new AHH, new city: Seattle build advice

[Matthew Snyder]

Hi RBW folks,

I put down a deposit on a new AHH (63cm) and I'm looking for advice on
how to build it up. I'm relocating to Seattle after years of living
in various places where the biggest hills are highway overpasses. I'm
looking to build a commuter that can also handle weekend trips,
overnights, "light" touring, centuries... that sort of thing. I see
there are a few Seattle-area people on this list so I'm hoping to
elicit some insider advice.

The AHH will not be my only bike. I already have a Bilenky porteur
(650B) that I will use for grocery runs and heavy loads. I have a
beater for locking up outside late at night. I want the AHH to be
zippier, more suited to a faster pace and longer rides. I have a set
of Acorn bags (large saddlebag and boxy rando bag) that I plan to use
as part of the build, and I'm hopeful that those bags will be enough
for daily use, perhaps augmented with a backpack on days when I need
extra capacity. I'm also considering a rear rack with panniers. I
have a set of orange Ortliebs which are great at keeping things dry
and for visibility, but lose points in the attractiveness category, I
think.

I have been using albatross-style bars almost exclusively for the past
five or six years. But I'm thinking it makes sense to go with drops
on the AHH for the increased riding positions.

I'm 6'3", 175lbs, in case that matters.

Questions I have:
- What about the rain? Obviously fenders are a must, but I'm
interested in other suggestions from people living in rainy climates.
Are there certain components you'd recommend or not recommend? I'm
also very interested in tire suggestions -- my current favorite tires
are Hetres but it's been awhile since I've bought a quality 700c tire
and I'm not sure what people like for rainy, hilly areas.

- Hills. I know this might sound silly, but I haven't had to think
much about gearing, living on flat ground. I always have enough gears
and I can usually get by with just one if need be. How do I know if I
want a compact double or a triple?

- Saddles: I've been riding mostly Brooks for years, and I carry a
rainproof saddle cover with me. Should I consider some non-leather
alternatives, though?

Thanks. This will be my first Riv!

--
Matthew Snyder
Ann Arbor, MI

[Mike]

I think you'll enjoy your Hilsen. I have one the same size as yours.
It's a great versatile bike that allows lots of different set-up
options. I live in Portland and have used my Hilsen for all the things
you've mentioned. I definitely recommend Nittoo Noodle bars and a
Brooks B17 saddle.

For tires... this can be tough since the Hilsen has such great
clearance. I've used Paselas, Marathons, Marathon Supremes, T-Serves,
and Jack Browns (greens and blues). All have their good points
although it sounds like Marathon Supremes (700x35) might work well for
you. I certainly like them, especially for "zippy" rides.

I've used SKS and Berthoud fenders. the Berthouds provide better
coverage yet I don't mind the SKS fenders. Right now the Hilsen is
fenderless but come fall I'll put fenders back on it. Hard to say
which ones. Probably if I had no fenders and knew what I know now, I'd
go with Honjos or VOs.

When I first got my Hilsen I used the Sugino XD that Riv sells. It's a
great crank but I decided I wanted to use a double so I got a Sugino
double and use 46/34 rings with an 8spd cassette. I use Silver
shifters. Currently in the BE form but I have run them on the DT.

I've used all kinds of luggage on it.

Here's pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41335973@N00/sets/72157613195465589/

Let us know what you decide and be sure to post pictures. One final
question, and not to complicate things, but at 6'3" are you sure a 63
will be big enough? What's your PBH? Mine is 91 and my SH is 80.5.
Definitely listen to Riv on fit.

--mike

[Justin August]

For a lighter weight rear rack that's there when you need it, I'd grab
the VO constructeur rear one. Small, low profile, but fully
pannierable. There's also the Tubus fly but it loses in style.

-J

[Seattle Smitty]

I live in a suburb of Seattle, am 6'3" w/ 93 PBH, and recently put a deposit on a 65 AHH. 

I ride fenders year round on my transportation bike but my single speed is fenderless. Plenty of bikes in both categories around here. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people who seasonally fender their bike.  

No shortage of leather saddles in and around Seattle. Just cover it or don't leave the bike in the rain. 

My gearing is 26/40 w/ 9-speed cassette on my transportation bike... I can go up any hill in seattle with both my toddler age kids in tow and whatever kid crap the outing calls for (maybe 100lbs of kids+crap). My single speed is 42 X 16 and I walk the worst of the hills.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

-- Smitty

  

[Rob]

Hey Matthew,

Congrats on the AHH! I live in Seattle, and ride a Saluki I bought just over a year ago--the 650b sister of the AHH. 

What gearing you'll need around here is of course really dependent on how strong you are. I'm old, fat and weak, so I want very low gears! :) My TA Cyclotouriste is a 26-36-46 triple, and I have a Harris Cyclery custom 13-34 cassette on the back. I find that suits me quite well, for everything from riding the STP to the daily commute carrying a laptop and more. I rarely use the big ring. I'd say 80% of my riding is in the middle ring, but I really appreciate the granny at times. I have a 300 foot climb back to my house at the end of the day. 

Winter days are short, and nights are long and dark--you'll want lights commuting both to and from work, so consider investing in a dynamo hub. I'm very happy with my Schmidt SON20--the small one--and eDelux light. Not having to think about batteries is sweet, and the light from the eDelux is actually useful to see by! (Not just for conspicuity.) 

I use Ortliebs that don't match my Saluki... Can't wait 'till I can afford something else, but man, they are SO functional! Waterproof gear is a necessity. It does rain here--not the torrential rains of the Midwest, but more of a constant drizzle. I like my Rainy Pass jacket, and Rain Legs. Lightweight wool works really well. It doesn't get as cold here as it does in Ann Arbor, so you don't need the heavy stuff.

There are a host of really nice Riv folks here. We've had a couple Riv Rides over the last year. Be sure and let the list know when you arrive--we'll get something organized to welcome you!

Rob in Seattle

[Brian Hanson]

Hi Matt - welcome to the NW!  I would suggest perusing the Cyclofiend pages for lots of good ideas.  I echo some of Mike's advice, but I'd say the key thing is long fenders if you're planning on riding much in the rainy months.  Short fenders are fairly worthless when you're going through puddles.  I have some shorter Planet Bikes on an old mtb commuter, and I got really wet until I grew them some huge mudflaps that went nearly to the ground.

I have honjos on my AHH, and they are perfect!  I also use a brooks B17 and just keep a cover for when it really starts raining.  I generally park it inside, so no worries about it sitting in the rain. 

Here's some pics of variations I've done on this one:

Noodles, Acorns, and Pasela 35s
https://picasaweb.google.com/stonehog/KenmoreRide#5482535584482414002

Porteurs, Basket, and Jack Brown Blues
https://picasaweb.google.com/stonehog/HilsenAcorn#5451356875513857314

Rando Bars, and Gran Bois Cypres tires
https://picasaweb.google.com/stonehog/HilsenAcorn#5451356875513857314

I also have Albatross bars on another riv'd commute bike that shows the "too short" fenders and extra mudflaps:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonehog/5432332106/in/set-72157625889039111

As far as bags - the Acorns are great even in the rain - unless you're going to be in full downpours for more than an hour, your stuff should stay fairly dry inside.  I fit underclothes and an iPad in mine and leave my pants/shirts at work.  I used to use an Ortlieb Office pannier, but stopped after I used a Sackville Shopsack and the Acorns over the course of a rainy winter with no discernible difference in keeping my stuff dry.  Now I just think the ortlieb is heavy :)

As for tires - if you're looking for zippy - get the Cypres or Jack Brown Greens - awesome stuff.  If you commute/ride over glass or other nasty road debris regularly - get something with some protection.  I like the Schwalbe stuff I've tried on my other bikes (Big Apples and Kojaks).

Bars are way too personal, but what I've found is that I like the porteur and albatross style best for the commute.  The drops come in handy when there's a lot of headwind, but that's up to you.  I am currently riding the Rando bars, and giving them a shot.  OK so far, but definitely more back/neck soreness than usual. 

If you're not used to hills, just start with a triple.  That will get you up anything.  Lots of folks here run compact doubles (currently on my AHH), and there are a ton of fixed gears around, too.  You'll figure it out...

Brian
Seattle

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[Scott Post]

Welcome to Seattle Matthew!

> Questions I have:
> - What about the rain?  

You'll get used to the rain quickly, it's not too big of a deal. I
used to run Col de la Vie's on my cSogn, but switched to Schwalbe
Marathons after too many flats (I commute through industrial Seattle
areas). Both work well in the rain. My wife has been enjoying Soma B-
Lines for commuting on her Betty Foy.

> - Hills.  I know this might sound silly, but I haven't had to think
> much about gearing, living on flat ground.  I always have enough gears
> and I can usually get by with just one if need be.  How do I know if I
> want a compact double or a triple?

The hills are like the rain - they're really not that big of a deal.
I use a triple (46X36X24), but about the only time I use the 24 is
when I'm camping with my family and pulling a trailer with a lot of
stuff). I put a double on the Betty Foy (40X26) with an 8 cassette.
Wife initially was a bit worried, as she has a very hilly commute, but
it's been fantastic. If I were to do the Rawland again, I would go
with the double.

> - Saddles: ....Should I consider some non-leather
> alternatives, though?

Brooks on both my Rawland and wife's Betty Foy (B17 & B68) - we both
commute year round, and with raincovers it's been totally fine
(however, I park mine in my office and she parks hers in front of her
classroom).

Again, welcome! Hope your move goes well!
Scott "closest I've ever come to being right-hooked on ride in this
morning" Postlewait
Seattle WA

[Bruce Curry]

Hey Matthew, as one of several Seattle Riv riders I can chime in. I
ride a triple Ram (26/39/49 x 11-26) and stay almost exclusively on
the 39 ring (but then I ride w/out a load). There is only one 30 yard
stretch on my normal routes where I need the 26 (coming off the top of
I-90 over lake WA). Summer is gorgeous w/long dry days. Winter is
fairly mild (esp coming from Ann Arbor) with short gray days (dusk at
4:30pm). Rain is about 33" - about equivalent to Boston or NYC except
you get more gray & drizzle out here. You will want fenders and a
solid light set-up. I ride a brooks but don't leave it outside at
all. Give me a yell when you hit town. Best of luck. Bruce

[Benedikt]

Wow I'm way late on this one. I haven't looked at the group in months.

Gears- I'm rolling on a Orange Sam with a 8 speed 11-34 on the back and a 46,30 double up front. This gives me only 16 speeds but a huge range of gears to choose from. The only thing I've noticed from having a double vs a triple is a slightly larger jump between gears. Sometimes (very rarely) I miss having a gear between two other gears. I tend to roll the 30 chainring up hills with the rear cassette somewhere in the middle but there are times I do enjoy my bailout granny gear (tired or after a few beers, etc.) I use 'em all. I love this set up.

Leather- Leather saddles should be just fine up here. Like others have said don't leave it out in the rain, uncovered. And if it gets soaked don't ride on it. The leather will stretch. Let it dry and maybe condition it. Mine gets a little wet up on the front many times a year. I got some leather saddlebags that get wet all the time. Nothing inside them does. They start looking dry and I saddle soap them or apply some conditioner like neet's foot oil, etc. They've held up well.

Like others have stated bars are to personal. I like my old drops I bummed off my last bike.

VO aluminum hammered full fenders, DA BOMB. I'm able to fit a 700x32 tire under there with no problems. I used to run skinny tires with high pressure. Now my pressure is around 70-80 and I find I get less punctures. I also recommend puncture resistant tires or strips. Now nothing seems to get through my tires except those damn thumb tacks someone threw on my bike path last week.

I also love the generator hub light set up but if you are looking for something lighter you may not want to go that route.

I hope by now you are enjoying your AHH!

- the other Brian

[PATRICK MOORE]

I think it's 24/36/46, or at least that came on the shop floor Riv I bought a couple of years ago. It is a good combo. I swapped it for a 38/24, but then this crankset is meant for off- as well as on-road.

I forget what the cassette was, but it was a standard 9 speed with cogs big enough for anything you meet and probably more. If you are 6'3" and 175, I should think you don't have to worry -- I'm 175 and 5'10" (it's age, you understand, not fat).

Ortliebs are great. For day rides, a single saddle- or bar-bag suffices -- svae the Ortliebs for camping or errands. Bar-bag + large saddlebag + Ortliebs: and you are thinking of a backpack? Sounds like excess to me. I can get 25 lb of groceries into a Sackville Medium.

And oh, do, do, please do try drop bars, and take the time and trouble to get used to them and adjust them and fine tune them. I can't get over how comfortable the Grand Bois Maes Parallels are -- you owe it to yourself to take the time to really try drops. IME, nothing, but nothing, compares. But then I much prefer Flites to Brookses, so make up your own mind.

And as always, be sure to post the statutory photos.

On Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 10:25 AM, Jason Hansen <blin...@gmail.com> wrote:

regarding gearing, I don't think you can go wrong with the standard riv-style triple (28/36/48 or something).

you can get by on a 30/46 though depending on your fitness level.

Original post: The AHH will not be my only bike.  I already have a Bilenky porteur 

(650B) that I will use for grocery runs and heavy loads.  I have a 
beater for locking up outside late at night.  I want the AHH to be 
zippier, more suited to a faster pace and longer rides.  I have a set 
of Acorn bags (large saddlebag and boxy rando bag) that I plan to use 
as part of the build, and I'm hopeful that those bags will be enough 
for daily use, perhaps augmented with a backpack on days when I need 
extra capacity.  I'm also considering a rear rack with panniers.  I 
have a set of orange Ortliebs which are great at keeping things dry 
and for visibility, but lose points in the attractiveness category, I 
think. 

I have been using albatross-style bars almost exclusively for the past 
five or six years.  But I'm thinking it makes sense to go with drops 
on the AHH for the increased riding positions. 

I'm 6'3", 175lbs, in case that matters. 

--

-------------------------
Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA
For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW
http://resumespecialties.com/index.html
-------------------------