noglider 

Yup yup yup. And I really enjoy this thread, because it shows a lot of thought, which is what the real and fake Rivendells show. Sometimes it's overthinking, and I guess that's what I'm into.

1Mule

Tons of 1980s lugged sport tourers out there available to purchase waiting for you to snap up and build up to your liking.

Harhir

Here is my good old trusted trekking/city bike from Fahrrad Manufaktur in Germany. Over 23 years old. Still very solid, absolutely no rust and rides like new. 62cm (24") steel frame, cantilever brakes, Sachs/SRAM 3x7 shifter, Brooks saddle. Almost all original except the front basket, Surly front rack and the new B&M dynamo lights.
I just recently replaced the rear hub, repacked the bearings and replaced the chain. Should be good for many more years.
I think the Rivendells are way too overpriced. For way less than that I can get a brand new bike from Fahrrad Manufaktur or Utopia in Germany and have it shipped here to the US.

corwin1968

The Google Rivendell Owner's group has a discussion going on about what constitutes a "Rivish" bicycle. It seems the thread starter was at RBW and mentioned to an employee that his bike wasn't very "Rivish" and the employee disagreed, even though the bike in question had an aluminum frame, a carbon fork and disc brakes. Some of the responses in that thread surprised me.

noglider 

Here is my Rivish bike. Thanks for that word. The unrivish feature is the low-spoke-count rear wheel. I used it because I had it on hand. I would not build a wheel like that for myself. But it's holding up. I carry my luggage over my stout front wheel.

The frameset is a 1974 Raleigh International. Sorry about the cluttered background.

corwin1968

That's a sweet bike. Would it be a candidate for a 650B conversion for fatter tires? That would be even sweeter.

KD5NRH

This; we've been building up the back room at the shop specifically to strip, repaint and rebuild a whole bunch of junked bikes, ranging from older MTBSOs (from back when the frames were good enough to justify rebuilding with better components) to some low-end classics. Considering the primary target is a college student with at most a 3 mile commute, but who wants to be able to handle some rough spots and also not have to worry about a more expensive bike in a campus or apartment bike rack, it's a fairly popular product line.

I've been fairly impressed with some of them; rebuilt a chrome Diamondback last week that turned out rock solid and pretty darn nice looking just from cleaning it up, repacking bearings and replacing cables and grips. The real surprise, though was a Galaxy "All Terrain Cruiser" that was a hideous combination of faded lavender and white, with lettering that looked like somebody just bought the letters at WalMart and stuck them on. Stripped it down, repainted in the local HS colors, rebuilt everything right, took it out for a test ride, and I'd have to say it was insanely comfortable, though dead slow for my taste. Not sure what it is about the geometry, but even though it's clearly too small for me, it adjusts nicely for a huge range of sizes without getting that "trying too hard to make a wrong-size bike work" feel.

noglider 

I've thought of it. It has a low BB, so I'd have to be careful around corners. I was a bit disappointed that I can't fit fatter than 32mm tires. It turns out that earlier years do such as @ascherer's 1971 model. But I'm happy with the way the bike rides. It's versatile, good for hauling moderate weight and even for fast-ish riding. I've been planning to put fenders on it for a long time but can't remember where I put my round tuits.

Clyde1820

I suppose, for me, it'd be one of the decent lugged, relaxed-geometry MTB frames of the 1980's paired with a collection of quality "period" components.

A modern rendition: probably something like a V-O Piolet or Campeur frame, done up similarly.

Something like this: V-O Piolet @ BlueLug; or V-O Campeur @ Velo-Orange; or V-O touring bike @ Velo-Orange BLOG; or similar, with color-matching treatment like this Surly Cross Check.

In such a build, much of "the look" would come from a proper selection of parts that could emulate the classic approach Rivendell brings.

ascherer 

I've got a 35mm Michelin Hi-Lite Tour hanging around that I'm going to use to test the clearance on my International and PX-10 during the cold months. Based on what I learn I may invest in a pair of Compass tires for next season, the brainwashing, er, I mean rave reviews are influencing my thinking about tires on the International.

I have mixed feelings about Rivs. I always admired their aesthetics and I don't begrudge them creating and curating premium-market products. For my own sense of value they're not worth the cost nor the prestige of the label.

I had the chance to examine some up close a few years back at Harris Cycles in MA. There was absolutely nothing to fault, yet I found them somehow lacking evidence of being hand-built. They were almost too perfect. It's hard to express - my Mercian doesn't exhibit flaws in construction or finish, but somehow I get a feel for the builder's hand. I haven't experienced that with any Riv I've encountered.

mountaindave 

What is that front dynohub? I’ve not seen it before.

Because it’s a Rivish bike, I’m not going to comment on the aesthetics (you have made justifications already), I’m simply going to be happy that it is loved and pressed into service. Purists can look askance. It is a beautiful frame with lovely lugs and chrome socks. I’ll bet it rides like a dream.

mountaindave 

I am constantly losing mine. Tragic.

I would just convert to 650b and coast through corners. I did it with a Trek and I love the bigger tires (38 with fenders).
As far as I’m concerned, 38 is a small tire anymore. But I digress...

Rollfast

I truly do not know. I have hundreds into bikes I was given for free even.

noglider 

It's a Velo-Orange, and I believe it's made by SunXCD. It has a manual clutch which I could use to disengage the dynamo entirely, but I always leave it and the lights on.

My goal was to have a functional, nice-riding bike with less emphasis on looks. I painted the frame myself, and it doesn't look so hot. I had no experience painting. It does ride nicely. The wheelbase is pretty long, so I feel like I'm between the wheels instead of on top of them. Front end handling is a little odd compared with modern bikes, but I'm used to it.

L134 

My Atlantis is my poor man’s Tesla.

rodteague

If I had known this thread existed I would have posted here first. I have always admired Rivendells; and when I found this 1986 Raleigh Technium 440, It gave off that aesthetic vibe like so many Raleigh's do. I'm not happy with the brake lever location, and I have a little more work to do, so be kind. Still to add/change: redo brake levers and handle bar tape; add fenders (maybe bamboo); rear silver rack with bamboo deck.









1970's and 1980's Raleigh's IMHO, click most of the boxes for "the poor man's Rivendell". Once I'm done with with the last few touches I'll post some "glamor shots".

Regards

Rod

corwin1968

Nice!!

rodteague

Thank you

mattia76

My 1992 Bridgestone RB-T looks pretty Rivish to me. In fact, I named him "Strider, Ranger of the North".

A brighter paint job would be more Rivish, but for Strider, this look is right on. Dark green and a little beat up, but beneath he is made of sterner stuff. He can haul through the wild if need be, but can cover many leagues in a day should the quest call for it.

The only thing I'm planning on adding is a Nitto HiRiser stem.

Sullalto

Can someone explain the fascination with Riv bikes to me? I don't get it.

rodteague

I can't speak for anyone else; but, for me, it's a throw back to a time when craftsmanship and artistry were appreciated. A renaissance if you may. It's nice to see a company embrace it and be successful. I can't afford their bikes, but if I could I would probably own one. Truth be told, I would much rather do what I'm doing now and find an older lugged frame and build what I want, it's more satisfying. My "holy grail" is finding a 1981 Specialized Sequoia, the only bike I have ever regretted selling.

Regards

Rod

52telecaster

i think the aesthetic involves being comfortable, useful and of high quality. of course in practice it becomes a massively smug sort of thing. which is why its fun to make a rivish bike out of something sort of pedestrian.

mattia76

Exactly all of these things, PLUS an aesthetically pleasing look.

Strider is finally finished, for now, with a Nitto HiRiser Stem and some new tape!

52telecaster

is that a tow hitch?

mattia76

I believe it IS a tow hitch. Previous owner had it on there. I haven't gotten around to taking it off.