What do you guys think of the new Clems over at Riv?



BLUG

I like most Rivendell stuff- this one isn't doing much for me- Maybe it'll grow on me. But not right now.

Well I do like that the three frame sizes are spec'd with three different wheel sizes respectively. I wish more designers would do that. But beyond that, it looks to me like craven pandering. That step through has all the design features I associate with the worst current mass market bikes.

Yuck.

When they miss, they really miss.

I'd rather walk.

Its...unique. Sorta 80s early mtb/atb looking?

Not my cuppa tea. Here is the info from the site:

The Clem Smith Jr. and Clementine

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.

Seven good things about Clem or Clementine.

1. THEY FEEL & RIDE as well as anyRivendell.

2. THEY CARRY weight easily. With rack braze-ons up the wazoo, and a frame stiff enough for touring loads.

3. THEY’RE VERSATILE... They fit 60mm tires with fenders, so you can ride on rougher roads and in wet weather.

4. …and STRONG… The tubes (our own design) are thicker where they need to be, and the dropouts—also own—will never bend or break.

5. …and GOOD IN TOWN, TOO. Compared to any other fat tire bikes, it’s easier to toe the ground at a stoplight.

6. THEY LOOK NICE. The head tube rings, seat lug, and fork crown are fancy & lovely, not plain. They’re not fully lugged, but the lugs they have look great. These frames will never be generic, will always be recognizable (among those who know) as Rivendells—-even without decals.

7. THE FRAME WILL LAST 50 YEARS.

Of course we cut some artsy corners to lower the price. We had to. But the Clem and Clementine are still fancier and artier than all-welded bikes. The seat lug & fork crown are beautiful; the head tube reinforcements are cute. The swoopy seat stays allowed us to use the seat lug we wanted and get long chainstay. The look is less Rivendellish, but it’s our bike all the way, and we’re confident these are the best values in the land for all-purpose Get-Arounders, and at some point you will pass them on to lucky heirs. And nobody’s never going to not love the way it feels and rides and all it can do. No changes in bike technology will make this functionally obsolete, ever.

Were they designed by/for trolls?

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.

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?

They're designed for upright riding with a longish toptube and a long wheelbase. The 52 cm version, for example, has a 60 cm toptube.

If they think they're competing against vintage rigid MTBS, I'm betting on the competition.

And voting with my wallet.

I'd much rather sort this out for $375.

edit: The bike, not the goshawful mess behind it.

Meh, doesn't really appeal to me. I love a lot of their other stuff and frames. Atlantis, Roadeo come to mind.

Sloping top tube, TIG welds...this is the beginning of the end and a cry for help. I'm a big Riv fan and I'd love to own one someday. Even though this is in my "budget", it's fugly and gross.

sweet bike and my size; I like it a lot.

Those seatstays.... Just. No. I love Rivendell (I really want a Hunquapilar!) but these just leave me scratching my head.

Grants competing against Electra now? I guess he's getting to be about that age to start riding comfort bikes.

Well, I agree that those non-shocked early mountain bikes are great multipurpose bikes, and that, combined with the fact that they sell for pennies on the dollar on craigslist is why I bought a nice Trek 970 for my wife (about $120 in perfect virtually unridden condition). Seriously, these things are a fantastic deal. It's complete horses hit that they need $6-800 in parts and many hours of labor to recondition as suggested by Rivendell. There are zillions sitting in garages that have hardly ever been ridden. For this reason I think it's ridiculous to buy an expensive Rivendell instead of a perfectly good used bike of this sort.

Inverted Kirk Terraplane. I don't see this one helping the brand. Oh yes, you can leave the identification off and help protect the reputation.

Fully lugged too.

+1

Rather ride this. That looks like an Electra Amsterdam with the wrong sized wheels on it.,,,,BD

I would suggest a different path for this company.

They have produced some handsome and inspired designs over the years.

As mentioned, the Roadeo, Atlantis, and Rambouillet have been real winners.

Many like the Hunqapillar and Sam Hillbornes as well.

I would focus on these and do a great job on those before I chased the used mtb market.

Heck, I would do an updated XO-1 model. I would likely buy one today as an all-roader.

I also suggest that that they get going and keep a premium version of the Rambouillet available at all times.

They are great looking designs that perform beautifully. Check out this one and I think you'll agree it is very classy and functional.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/389910...7623632389627/

In the meantime, I think Velo Orange and Soma do a better job at these lower price points. Both companies have frameset models in the $500 range that beat the pants off this "miss."

Edit: ...and for crying out loud, they should keep the Quickbeam around as well. I have been looking for one for five years and I can never find one in my size. Shouldn't be so hard to do. Just do a limited run annually and have everyone pre-order one. Place the order with your factory when you have the minimum buy number.

yikes, forced to sell a bike in prototype stage at fire sale prices and a suggested build kit with Altus? And worse yet, a bike that nobody in the right mind would buy since there are just so many old MTB's still around?

The end is nigh for Riv, I'm afraid.

Good point. They are so easy to find. I spent two minutes on our CL and there are so many candidates.

This one looks reasonable at $150.

+1