components, you’re going to look long and hard through a maze of drop down bars as standard equipment. All of their components are built and selected to complement each other for a certain riding experience, one which doesn’t seem to be a priority for anyone else.