doesn't anyone short ride a riv?

[murphyjrfk]

it's certainly off topic. i'm short--i say average--but my roommates in college were always quick to point out the harvard study saying short guys are doomed to be poor. you can't buy happiness-but you can buy riv's which will make you happy for almost forever--so in bike sense you can.  and i'm still short...(but the stars aligned in my riv-favor for once).

 

but it seems like the average height- based off the frames that pop up for sale or the photos posted-of a rivendell rider is about 8 feet tall--some guys are just born lucky i suppose.

 

there's gotta be short guys/gals out there...but then again grant says small frames don't sell ...

 

i'm super duper happy on my 51cm...average i say not short...

 

 

[PATRICK MOORE]

Anecdote: Carlos Romulo,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_P._Romulo, was, as were most
Filipinos of the old generations, very short -- my mother,b. 1923, was
5'4" and (her words) "towered" above her male peers.

The story goes that Romulo was entertaining a group of American brass
and one tall Texan leaned over and asked, "So, how does it feel to be
with the big boys?" Romulo: "Like a dime among nickels."

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/ZgCwhFHDXL0J.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

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

[Rex Kerr]

On Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 5:22 PM, murphyjrfk <murph...@gmail.com> wrote:

but it seems like the average height- based off the frames that pop up for sale or the photos posted-of a rivendell rider is about 8 feet tall--some guys are just born lucky i suppose.

Those of us on the other end of the spectrum would tend to disagree... heck, some of the models don't even come in my size (SimpleOne, Atlantis, etc). It seems that there are not many really big Riv bikes coming up used, then again Riv is one of the very few companies that cater to us without having to go full custom, which may be skewing the perspective.

[dougP]

My wife is measurably taller than 5' (but not much) and feels her 47
cm Atlantis fits her perfectly. With 1.25" x 26" tires, she has
little clearance to spare.

dougP

On Mar 27, 5:36 pm, Rex Kerr <rexk...@gmail.com> wrote:

[JL]

In short (hehe) I have two things to say on this subject:

1) Rivendell probably has a higher proportion of riders that are over
6' (rounded for ease of explanation) than other bike companies
because, as Rex pointed out, they make production bicycles that fit
people of that stature. Conversely, others who ride smaller sizes
have many other options to select from in addition to Rivendell. I am
not saying it is apples to apples but the point here is that in some
way the riders are preselected to be a higher proportion of tall
persons.

2) There are actually quite a few riders (both Female and Male) on
this list that ride bikes 50cm or under. If one were to include bikes
up to 54cm (the small end cutoff for high demand sizes per Riv. when
the Simple one was being planned) then the list is even larger. I am
one of the 53/54cm riders.

Does it seem like a logical conclusion to say that the first point is
causally related to the second? I have always wondered that.
JL

[murphyjrfk]

Patrick, that was perfect. i laughed and laughed and laughed. only thing i wish is that i would have thought of that.

> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.

> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to

> rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.

[murphyjrfk]

JL i've wondered that too and have to believe it's true based on size not just finances.  i tend to think anyone over 6"2+ has to make some serious concessions if they want an off the rack bike so to speak.  being not so tall has it's perks.

[cyclotourist]

That's funny as I notice all the bikes for sale tend to be in the 56-58cm range rather than my preferred 61cm size!
Why do the tall people not sell their used Rivendells is my lament!

:-)

 

 

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/ZgCwhFHDXL0J.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

--
Cheers,
David
Redlands, CA

**
“I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in. That’s the America I love.”

[Andrew]

It's a secret club - we buy and sell 64+ frames on the special sideband discussion frequency.

- Andrew, Berkeley

[RJM]

I ride a 48 Sam Hillborne, have a 79 PBH and am 5'6", so not tall. I really think Riv really does design bikes for shorter people, along with the taller people too. You just have to get used to riding 26" or 650b wheels, which shouldn't be an issue if you are short.  No toe overlap with my Sam either, great bike.

 

Generally most of my bikes range in the 51 cm range, that is where they are comfy to me. Riv sizing seems to be different though.

[murphyjrfk]

RJM- funny-i have the exact same dimensions as you. 5'6" 79 pbh and i agree w that statement. ive never had a 700c bike that didn't have toeverlap --i had a cross check that had foot overlap  not just toe.

[Bruce Herbitter]

Riv has made (still makes) bikes that shorter people can ride. In addition to wheel size options, the frame layout allows shorter people to ride a larger frame than they normally might otherwise.  In the "real world" 50 cm is the largest frame I can ride (5'-6" when I stand up straight and tall, less otherwise) with my 29" inseam. With 700 size wheels, a 50 cm frame doesn't feel comfortable or handle great. I know, I had and sold a  stream of them trying to get a good fit. 

My first Riv was a Rambouillet in a size 52 with 26" wheels. Fits like a glove. Next came a 50 CM Saluki (650B) that feels great too. The wheel size allows the frame geometry to be right. Finally, a 54 cm Road Std that allows my stand over from a relaxed seat tube and low bottom bracket location (as noted by GP in RR#3) and made even lower with a conversion by me to 650B. So, enough choice for me, anyway.

[Michael Hechmer]

Interesting.  My short daughter would agree with you, but at only 6' 1" I can no longer buy a new Atlantis in the size, 64, which Riv's own charts recommend.

I have a short friend with a very tall, 6'8" son.  Whenever he is asked if he plays basketball he says, "No, do you play miniature golf?"

michael

[Lisa]

I'm 5'3" and I ride a 47 cm Atlantis.  

Most small frames have very steep seat tubes.  Rivendell is the only company I'm aware of that has the same seat tube angles on their smallest frames as on the large sizes.

By the way -- I'm sorry to see so much emphasis recently on 650 B wheels.  26" wheels are a better fit for small riders, and tall riders already have 700 C.   It would be better to develop wheel sizes smaller than 26" or larger than 700c -- that would enable better designs for short and tall people.  Just my 2 cents.

Lisa

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012 8:22:35 PM UTC-4, murphyjrfk wrote:

[pam]

I'm short - just 5 ft and I ride a Betty Foy. You can't frames for
sale because I can't ever imagine selling mine and I imagine others
can't either. These are forever bikes.

[Noel M.]

Smallish guy....umm, i mean, average guy, chiming in here.  I'm 5'6" w/ 79 PBH and have a 50cm AHH on the way.  For some reason, I'm elated that Keven put me on a 50cm instead of a 47cm frame (he was actually considering a 52cm!) ...makes me feel taller than I really am..haha!

 

 

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012 8:22:35 PM UTC-4, murphyjrfk wrote:

[Phil Bickford]

Hi Folks-

I ride small frames cause, well, I'm short. Any where from my first road bike a 48cm RB-T to a relatively recent custom (built for someone else) that's 51cm square. Ah but the top tube is 1cm longer on the RB-T. the custom runs a longish 110 stem.

Lisa is right of course. Grant won't design small frames with 700c wheels. Which is one reason why 650b popularity was such a good thing for Riv. Steep seatubes can help deal with those 700c's along with some other magic like long top tubes and slack head tube angle.

I've embraced 650b's lately simply because of the possibility of fenders and a plethora of tire sizes. I remember riding 26" wheels on the road for a while. Maybe cause the bike was a MTB, but it wasn't as much fun as my RB-T.

As to why there are not more small used frames for sale, they become the girl friend's or a hand me down for the kids,etc. If you want to buy a small framed bike, advertise in the Wanted Ads.

Phil B

[islaysteve]

I'm short, I'm old, and I'm slow.  I ride a 51 Bleriot and drive an '06 Miata.  Life is good, I'm happy.  Steve

[Liesl]

On Mar 28, 5:22 pm, islaysteve <alkire...@verizon.net> wrote:
> I'm short, I'm old, and I'm slow.  I ride a 51 Bleriot and drive an '06
> Miata.  Life is good, I'm happy.  Steve

Me too! Well, mostly. I ride a 51 proto bleriot and a 50 saluki and
drive an '06 Honda Element. That's at 5'2" and a PBH of 76 if I
remember correctly.

The one thing that I find a challenge about my little bikes is
clearance between the saddle and a rack/fender for a biggish saddle
bag, lil loafer in back, or a wald basket. Mostly I've gotten it to
work and Mark's Rack is a god-send for a custom fit in the back. I
had a battle getting a new Tubus Airy (which I am really liking for a
go-less-slow bike) to fit on the chain-stay upper braze-ons because
they were narrow, and forget about a pletscher on the little guys
(does anyone have a secret about mounting one on a 50 frame?). A
Carradice Barley is a great traditional saddlebag for a low saddle
that has good room for daily use.

And I agree with Pam. It's so hard to find a great-fitting beautiful
little bike that once you find one, it does become a forever bike.

liesl the-bike-lingerer in minneapolis

[Bruce Herbitter]

I've used a Nitto bag lifter to put a big bag on a small bike. It attaches to the seat post

On Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 11:53 AM, Liesl <li...@smm.org> wrote:

On Mar 28, 5:22 pm, islaysteve <alkire...@verizon.net> wrote:


The one thing that I find a challenge about my little bikes is
clearance between the saddle and a rack/fender for a biggish saddle
bag,

--

[islaysteve]

Thanks, Liesl, I've admired your bikes as well your posts here before.  I'm just starting to deal with the saddle bag issue (don't have a real bag yet though).  I've mounted a Silver Hupe on the Bleriot and as is,  the upward angle makes it pretty much useless.  However I was able to bend it down some, and may bend it some more, if necessary.  I was also toying with the idea of making a DIY simple rear rack in the manner of one that I saw one on an old French bike in a Bicycle Quarterly article.  That might be fun.  Yes, I think the Bleriot is a forever bike for me.  Cheers, Steve

[Bruce Herbitter]

Here's a big acorn bag on my little Ram:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/103372863272345033417/albums/5195592259807730961/5206639742299615202

[Stephen S]

The link doesn't work

I don't think you have it shared public or private with a link.

[Bruce Herbitter]

Thanks. I clicked public.

[Scott Mead]

I'm one of those short riders. Yes, there are lots of companies who
make bikes for shorter people ... however, have you ever looked at how
the tube angles change as the frames get smaller? If I want a 75-
degree seat tube angle, there are an infinite number of choices. Or,
if I want a seriously relaxed seat tube of 67 degrees or so, I can buy
a cheaply-made townie-ish bike. But for a "real" bike that has good
tubing and a choice of quality components, and yet still has seat/head
tube angles that make the bike actually rideable, I have VERY few
options. Riv is really the ONLY company I've found that offers a
quality non-custom frame in my size with a seat tube angle of less
than 74 degrees. My preference is for 72 or so, which means it's
either a custom frame or a Riv. Glad Riv is there, because their
frames are not only designed right for the smaller riders, but they
also ride great, as you all know.

I do understand the difficulty in building smaller frames ... keeping
a reasonable top tube length while avoiding serious toe overlap and
simultaneously maintaining a proper seat tube angle. Most
manufacturers just steepen the seat tube angle to compensate, but in
my opinion, that's just the cheaper way of designing it. Using a
smaller wheelset is really the only way to do it right. My Hunq has
26" wheels with big fat tires, a 71.5-degree seat tube angle, and no
toe overlap. If Riv can do that, then other manufacturers can, too ...
they just don't want to put the extra time and effort (money) into it.
It's too bad for them, because at this point in my cycling life, I'm
not willing to settle for a frame that doesn't feel right.

I sure hope Riv continues to offer stock frames in smaller sizes ...
they're about the only company who gets it right, and I don't want to
pay more than double the price for a custom frame that isn't any
better!

[erik jensen]

i'm tall. getting a frame that actually fit me was the initial reason i went to rivendell. then i fell in love with the ride and capability.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.

--
oakland, ca
bikenoir.blogspot.com

[Beth H]

I'm 5' 7", 32" inseam, long-limbed and relatively short-waisted. Over
the last few years I've found that my 700c-wheeled Longlow has been
sitting unused more and more, while my bikes with smaller frames, more
standover room and 26" wheels get ridden All. The. Time. Is it about
size? Or just comfort? Even my singlespeed mountain bike, which I've
raced on for the last few years, has 26" wheels. And it's small, but
not unneccessarily so.

Like Gorgena Terry in the recent BQ article, I like my almost
unlimited tire choices in 26". I appreciate the clearance for fenders
(all my 26" frames are more mountain-y than road-y. And I've never had
toe overlap issues on these bikes.
None of the frames is "too" small, just noticable smaller than my
Longlow. I'm especially fond of the '99 All-Rounder that gets ridden
nearly every day as my dependable commuter. Possibly the best bike
ever. And while it may look "too" small, it sure doesn't feel that
way.

Beth in PDX, contemplating some herd-thinning in the future.

[Ginz]

I'm 5'4" and am on a 48cm Hunqapillar. Most frame companies increase
(steeped) seat tube angle as the frame size gets small, presumably so
they can use the same threadless fork as the larger sizes without
cause toe overlap. That, alone, is the reason I ride a Rivendell and
a low-frills custom with ~72 deg seat tubes.