First Riv/NYC RO

[Irreguleur]

I've been lurking around here for awhile and became a member when I ordered the bike. Built it up in December and it's such a joy to ride. Thought it was time to get legit and put it up here. There got tons of photos of the unboxing and build process, some close-ups, etc., but here are a few full shots. I realize some of my build choices might arouse suspicion. I love talking about my bike, so please, ask anything.

On a side note: I know some of you are in NYC, and I have noticed a few Rivendell's in the wild out here lately. Probably just a Baader-Meinhof thing, but I was wondering if any of you got together (or if we even should) for a meet up or something like that. My apologies if I've missed a post about this very thing.

Anyway, here it is.

-Jacob

[Coal Bee Rye Anne]

Hi Jacob,
Clem looks terrific. I’m a recent addition to the group as well and also picked up a Clem H (65cm) as my first Riv and love it. Not sure what build specs would arouse suspicion... maybe I’m missing something... I think it looks great!

Brian “who’s Clem is still mostly stock” Cole
Lawrenceville NJ

[Brad]

Hi Jacob,

A few of us met up last winter at a bar in Williamsburg. We're probably overdue to get together again.

There's also the Annual NYC area iBOB (and friends) Ruff Stuff OCA ride, which happens every fall. That ride gets posted on the iBOB list and Rivs are usually well represented (well, I'm assuming, I haven't managed to ride for the past 13 years or so...).

Brad

Queens

[A CT Cyclist]

Nice build! What was the reasoning for mounting a basket on the rear rack?

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:19:09 PM UTC-5, Jacob wrote:

[Kainalu V.]

Welcome New Yorker!
I've got a caramel Clem and blue Bubbe and a general clue of the route the ruff ryderz roll. Would love a NYC meet up again.
Jealous of your third bottle mount
-Kai
BK NY

[Jacob]

Thanks! The rear basket: I can’t run permanent bags as my bike is locked up outside during work hours. So no saddle bag. (Guess I could get the quick-release mount, but then I’m walking around with a saddle bag in my hands) Rear weight is easier to carry over curbs and up stairs. Doesn’t effect handling since my heavy chain is an almost daily carry. A decision, like most, influenced by a dear friend of mine.

[Jacob]

Kai-

I am glad to have that 3rd mount, although it’s not seen much commute use. It’s designated for the 40oz (camping/long road).

I’m pretty sure I’ve spied your Clem on the WB bridge. We’ll have to set something up with others when the outside is friendlier. Would love to have a close up of the Bubbe.

[Doug H.]

Nice looking bike. Are those handlebars Bosco’s imverted?
Doug

[Jacob]

Doug-

Thanks! They are flipped Albatross. Makes the center higher so I’m not bending my back as much when I reach out. First trial of this setup is working as intended. Haven’t done much over 30mi with them yet though.

[Doug H.]

Cool. I may just try that setup in my Clem. I have the stock build Bosco but am a little too upright and feel like the bars come back toward me too much.
Doug

[Tony DeFilippo]

Great looking bike, I love the upside down albatross bars!

[Dave Small]

Hi Jacob,

I like your rear-basket setup.  It looks like a large Wald basket on a Pletscher rack.  Do I have that right?  I've been thinking about doing something like that for a mail- and grocery go-getter, and like how big yours looks.  It would fit decent-sized boxes, or as much lettuce as I could carry.  

Dave

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Nice build, Jacob!

Take away the basket, and change the Albatross bars to a Bosco Bullmoose, and it's pretty much how I built my 52 Clem H.

Bob E.

Cranford, NJ 

[Deacon Patrick]

Great build, and the only suspicion I had is why you thought it would cause suspicion. Grin. How do you like the handlebar bag? Folks on the group tend to get together for rides by geography — in my case I’m pretty isolated in the Riv. universe, but when folks come to Colorado we sometimes are able to ride and it is a blast.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Jacob]

The handlebar bag is fantastic!  The velcro mounting makes it super-easy to remove and replace (a must for my environment).  That thing holds a ton of stuff in a simply genius way. Don't know why they didn't sell like hot-cakes. Get one if you can.

I'm really happy you like it Deacon.  Means a lot, as I've always fancied your builds. Bob: your bike was, and still is, on my radar. Helped me plan and imagine plenty. Thanks for letting me dream with pictures of your bike in my head. If we put some sort of meet-up together, I sincerely hope that you can make it.

Doug, you could always try the 13cm stem to give you the reach if you haven't already.  I had Bosco's on my previous bike and tended to ride the ramps more often than not.  Ended up being the result of the short stem. However, if you've got a good line on some Albatross, everything is compatible.

Don't know why I was feeling weird and hesitant about posting my bike...this is a great and supportive group.

[Bob B]

Jacob -- Nice build! I love it when people build up rivs as badass nycity bikes.

I'd be up for a NYC meetup too.

Bob B.

Brooklyn, NY

[Kainalu V.]

My Bubbe's got the third mount with the mojave cage as well, I use it to carry my big insulated kleen kanteen full of coffee on days that I work in Jersey (rarely). I get a little scared imagining it rattling up and catching the front wheel on a turn (anybody able to confirm this fear as justified?) so I velcro leash it in place. As for your basket in back, I think that's fantastic. I've never loved carrying anything up high in the front on any bike aside from a small handlebar bag like yours, and with the low rider mounts under the basket for panniers should you need, you're golden. 

What's your lock up procedure in the city? 

-Kai

BK NY

[alan lavine]

Hi All,

It was me (I ?) who organized the meet up a few years ago and I'm definitely up for another one.  Problem is, I'm traveling a lot this month and March...I am free  this Wednesday 2/21 if that works for some.  We met at the beer hall in Greenpoint (name??)

Of course, y'all don't have to wait for me to meet.

Let me know if that works for anyone.

Best,

Alan

NYC

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:19:09 PM UTC-5, Jacob wrote:

[ant ritchey]

The pics have aroused a suspicion that you may have great taste!

Uber-Riv-y while also being stylish in what seems a personal-to-you kinda way. 

I've gotta say that this paint and build particulars have me, for the first time, thinking about adding a Clem to the stable.

Well done, Jacob.

[Timothy Hurley]

No suspicion, that thing rules.

[Bob B]

Jacob—what are the fenders?

[RichS]

Jacob,

Welcome to the Riv family. Love your Clem! You did a great job realizing the bike. So functional and beautiful to boot. Congratulations!

Best,
Richard

[Jacob]

Bob: They are Gilles Berthoud 700x60 over 650Bx60 Schwalbes.  It works out fine.

On Monday, February 19, 2018 at 8:12:11 AM UTC-5, Bob B wrote:

Jacob—what are the fenders?

[Jacob]

I use the Kryptonite New York Noose and the Kryptonite New York U-Lock. Also have Hexlox peppered throughout the bike.