What epoch of Rivster are you?

[Philip Williamson]

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

[Marty Gierke, Stewartstown PA]

No question, I am a Protozoid. I have owned and loved other Rivs, but my heart and head is stuck in the 20th century when it come to Rivendell.

[Justin, Oakland]

Golden Era for sure. My ideal stable is:
- Rambo
- Saluki
-Yves Gomez/Betty Foy/Chen/Clem L
- non-Riv MOUNTAIN bike

My tastes were defined by that era in the first 3 slots. The last slot has evolved over the years away from where GP has gone which is fine with me. I have 3/4 of that plus a Rambo replacement so I’m good.

-J

[Joe Bernard]

Here from the beginning - actually from the Bridgestone "3 catalogues" - and have a special place in my heart for an A/R with "Rivendell" on the downtube. But my favorites are all bikes I'm too short to ride, the double-tubers. Is it because they're unattainable for me? Probably!

[Reed Kennedy]

I fell in love with the Rambouillet and started carefully saving my pennies. I finally took the plunge and bought a Redwood when Grant announced that prices for complete bikes would be going up soon, back in 2004. 

I was sad it didn't have the cream head tube and highlights of the Rambouillet, but I loved the way it rode. It eventually became my father's, and allowed him to return to cycling after his racing bikes ceased to work for his ever-more-complicated body.

I dabbled in the twin top tube era, owning a Riv-designed Soma San Marcos:

And a Hunqapillar:

Both worked well, but neither quite captured my heart and drove me to do much riding beyond commuting.

I recently returned to the fold with a rare 65cm single top tube A. Homer Hilsen, which reminds me of many of the things I loved about the Redwood:

I like it very much, but I suspect my dream Riv is still probably a 64cm Rambouillet in orange. These days it'd get a 650b conversion and Mafac RAID brakes, though.

After looking back, I'd say I'm a Golden Ager who dabbled in 2TT bikes, but returned to the Golden Age bikes I like best. 

Happy to see all the neat new things Grant & Co are doing! But I'll stick with the old stuff, me.

Cheers,

Reed

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[Dave Grossman]

2TTer...have a diagatube Hunq.   Love double top tubes.  

[Fullylugged]

Beautiful lug work, better tubing, level to slightly sloped TT. Proto-Golden Age is my fit.

[Kieran J]

Goldie right here. Love my orange 68 Ram, despite its shortcomings. I'd add a 67cm sage green Legolas if I could..

I could also backwards-compute to a protozoa and accept a 700c All-Rounder with that dead sexy headbadge. Yes please!

KJ

[dougP]

Philip:

I first hear of Rivendell when Adventure Cycling reviewed the Atlantis.  At that time I was researching touring bikes, finding bikes that needed changes to suit my needs.  The reviewer for Adventure Cycling wrote to the effect that "if you're looking for a purpose built touring bike with everything you need, this is it.  Rivendell allows the buyer to spec out lots of the parts so you can make it what you want."  That sold me.  The first time I saw a Rivendell in person was when I pulled my Atlantis out of the shipping box.  A half hour later, rolling down the road, I knew this was the bike.  15 years later it's still my ride 95% of time. 

So to your question, probably Golden Age. How could you miss including the Atlantis in that group?  (insert righteously indignant huff here)

dougP

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 4:55:34 PM UTC-7, Philip Williamson wrote:

[Joe Bunik]

Mongoloid

On 9/26/18, dougP <doug...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Philip:
>
> I first hear of Rivendell when Adventure Cycling reviewed the Atlantis. At
>
> that time I was researching touring bikes, finding bikes that needed
> changes to suit my needs. The reviewer for Adventure Cycling wrote to the
> effect that "if you're looking for a purpose built touring bike with
> everything you need, this is it. Rivendell allows the buyer to spec out
> lots of the parts so you can make it what you want." That sold me. The
> first time I saw a Rivendell in person was when I pulled my Atlantis out of
>
> the shipping box. A half hour later, rolling down the road, I knew this
> was the bike. 15 years later it's still my ride 95% of time.
>
> So to your question, probably Golden Age. How could you miss including the
> Atlantis in that group? (insert righteously indignant huff here)
>
> dougP
>
> On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 4:55:34 PM UTC-7, Philip Williamson
> wrote:
>>
>> Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or
>> aesthetic most appeals to list members?
>>
>> Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best?
>> Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through
>> the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive
>> early,
>> travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now?
>>
>>

>> - Are you a "*Proto-Riv*" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and
>> Herons?
>> - A "*Golden Ager*?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your
>> favorites?
>> - Or are you a "*2TTer,*" a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
>> - A "*Clemster*" and a Rosco?
>> - Have you become a "*New Atlantean*?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker,

>> and a Gus Bootster?
>>
>> Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era
>> before? Do you have shadings of more than one? I first encountered Riv in
>>
>> the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but
>>
>> the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive.
>>
>> Philip
>> Santa Rosa, CA
>>
>

[Chris Lampe 2]

I didn't learn about Rivendell until 2011 and the bikes that appeal the most to me were already around:  Bombadil, Hunqapillar and 26" wheel Atlantis.  I don't care for the double top-tubes and my sizes in those bikes (at least the prototype Bombadil) are all single top-tubers.   

[Coal Bee Rye Anne]

2TTer on the cusp of Clemster/Roscoaen, I guess. I can’t recall exactly how I first discovered Riv but it was definitely a web based discovery and very likely a link from Sheldonbrown.com during my re-entry into cycling and needing to update and refit my only bike at the time.

What stood out to me at the time was the Simpleone which had already been released and on the verge of webspecial status. My riding had been rather simplified in general and I was kind of getting the single speed bug. If it came in a size or two larger with 2tt and a different color I’d likely own one. The dark green was only a problem for me in that my prior bike was the same color and I’d want an additional bike to be something different. (I know there are some reds out there but I only knew of green at the time) I’d really taken a liking to some of their other models but without the funds it wasn’t happening. But a 64 or 66cm sage or Orange or mustard 2tt simpleone at the $900 or so they were selling for at the time would have likely won me over.

With that said, I eventually ordered a 65cm Clem H as my first and only Riv and truthfully couldn’t be happier... it’s really everything I wanted my old, too small 90’s mtb to be when I first got back into cycling 10 or so years ago.

There are a lot of things I like about all the other epochs but I guess I’m rooted in those I first discovered as well as the Clem I finally got my hands on.

I’m very curious to see the final outcome of Gus Boots Wilsen and I dig the swoop tube. it’s certainly possible he could dethrone my Clem but chances are I’ll stick with Clem for the foreseeable future.

Brian Cole
Lawrenceville NJ

[Philip Williamson]

I left out the Atlantis because it spans epochs! Not so much the coelocanth as an aurochs, only recently superseded.

Philip
Santa Rosa, CA

[dougP]

NOW I understand.  Thanks for clearifying, Philip.

[Evan E.]

Golden age, especially the orange Rambouillet. And the Atlantis of that era. But I love all Rivendells, both yesterday and today.

Evan

San Francisco, CA

 

[Mike Godwin]

Here is a diagram to help you out. Patrick, please check my Latin. I realized when I cropped the image the stages should be reversed, Raleighen on the bottom, Specializian on top.

Aetetateum Aureumous (Monotubus sp.) for me

Mike SLO CA

[Mark Schneider]

I got my Homer in 2011, missed out on the early epochs. I also have a MUSA Atlantis II, but I'd love an older Mixte some day. I really love the early models, they'll always be the true Rivendell's. I have to admit I never saw the need of twin top tubes, especially in stout steel tubing. I also don't get the crazy xtra long chain stays but having never ridden them I'm keeping my mind open. The new Cheviot is MHO one of the classiest frames ever made, so I might have to get up to Walnut Creek soon...

[James Warren]

(Doug, he wouldn't have forgotten Atlantis. I have a feeling he typed "Heron" with Golden Age, where he meant to type Atlantis, since Heron was already included with the protos.)

Anyway, I'm a 2TTer. I had been a Golden Ager, but when I first rode my Hunq in early '13 with its Big Bens and swept back bars and found that I was just as swift on pavement and climbed as good as ever on dirt, there was no turning back. And the 2TT HIllborne might even be better.

But if I were starting anew now, I'd get that new Atlantis with its lugs, curvy 2nd tube, Taiwan awesomeness and absolute beauty and not give it a second thought.

-Jim W. (who was a Bridgestone nut since 1991 and joined Riv in year 1, but didn't get my first Riv bike until 2001 Atlantis)

-----Original Message-----
From: dougP
Sent: Sep 26, 2018 7:54 PM
To: RBW Owners Bunch
Subject: [RBW] Re: What epoch of Rivster are you?

Philip:

I first hear of Rivendell when Adventure Cycling reviewed the Atlantis.  At that time I was researching touring bikes, finding bikes that needed changes to suit my needs.  The reviewer for Adventure Cycling wrote to the effect that "if you're looking for a purpose built touring bike with everything you need, this is it.  Rivendell allows the buyer to spec out lots of the parts so you can make it what you want."  That sold me.  The first time I saw a Rivendell in person was when I pulled my Atlantis out of the shipping box.  A half hour later, rolling down the road, I knew this was the bike.  15 years later it's still my ride 95% of time. 

So to your question, probably Golden Age. How could you miss including the Atlantis in that group?  (insert righteously indignant huff here)

dougP

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 4:55:34 PM UTC-7, Philip Williamson wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

--

[James Warren]

Oh, sorry, I was presumptuous in suggesting to DougP that you had a typo. Sorry about that.

However, I do think Atlantis does belong in Golden Age.

AND also deserves to be the namesake of the New Atlantean Epoch. That's how special the Atlantis is. There was a time (99-2000) when it was almost the only game in town for that style of bike. In the larger sizes, Riv went ahead with it in 700C, and that scared some of us who worried about tire selection. "We want real 2-inchers, not weak 700C hybrid 'sort of fatties'". A "29er market" wasn't a thing that people said yet, but Riv went ahead anyway, saying "Hey, the 700C wide tire offerings will get better." Rivendell deserves a lot of credit for that. I think of the Atlantis as the start of the Golden Age. It's been over 18 years since it came out, and bikes have been incredibly fun in that time.

-----Original Message-----
>From: Philip Williamson <philip.w...@gmail.com>
>Sent: Sep 26, 2018 8:54 PM
>To: RBW Owners Bunch <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com>
>Subject: [RBW] Re: What epoch of Rivster are you?
>

>I left out the Atlantis because it spans epochs! Not so much the coelocanth as an aurochs, only recently superseded.
>

[James Warren]

I'd also like to suggest that 2TTer is a great name for the epoch whether one actually rides a frame with 2 two top tubes or not.

-----Original Message-----
From: dougP
Sent: Sep 26, 2018 7:54 PM
To: RBW Owners Bunch
Subject: [RBW] Re: What epoch of Rivster are you?

Philip:

I first hear of Rivendell when Adventure Cycling reviewed the Atlantis.  At that time I was researching touring bikes, finding bikes that needed changes to suit my needs.  The reviewer for Adventure Cycling wrote to the effect that "if you're looking for a purpose built touring bike with everything you need, this is it.  Rivendell allows the buyer to spec out lots of the parts so you can make it what you want."  That sold me.  The first time I saw a Rivendell in person was when I pulled my Atlantis out of the shipping box.  A half hour later, rolling down the road, I knew this was the bike.  15 years later it's still my ride 95% of time. 

So to your question, probably Golden Age. How could you miss including the Atlantis in that group?  (insert righteously indignant huff here)

dougP

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 4:55:34 PM UTC-7, Philip Williamson wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

[Philip Williamson]

That’s awesome.
I love a good chart.

Philip
Santa Rosa, CA

[Philip Williamson]

Oops. Heron was a brainfart for Homer!

Philip
Santa Rosa,CA

[Drw]

I think I became a fan in the golden age,
But my first purchase was a hunq... then a 2tt sam. So maybe I’m that. Im probably that.

Then again, I now have a 2000 Toyota Atlantis and a 2017 musa Atlantis (they live hundreds of miles apart) and a Roscoe mixte with a crust cargo fork on it.

[Tony DeFilippo]

Golden ager for sure... My Saluki is exactly what a bike 'should' look and ride like to me. Probably because that's what Just Ride told me! :)

I fully admire - and have financially supported with my only two new bike purchases - the Clem/HHH functionality. Probably the two most useful bikes I'll ever own.

If I could have Saluki tubing, geometry and equipment (fenders, racks, lights) frame sporting the Clem/HHH 2.35" tires I might be completely done.

Tony

[Thomas Lynn Skean]

2TTer

If a 2TT Waterford Hillborne could fold to fit inside my car I’d probably have three. Instead I have only two, plus a remarkably touchpoint-similar Bike Friday.

Yours,
Thomas Lynn Skean

[Eric Daume]

That's a fun question.

I started with Riv early, as soon as I found them around RR3, coming from my old college days Bridgestone catalogs. 

I had a Romulus, too small, didn't really care for it.

For a long time, I wanted a 64cm Quickbeam, but one never came along at the right time. My Crosscheck and now my BMC Monstercross have sufficed as my single speed crossy bikes.

The 2TTers kind of confused and frustrated me.

I didn't like the stock Clem I bought, but now that I've built my own Clem up from a frame, I really like it. Such a versatile machine.

I kind of like the new swoopy Atlantis as well. The original Rivs just look kind of dated to me now. What do you mean, only 32mm tires?!

Eric

Plain City, OH

--

[Steven Sweedler]

Another proto Riv here, I subscribed pre Riv, in the BOB days, and have yet to find my large 26" wheeled AR. I have a custom road and an Atlantis, but have been riding and enjoying 26" wheeled frames. The RTP and Thunderburt rires are wonderful. Steve

--

Steven Sweedler
Plymouth, New Hampshire

[ascpgh]

While a "Golden Ager" in Rivendell ownership, marked by my Rambouillet, I was pre-proto as a Bridgestone dealer and owner with my RB-1, XO-2 and MB-0. Grant converted me to Riv and my orange Ram when I faced a custom need on a production schedule and he told me about them.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[lconley]

Mostly a 2TTer.

First Riv was a 2TT Blue head tube Hillborne - sold  when I bought an orange metalflake 2TT Hillborne.

Also have a diagatube and tentacled Bombadil, diagatube and tentacled Mystery Bike / Protopaloosa, Roscoe Bubbe V1 frame number 7, Roscoe Bubbe Medium Mountain Mixte, Hubbuhubbuh, Clementine, Betty Foy, Frank Jones Sr., Roadini

And sometime next year - a Custom Rivendell.

Laing

Cocoa, FL

[Eric Myers]

I guess I'm a 2TTer by epoch, though I really didn't care for the double top tubes when I first saw them. Then we got to the diagatube which I couldn't tell if I liked or not but eventually settled on liking, and now we have the bridge truss curved second tubes, and I love those.  I got back into cycling as an adult in 2008 or 2009, quickly found Rivendell, and immediately lusted after their bikes even though I figured I'd never be able to afford one.  I was particularly drawn to the green Sam Hillborne, but also to EcoVelo's Orange one.  I ended up buying a number of used bikes (largely Bridgestones, Univegas, and old 3-speeds) but mostly rode my 1984 Univega Gran Turismo with some Riv inspiration for parts and fit.  A couple months ago I got a great deal on a NOS green Sam Hillborne frame and that is now my favorite bike to the point where I am selling all my others except the Gran Turismo, which I may try to trade for a larger size bike of similar nature.

Also Mike Godwin, I love that diagram!

[Jeremy Till]

I discovered Rivendell during the Golden Age, and thus the first Rivs I desired were mainly Quickbeams and Rambouillets, but I also saw a lot of value in the "country bike" concept of the Saluki and Homer, and later built up a Surly LHT along those lines.  I couldn't afford my first Riv (a NOS Quickbeam) until well into the 2TT era, but I enjoyed that as well--I remember riding a Bombadil with the then-new Bullmoose bars on it at the same visit where I picked out my QB, and really liking the idea of a Rivendell 29'er mountain bike.  

When I finally got the QB built up and started playing around with different setups with it, it was right around the same time that Rivendell started exploring longer chainstays with the Proto-Appaloosa/"Mystery Bike" concepts.  I got to ride one of those and the whole thing immediately clicked for me.  That lead me to become an early Clem adopter ("Clemster" I guess) a few years later (my second Riv), and in kind of a mashup of that and the 2TT era my Clem ended up setup as mountain bike. Definitely considering a Gus now.  The QB and I didn't get on for one reason or another, so I passed it on but have kept the Clem around.  

While I love the feel and handling of the long chainstay designs, for the last three years my commute (my #1 most common bike ride these days) has involved a train with hanging bike racks.  A 59cm Clem requires some extra gymnastics while boarding that makes it a less-than-ideal everyday bike for me, so I've kept around my shorter chainstay, setup-as-a country bike Surly LHT mainly for that purpose. At the same time, the aesthetics of the Golden Era have always kind of stuck with me as kind of the pinnacle of good looking bikes, so I recently picked up my third Rivendell, a used Rambouillet.  It looks great and its shorter wheelbase also makes it a good backup/fun commuter for me.  

[Philip Williamson]

I just re-read the chart. I had misread one Latin subspecies as "Nomine Horribilis," which I thought was funny-but-mean. 

"The Age of the Terrible Names" seemed like some scientific subjectivity right there. 

"Nomine Homonidus." 

Philip

Santa Rosa, CA

[Daniel M]

Prequel / Proto-proto / Embryo... There is nothing in Rivendell's current lineup that excites me nearly as much as my 1993 Bridgestone MB-1 that I converted to high flared drop bars (basically recreating the 1987 cockpit) and shoed with extralight Compass tires. If I were to try to improve on this design, I'd give it an up-sloping (and slightly shorter) top tube and a longer head tube so it wouldn't need such a tall stem to get the bars so high (NORBA geometry is long and low). I'd gladly accept TIG welds instead of lugs, and I'd frankly prefer 1+1/8" threadless, but these are minor nitpicks. The bike is athletic, lightweight, flexy in the right way, and wonderfully quick on rough surfaces.

If Riv were to re-design this bike today (they kinda just did), it would have heavier tubing, super-long chainstays, and 650b wheels, none of which would be improvements for me. There is something about the creative tension of the Bridgestone bikes (racing-driven market forces vs. Grant-driven practicality) that I love. It's why the Police and the Smiths are far better bands than any of the solo projects that followed.

Daniel M
Berkeley, CA

[Patrick Moore]

I joined in 1994, but as far as products go, my favorites cross epochal boundaries: Road, Ram, Roadeo, Legolas, Quickbeam, Atlantis, Bombadil, Hunquapillar. That takes me across 3 periods; which does the Roadeo belong to?

I've owned 3 customs, a Sam, and a Ram.

On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 5:55 PM, Philip Williamson <philip.w...@gmail.com> wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

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Auditis an me ludit amabilis insania?

[Justin, Oakland]

Clearly this epochs need to be added to the timeline Google Doc.

-J

[Ryan M.]

My first Riv was an orange canti post Hillborne that must have been some sort of prototype or something because it did not have a serial number on the bottom bracket. I bought the frame when they had some sale years ago, so I guess I'm in the double top tube category even though I'm too short to get a double top tube. That's about when I got back into biking after a decade of not and I found out about Rivendell. Prior to that I rode a '96 specialized stumpjumper which I still have and a Trek FX, which was a really good bike.

Second Rivendell was a Roadeo, then an Atlantis, now all three are sold. This past year I purchased an Appaloosa and have set it up for gravel riding. My riding has changed over the years (first mtb, then road riding, and am now primarily a dirt rider)...I would really like a Bombadil. I should have bought one way back when. I'm all about the lugs if I'm buying an expensive bike, so if it doesn't have them I expect to pay less. I do dig the long chainstays for gravel riding and they aren't terrible on the singletrack I ride either.

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 6:55:34 PM UTC-5, Philip Williamson wrote:

[Philip Williamson]

Precursor Era!

I have a 1999 Bontrager set up as you describe. 9/8 steerer, but still pretty short headtube. It's my fastest bike, faster than the LeMond with 30mm GP2000s, but can still get into the dirt. The only thing I'd change would be to add a dropper post. I guess that would be a "cousin species" coexisting in the Golden Age? 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA

[Philip Williamson]

That sounds like you're pretty clearly a "Golden Ager." The Roadeo is an atavism of Proto/Early Golden Age road-oriented bikes. 
Your 26" road Rivs are clearly sports of the breed, though. 

Philip

Santa Rosa, CA

On Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 8:37:23 AM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:

I joined in 1994, but as far as products go, my favorites cross epochal boundaries: Road, Ram, Roadeo, Legolas, Quickbeam, Atlantis, Bombadil, Hunquapillar. That takes me across 3 periods; which does the Roadeo belong to?

I've owned 3 customs, a Sam, and a Ram.

On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 5:55 PM, Philip Williamson <philip.w...@gmail.com> wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

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[Mike Godwin]

Corrected Rivendell time scale, Rivendell age stages correctly presented. Requires Latin proofing by Dr. Moore.

[Addison Wilhite]

The Allrounder...My era and still my only Riv.  Frankly, recent models are less interesting to me but perhaps if I lived in the Walnut Creek area I would think differently.  I still occasionally lust after a Legolas and the Hunqapillar is a model I have a soft spot for.

http://reno-rambler.blogspot.com/2013/01/rivendell-allrounder-jack-of-all.html

Addison Wilhite, M.A. 

Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology 

“Blazing the Trail to College and Career Success”

Educator: Professional Portfolio

Blogger: Reno Rambler

--

[RichS]

This is a fun thread. I probably qualify as a "golden ager" in terms of years and my heart is with the classic Rivs. Currently riding an Atlantis and a Sam but have owned a Clem and a Roadeo so I have crossed over some boundaries. Hope to still be riding a Rivendell in my "golden, golden years"!

Best,

Rich in ATL

[bruce.h...@gmail.com]

This is one of the more entertaining threads for sure.  I'm glad that others also prefer the first wave of Riv bikes.  My original Road iis one of the 2 best bikes I've owned.  The other is a '95 Waterford that has similar geometry in lighter tubing. (Riv used heavy wall Reynolds 753. Waterford stayed with very light stuff).  My Ram is also a wonderful bike and it is basically a Japanese made Long low.

Rich!  Let's let our bikes get together soon.  I'm just in MGM.

Bruce

[Esteban]

Golden Era'er here. That's where my mind goes with Riv. I appreciate "Proto" with my Road Custom, which is just a classic road bike, and my Hunq would put me in admiration in 2TT'er era, as I think everyone should have a Hunq. 

But my Quickbeam is by far my favorite.

Esteban

San Diego, Calif.

[David Hallerman]

Hey, well considering that I bought one of the first Rivendell road bikes, a silver-brazed majesty built by Waterford with Richard Sachs lugs, considering at that point the model was called the "Road Standard," if my memory serves.

Considering that the one Riv bike I have left, as categorized in this compelling thread, is a first generation Heron, also brazed from Reynolds steel tubing by the fellows at Waterford.

Considering all that, I would be deemed a "Proto-Riv" kind of guy. But that's only because we're all, at a certain stage with bicycles, just like baby ducklings -- and we get imprinted by certain bikes, certain designs, certain materials at that time.

Hmmmm.

Dave
+++
Hudson Valley NY

[Deacon Patrick]

Hunqabeam. Epic. Grin.

With abandon,
Patrick

[islaysteve]

I guess I'd have to say Golden Age with qualifications.  I was aware of Riv in 1995 when I was re-awakening to cycling, but I was a roadie/weight weenie then.  I appreciated the beauty of Rivs and Waterfords, but the price absolutely put them beyond my reach.  I ended up with a Performance lugged steel, 105-equipped road bike, later traded up to a Ti frame of same brand, and was happy as a clam for several years.  I became re-aware (is a word, no?) of Riv around 2010.  I embraced most of the Riv philosophy and soon fell in love with Sam Hillbornes.  Obsessed, lusted after one.  Thrilled when Velouria of Lovely Bicycle got one and wrote extensively about it.  Started falling a bit out of love as the prices for the Sam not only increased, but became differentiated by size/country of manufacture.  I am small (50/51/52), and felt penalized because those were made by Waterford and therefore more expensive.  I still believe that this was a poor decision by Riv, but whatever.  My ever-supportive wife gave the green light to a Sam frame in late 2010 despite the high cost.  I looked to eBay to see if I could get a break.  I almost bid on a Ram (in hindsight, I'm a bit sorry that I didn't), but then found a 51 cm Bleriot.  Perfect size but I had never heard of a Bleriot.  Quick research convinced me that this could the one.  Cut to the chase, I won the bit through deep pockets and a bit of strategy.  I had some financial leeway by then.  Paid a bit more than the original Bleriot retail, but still less than a new Sam.  Got the frame, loved it, built it up, and have been happily (if too infrequently) riding it ever since.  In reality, it is probably the perfect bike for me.

However, are we ever satisfied?  Since I've been riding mostly on the road, and mostly unladen, I thought it would be nice to build up a go-fast again.  Tried to do that with my Ti frame, even moving parts over from the Bleriot to do a quickie 650b conversion, but no dice.  I found that the Ti frame, with it's higher bottom bracket, is not longer comfortable for me (mounting/dismounting issues for an old man).  So the Bleriot has spoiled me and I'm not sorry.  Lum's recent posting about finding his forever bike in a Roadeo has me lusting for one.  If I could trade, or afford one, I would get a Roadeo.  But then I wouldn't have the allround versatility of the Bleriot.  I still have a bit of weight-weeniness in me.  I've considered putting a lighter saddle on the Bleriot and thus making the one cheap significant weight cut possible.  Anyway, the is my longwinded answer to the open-ended question.  Thanks for asking.  Cheers, Steve

[bruce.h...@gmail.com]

Probably a good next thread, but does anyone know what the first Riv ever sold was? Is it Chris Kosterman's?  

Dave: If your bike has a sloping TT and extended HT, it is a Road Standard. My early one has a level TT and normal HT and is, as shown in RR #2 from early 1995,  just called a Road. Mine has Suntour dropouts as well. They went to an Italian (?) supplier later. Btw, the new cost for my frameset was $895 plus $20 shipping.  

Tailwinds,

Bruce

[Julian Westerhout]

I'm straddling several eras -- definitely in the Golden Age, with a Ram and QB, have a Toyo Atlantis which spans the epochs, ride a Clem to work most days and love it, and enjoy our HHH (rode it 12 miles last night to and from a bike club social -- we were the only ones who actually  came by bike!). Would love a Hunq, and am intrigued by the Gus (but must admit its aesthetic appeal is, to my eyes, a taste yet to be acquired). 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, Il 

[Steven Sweedler]

Bruce, Chris Kostman had the first All Rounder. He had it up for sale a few years ago. Steve

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[dstein]

Can we throw an 'Experimental' or 'Avant Garde' Epoch for the odd ball Rosco's and any other one off frames they've done ;) I love my Rosco Road.

I was turned on during the AHH/Sam/Atlantis/Hunq days so that is where my heart lies, even though I don't have any of those (anymore). So a 2TTer. But I've always leaned toward the Golden Age and keep my eye out for an orange Ram (especially after seeing Evan's).

[Dave Small]

I second (and third and fourth) the comments that this is a fun question.  I thought about "Riv eras" recently although not quite in the terms defined above---more in terms that Riv models seem to be moving away from me now but there are several older models I'd still like to try.  

I'm firmly in the Golden Ager camp.  I have a Homer, a Quickbeam, a SimpleOne, a Frank Jones Sr, a Cheviot, and a couple of Sams.  Golden-Age era models that I've never owned but am smitten with are the Saluki, the Bleriot, the Ram, the Rodeo, and the MUSA Atlantis, and I may dabble in one or two of those models but I need to strive for N-1, or at worst N+0, at least for awhile.  Those wanna-dabble-in-'em models are sorta redundant to models I own now, but that hasn't stopped me before.  

I eschew double top tubes, so that's out.  And while I love the idea of the Proto-Riv era, weren't they limited to thinner tires, like 28mm max in some (or most) cases?  

Dave

  

[Mark R.]

I am definitely a proto Riv guy.  I was riding lugged steel race bikes, and the fit was long top tube, lots of seat post, bars low.  I was at a swap meet and a guy gave me a Riv catalog.  Catalog #2.  Maybe one.  I liked what I read.  I read the article in Outside on Grant and his philosophy when he launched Riv, so I knew about the company.

Local shop had a Marinoni frameset, a little bigger than what I usually rode, could take 28 to 30 tires, and had eyelets.  Hmmm, nice frame with some good features.   I sold that to buy my first Riv, a Heron road, in 99, to see what the difference would be.  I was smitten, and put about 50k and lots of centuries on that bike.  In 2000, I ordered a Riv road, built by Joe Starck. 

Both bikes went to new homes, but my era is definitely born out of that time of B and W catalogs and Riv Readers in my mailbox.

Mark Rosenberg
SDCA

[Mark in Beacon]

I've been a Bridgestone/Grant/Riv/ admirer since back in the day, but I am most enamored of the late eras, and the Clementine. This is mainly because I always felt I could get to 90-95 percent of the ride quality of a Rivendell by refurbishing older vintage bicycles.

But the Clementine, with its super long wheelbase, step through design and sporty yet sturdy construction and upright riding position put it in a category of its own.

What I like best about it is that it can be ridden and appreciated by just about anyone from bicycle aficionados to complete novices. Designing something to be an heirloom that is useful and comfortable is nowadays a revolutionary act.

Another aspect of the Clems is the price point; these are the first Rivendells that could also potentially compete with older vintage rebuilds on price, as well as lower priced knock-offs.

So the Clems combine a culmination of the designer's evolving approach to bicycles to create a machine that many more would enjoy riding with a cost that allows many more to afford one--about as egalitarian as one could hope to get in today's bicycle industry.

I see the Clementine as Riv's proto bike of our times and everything from here on out will be (wonderful) variations on a theme.

[Tully Lanter]

Great thread! 

For sporty riding, the Quickbeam makes me a Golden Ager by default.

For utilitarian riding, rougher trails, and/or just cruising, I'd almost be certainly be a Clemster. In the spirit of scientific rigor, I should get one just to confirm...

[cam starnes]

Like many, I would imagine, I first learned of Rivendell via the musings of the inimitable Sheldon Brown. I was in to fixed gear bikes at the time, on which subject Sheldon was of course a non-hipster (or maybe an O.G. Hipster?) fount of knowledge and expertise. RIP. I went from fixed to road to road with fenders and racks (Soma Stanyan - lugged head tube!) to an 80s Trek 720 to a pretty Riv-ified VO Campeur to a Clem Smith, Jr. and now a canti Sam Hillborne. Have always admired the old Atlantis above all. So, Clemster-cum-2TTer-wannabe-Golden-Ager?

[Cyclofiend Jim]

Oh man. Philip, thank you for starting this thread. Made me smile throughout. Thank you.

Converging threads of history. Finding the treasure trove of info compiled by Sheldon Brown, as well as his copious continual sharing on REC:Bicycle:Tech and other usenet forums (kids, ask your parents or nerdy uncles).  At the same time, getting to work in the bicycle industry and having my mechanic sensei/boss hand me the first few RR's and say, "...you need to see what Grant is doing..." and then seeing a sage green Rivendell Road at one of the trade shows (not in an RBW booth - maybe Joe Bell's?) Can't quite recall anything other than the cacophony of the show dropping away and the bike just seeming to glow and hum. Gorgeous in it's simplicity against the backdrop of toothpaste-welds and gigantic downtubes. 

From then, reading, learning, reading, meeting, visiting. Watching designs transitional, nascent and fully formed. Continuing to have confidence that nothing lands on a model without a lot of thought and hours spent testing. Most things of value look weird the first time you see them. And Seth G. said just last week about how if 2/3rds of your audience doesn't quite get it, then that's likely the right place to be working.

Rivendell has never sat comfortably inside the middle of any bell curve. And we're all the better for it. 

Thanks Grant!

[David Hallerman]

Yes Bruce, the slightly sloping top tube and 20mm extended head tube...that was my Riv Road Standard.

The dropouts were flexible, though. That is, I don't like horizontal dropouts all that much, and that's how the Road Standards were being built.

But they weren't so standard that you couldn't ask for tweaks. My tweak was semi-vertical dropouts.

Dave, who notes that for a series of reasons that frame had to return twice to Waterford for some fixes before it became a great bike

--

[Philip Williamson]

Aha! All those Roscos were pretty experimental, and cut across the strata in interesting ways. 

The Arcana or Enigmatic Rivs would also include Patrick Moore's 26" wheeled road bikes, the Mystery Bike, and the custom fixed-gear mountain bike that caused such a stir several years ago. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

[John Bokman]

Proto-Rivster for sure. 

I was in the IBOB with the paper leaflets. Had a MB-3 (I think it was?) from 1986. It was a really cool grey-gren color with some red in there in places.

Then I had an MB-2, purple, that i got in 1990, if memory serves. That one had a really quick front end that I never quite got used to. But it sure was fun for the off-roading I was doing at the time. Sold that in 1994 to get the X0-3 (supposedly the last one in Northern California in 55.5cm). This was the last year of the Bridgestone X0-3s. I rode that bike all over the place, from Off-roading (I put on 26x1.95" tires), to an ocassional Off-Road race, to some short tours, to road rides, and commuting. It was my only bike, and a great one although always a scooch too small for true road riding.  At the time, it was novel to be able to switch from 1.25" slicks to fatter knobbies all on the same bike! And using Moustache bars, I could get comfortable in several positions to suit my riding terrain. I still have that bike, currently being rebuilt for my daughter.

So I knew about Grant from the BOB group (I think I was number 3706, or maybe 3607 - I used to have the card, but have since lost it). Therefore, When Riv started,I lusted after the All-Rounder. It just seemed the perfect bike for me. But it was way out of my budget. Then I lusted after the Atlantis. For years and years. But it too was way out of my budget. I always lusted after the Road Standards, and the Long Low.

Years and years later, I finally got my Riv: a 2009, first-gen Sam, so officially, Im in the 2xTT era, although my 60cm did not have the 2xTT (which for me is a good thing, as I'm not smitten with the 2xTT). I rode the bike sucessfuly and mostly enjoyably for 7 years, but always felt it was too large a frame.I knew the bones were right, but it just didn't fit as well as I knew it could. So I sold the frame and got a 58, and swapped the parts over, and I'm happy as a clam. The Sam has proven to be my All-Rounder. It just is so comfortable, rides so well, does everything I ask of it. I could not imagine ever needing "more bike" for the riding I do. I could ride heavily loaded for thousands of miles. In fact, I'd vote for Sam as being their "touring bike" rather than the "country bike". In my estimation, it's plenty stout. I regularly carry heavy loads and it just rides like nobody's business...it's just a super fun, do-most workhorse of a bike. 

Having said all that...I still lust after the older models. As much as i love my Sam, aesthetically I prefer the straight-across top tube.  I'd love to find a Ram, or a Road Standard. I no longer need the All-Rounder or Atlantis, because I've got my Sam. 

[Christopher Cote]

I own a Heron and Rambouillet, so I suppose I straddle the Proto and Golden ages. However, I found out and fell in love with Rivendell during the Proto phase. I suppose I still view anything but the original Road, Long Low, All Rounder, Mountain (rare), and later customs as not "real" Rivendells. So I'm an imposter myself.

Not sure I want to split our tiny tribe any further,

Chris "imposter syndrome" Cote

[Drew Henson]

Golden Age'r. Catch is I've never actually owned a riv but my first is on it's way soon i hope (MIT AHH). i found riv around 2008-09. badly wanted an AHH or an atlantis, but those were out of the budget and i settled for a surly LHT. i wouldn't turn down a legolas, mostly due to the sweet seat tube decal. 

[James Warren]

The Chica Warrior bikes!

-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Williamson
Sent: Sep 28, 2018 10:13 AM
To: RBW Owners Bunch
Subject: [RBW] Re: What epoch of Rivster are you?

Aha! All those Roscos were pretty experimental, and cut across the strata in interesting ways. 

The Arcana or Enigmatic Rivs would also include Patrick Moore's 26" wheeled road bikes, the Mystery Bike, and the custom fixed-gear mountain bike that caused such a stir several years ago. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

On Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 7:16:20 PM UTC-7, dstein wrote:

Can we throw an 'Experimental' or 'Avant Garde' Epoch for the odd ball Rosco's and any other one off frames they've done ;) I love my Rosco Road.

I was turned on during the AHH/Sam/Atlantis/Hunq days so that is where my heart lies, even though I don't have any of those (anymore). So a 2TTer. But I've always leaned toward the Golden Age and keep my eye out for an orange Ram (especially after seeing Evan's).

--

[Lum Gim Fong]

I came on the scene about 2011-12 by buying a used 55 Bleriot. My first Bleriot.

So that puts me into the "No 650b tires available except for four models, two of which are out of production now, and no 650b tubes anywhere on the planet" era. That was my perception at the time based on my first online searches for 650b tires. People in this group were very helpful in pointing me in the right direction for tires and tubes. It was like, at first 650b tire selection started, then briefly died, nowadays has exploded.

I came from a 700c riding so all the 650b stuff was new for me.

I remember how tough it was to decide on a tire for my first Riv (Bleriot) when there wasn't much around. None of the options fit my 700c road riding tire Specialized/Conti preferences (fast, puncture protected, all black). I rode Rumpkins and Swiftys. After that I pretty much settled on Panaracers (GB/Compass).

Now I am in the "Marginalized loyal Riv-rider" era. ;)

I have ridden only Rivendells ever since 2012.

I own only a Roadeo and Rambouillet now. I need lightweight/tubing bikes for my small stature and weak riding abilities. 8/5/8 and higher too much for me. But RBW doesn't seem into that anymore. They have moved into developing stout bikes now. Perhaps some lightweight flyers will return some day.

[William deRosset]

MB1, Atlantis (Toyo) and a Heron Touring. Only the last has stayed with me, and is on near-permanent loan to my trailer-pulling brother. That bike is the best trailer tractor of all time. It is also the subject of one of the best film-camera shots of my bikes ever. It is on the wall, not scanned, so I won't share it, but it is a reminder of the Heron's understated elegance and intrepid versatility.

Proto-riv for me.

Best Regards,

Will
William M deRosset
Fort Collins CO USA

[James Warren]

There is a great email today from Riv about the tech-immune bike.

That in a nutshell is why I’ve been a fan of Riv/Bridgestone’s/Grant’s approach for 27 years now. We may wring our hands over the details like whether the TT slopes 6 degrees or which frame joints have lugs or the number of top tubes. Such details may push us into Golden Age or 2TT subgroups. But however that goes, to me the value that spans all the epochs is the design that is centered around something that will work well and be easy to fix by not being locked into any one specialized or dedicated system. I remember a great explanation in the 1991 Bridgestone catalog about beating dedicated parts systems. They showed a photo of a bike with DiaCompe, Shimano, and Sugino and said “a combo you’ll only find on Bridgestones”. They explained how the thumbshifter is less vulnerable than Rapid Fire and gives more freedom to mix parts and can be made to work with any brand’s derailleur or freewheel as the bike ages.

The first phrase I read in The Bridgestone catalog that hooked me in 1991 was “Don’t chase technology.” That principle has guided Riv all along, and it’s why I’m here.

-Jim W.

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 27, 2018, at 9:29 AM, Philip Williamson <philip.w...@gmail.com> wrote:

Precursor Era!

I have a 1999 Bontrager set up as you describe. 9/8 steerer, but still pretty short headtube. It's my fastest bike, faster than the LeMond with 30mm GP2000s, but can still get into the dirt. The only thing I'd change would be to add a dropper post. I guess that would be a "cousin species" coexisting in the Golden Age? 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA

On Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 8:32:06 AM UTC-7, Daniel M wrote:

Prequel / Proto-proto / Embryo... There is nothing in Rivendell's current lineup that excites me nearly as much as my 1993 Bridgestone MB-1 that I converted to high flared drop bars (basically recreating the 1987 cockpit) and shoed with extralight Compass tires. If I were to try to improve on this design, I'd give it an up-sloping (and slightly shorter) top tube and a longer head tube so it wouldn't need such a tall stem to get the bars so high (NORBA geometry is long and low). I'd gladly accept TIG welds instead of lugs, and I'd frankly prefer 1+1/8" threadless, but these are minor nitpicks. The bike is athletic, lightweight, flexy in the right way, and wonderfully quick on rough surfaces.

If Riv were to re-design this bike today (they kinda just did), it would have heavier tubing, super-long chainstays, and 650b wheels, none of which would be improvements for me. There is something about the creative tension of the Bridgestone bikes (racing-driven market forces vs. Grant-driven practicality) that I love. It's why the Police and the Smiths are far better bands than any of the solo projects that followed.

Daniel M
Berkeley, CA

 

[Bill Gibson]

I saw Grant's Brookstones at a local Outdoor shop when they were new, and noticed how smart they were, but I couldn't afford them. I was assembling my bikes from used parts!

I first saw Rivendell bikes on the Internet, read Grant's blog about the trials of starting up Rivendell. I remember wandering the Sierra when people were packing Rivendell packs, which Grant is said to have named his company after. I carried a Kelty frame pack.

The first Rivendell bike I saw in person was at a Seattle Bike Show in 1997. One beautiful bike, but nothing else, just a lonely guy sitting there next to it (not Grant). I was too shy to sit down and say hello.

I got a used green Quickbeam and then got into Baggins bags and bike camping and How to Ride Happy. That's my era; I am not paleo, still vegequarium (some seafood now and then, otherwise good plants).

Currently, the Quickbeam is mostly stock parts but overdressed (With a 9 speed SRAM I-9 planetary gear rear hub, Stainless Steel Berthoud fenders, racks, etc. It’s very comfortable, functional, and intrepid. 

I want to try a front loading, wider tired, lighter, more flexy, Rando Gravel bike someday, with fenders, along Bicycle Quarterly style lines, but if I win the lottery, I could ride a newer Rivendell.

It really is the best time to be a cyclist, or a photographer!

My other bikes are a 1997 Cannondale F-1000 converted to city bike, and a 1970 Gitane 531DB road bike with old Simplex and Campangnolo bits. And a 1980s Gary Fisher Tandem! Splatter Paint!

Bill Gibson
Tempe, Arizona, USA

My Photographs : https://billbgibson.myportfolio.com/ and on Behance: https://www.behance.net/BillGibson

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Bill Gibson
Tempe, Arizona, USA

My Photographs : https://billbgibson.myportfolio.com/ and on Behance: https://www.behance.net/BillGibson

[Kelly]

I love the more classic looking - Rambouillet, AHH (mine is 67cm single top tube), Quickbeam type looks.   Over the years the bigger bikes that fit me have gone by the wayside and I didn't buy the 69 AHH in time..  I do love my Bombadil for touring.  I sold the Ram, and Quickbeam and am down to my two bike AHH 67 and 64 Bomba. 

I may repaint the AHH some day but these two cover my riding needs here.  My wife has her Atlantis and Betty Foy - just sold her Roedeo -   I think my Bombadil has to much seat post - yet when loaded for touring it is nice for the large saddlesac over the rear panniers... but straps aren't long enough for just the rack.. 

Hard to explain but here are some of our bikes and places over the years.. 

https://www.kickstandphoto.com/Other/Bicycle/Our-Bikes-Over-Time/

Have a great day... 

Kelly

[cyclot...@gmail.com]

This is great, Philip! Way to rule the internets! 

I came to Rivendell via B'Stone and iBOB, but from the dirty side. It started with my MB-2 purchased from Beverly Hills Bikes that was my go-to ride for many years. So my tastes were formed in the Proto era, but my finances didn't catch up till the Golden era when I was able to commission a Joe/Joe custom in 2001. I also had an original Bleriot (shoulda' kept that one), a second (used) '01 Joe/Joe custom, and have had three different Quickbeams. My wife had a Glorius, and I would still like to find a larger one for me! My tastes lean toward single top tubes and shorter stays, and would love to have a Legolas. 

But enough about me...

[Craig Montgomery]

This pretty well answers it. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/24722971@N05/44796788671/in/dateposted/

Still have it. On the third paint job. Owned maybe 20 bikes (all vintage) in the intervening years but the AR is still here and still doing what it does best: back roads camptouring. 

It's unimprovable. 

Craig in Tucson

[Justin, Oakland]

BUT BIKEPACKING AND FLAT PEDALS JUST HAPPENED AT INTERBIKE FOR THE FURST TIME

Beautiful bike.
-J

[C.J. Filip]

Golden Ager.

Once owned: Atlantis, AHH.
Currently own: Saluki, Simpleone

Would like to find a Legolas!!

[Philip Williamson]

That bike looks great! I love the idea of measuring the bike's lifespan in paint jobs. 

The A/R is a Proto-Riv that keeps on delivering, and its lineage runs straight down through the Golden Age Atlantis (in my opinion). 

Philip

Santa Rosa, CA 

[masmojo]

I really hate & avoid labels, but I go way back to the late 80's and especially the early 90's. I very nearly bought an MB1(but, got a Klein Pinnacle instead), to this day I wish I'd gotten the Bridgestone, but I made up for it a couple years later when I bought my Violet XO-1. I continued to follow Rivendell after Bridestones departure and always lusted after one, but considering the XO-1 was basically the template for Rivendell, I never felt the need to make the jump.
3 years ago I finally admitted that after 20+ years of ownership my XO was actually too small. So when they introduced the Clems, I figured it was time to make the jump!
I got a Clementine, but it never fit the image of a Rivendell that I had in my mind so when an Atlantis frame popped up here at a price I couldn't pass up; I jumped on it! The Atlantis perfectly embodies everything I think of when I think of Rivendell. With Albastache bars, it's pretty the ultimate evolution of my old XO.

[Joe Bernard]

My initial infatuation with bikes as a grownup started with the X0-1, so it's kinda ridiculous that I've never owned an Atlantis. I got close last week with the All Rounder that's for sale here, but couldn't quite bring myself to pay asking price. Someday!

[Patrick Moore]

I started with the XO-1, too but went road-ward and not dirt-ward. Odd, I've always liked road riding as much as, or even better than dirt riding, but I'd somehow become convinced that I wanted a 26" wheel bike for road riding, and I had been riding drop bar-converted mountain bikes with road tires and gearing instead of riding a real road bike; I don't now recall all the details of this 26-for-700C equation.

But I did realize that, with skinny road tires (basically sub 2"), my otherwise very nice mtbs didn't handle nicely, so when I read about the XO-1 I liked, and when a local shop gave me a deal on a new '92 model minus wheels, which I had, I bought. (They couldn't sell it otherwise.)

In '94, I asked Grant if he could make me a road bike like the XO-1 but better, and he said, sure. My first 26" custom Riv Road was from Waterford; 2 other, and better ones, followed, and the rest, as they say, is history.

On Sat, Oct 6, 2018 at 3:25 PM Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

My initial infatuation with bikes as a grownup started with the X0-1, so it's kinda ridiculous that I've never owned an Atlantis. I got close last week with the All Rounder that's for sale here, but couldn't quite bring myself to pay asking price. Someday!

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Auditis an me ludit amabilis insania?

[hugh flynn]

I'm a Proto-2TT-Nuevo. 

The two most-ridden bikes in my collection are my '99 Heron Road and my '18 double TT Appaloosa. 

Hugh "spanning the ages" Flynn

Newburyport, MA

On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 7:55 PM Philip Williamson <philip.w...@gmail.com> wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

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Hugh Flynn
Newburyport, MA

[Mark in Beacon]

(So you're a label hater kind of guy;^)

[Joe Bernard]

My favorite label haters are the No Labels group. They have a label.

[Richard Rios]

Great question!  I am a golden ager for sure.  Have an Atlantis, Rambo, and Simple 1.  Sold a Toyo Hilsen and have serious regrets about that one...

[Max Faingezicht]

I'm first fell in love with a 62 Sam Hillborne at Harris Cycler, so started as a 2TTer. After that I went with a used AHH which became the one and now I have two new additional bikes in the works: a SimpleOne (bought from a forum member) which has been a joy to ride and an early version Hunqapillar that I got on ebay and I'm still setting up!

Too many bikes, too little time.

Max

[Joe Bernard]

Oy, I'd love to find a 48 or 51 Hunqapillar in grey/kidney bean. If I'd known then that every one purchased would never be resold later...

[Justin, Oakland]

I wonder what the least resold Riv is? At least the smallest ratio or percentage of resales to sales. Clearly the Riv Mountain is the least resold.

-J

[Steve Cole]

We're a Golden Ager household in more ways than one.  We have a Toyo A. Homer Hilsen, a Simpleton converted to a 14-speed Rohloff drive, and a Betty Foy.  

[Scott Calhoun]

I'm guess I'm a "Golden Ager" by default. 

I cut my cycling teeth riding Bridgetones that Grant designed, but my only Rivendell has been a blue 64cm Rambouillet that I found in semi-rough cosmetic shape at Bicas, our local co-op, earlier this year. I couldn't (and still can't) believe my luck. I test rode it with in the parking lot, and it was love at first pedal stroke. I climbed most of the high mountain roads in Arizona on it this summer, and it never let me down. Lively, predictable, comfortable, and just plain fun to ride. 

Scott Calhoun

Tucson, AZ

[Philip Williamson]

Quickbeams change hands pretty regularly, but I may have only ever seen one Riv Mountain for sale. Maybe none. That was one of the first Rivs I was ever made aware of, so I've been attuned to them.  A lot of early bikes might be in garages and attics.

The nu-Riv Platys seem to come up for sale a lot, but that might not be a high percentage of those sold. There might just be more of them, and more people active on the list. 

Philip

Sonoma County, Calif - Armistice Day

[Joe Bernard]

This is a fun thread to revisit four years later, thanks Philip! I had forgotten my comment about wishing I could find a Hunqapillar in grey/kidney bean, two years later I had a custom built with a lighter shade of those colors. 

[Steven Sweedler]

I remember a FS for a Riv Mountain, $500 for the frameset, it was a large and the ad cautioned how large a pbh you needed to ride it. I had just bought something else and didn’t pursue it past one exchange of emails. Never saw mention of it being sold, the seller did say it needed a comlete  repaint. Steve

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Steven Sweedler
Plymouth, New Hampshire

[Ted Durant]

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 6:55:34 PM UTC-5 Philip Williamson wrote:

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

I'm not sure how I missed this thread! The Bridgestone XO-1 is where it began for me, and I happily teamed up with Grant to help Rivendell get started and then Rona Components, Willow, and Heron. I've had a Rivendell ATB (Waterford, early on), Riv Road (Joe built), a few Herons, a Quickbeam, a Bleriot, and a Cheviot. And my wife has a Glorius. I definitely associate more with the earlier designs, and the original prototype Heron Road  and Riv Road are still here. I've evolved more along the lines of Jan Heine, preferring classic road bike designs and riding position, with big tires. I never warmed up to the Cheviot though I tried a slew of handlebars. I sold the ATB and the Bleriot here a couple of years ago. The type of riding I do is largely dictated by where I live, with lots of dairyland roads that are mostly well paved. I don't have mountains or many gravel roads within 100 miles. There are some mountain bike trails in the vicinity, but I'm not willing to drive an hour each way to go for a bike ride - I'd rather spend those 2 hours riding!

Ted Durant

Milwaukee, WI USA

[Conway Bennett]

Good thread.  I'm a 2TTer.  I learned about Riv ~2010 through ecovelo which has a presence again on Instagram and cyclofiend.  My first Rivendell I bought was a 2TT Sam I got new for sub $1000, but I lusted after a Hunqapillar first because of the grey bean paint but especially after riding one at HQ--back then Hunqs were only $1850.  I currently have a Hunqapillar and my wife has a Rosco Bubbaloosa.  I was drinking Riv Kool aid for a bit, but now I have a crust canti lightning bolt and a BMC Monstercross on deck.  The Appaloosa was the last Riv I really liked, but I like 650b and the option of drop bars.

[reynoldslugs]

Definitely a Golden Ager.  Late 90’s, I discovered Rivendell, spent some time with Grant, and picked up a Heron; got back into riding after a ten or fifteen year hiatus.  I’ve continue to ride each of my Rivendells - Custom, Legolas, Rambouillet, Roadeo, Atlantis, Heron (now a 650), maybe a few others.  

Many are here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/41563482@N06/albums

Great thread. Thanks!

Max Beach

Santa Rosa CA

[John Dewey]

My journey along this path began in 1997, with a Litespeed—full Record group, 23mm tires that barely fit, carbon fork...light and fast. Lots of fun to ride. The very next year, as I recall, the newer Record group included those great Ergo levers that many of us still ride now—with the guts removed or in the guise of Cane Creek SCR-5 and the similar IRD Drilliums. I really NEEDED a set of those new Ergo levers, but they were so expensive, yikes.

At that point, as I pondered replacing the pointy levers, I had an epiphany: this is how it will shake out if I continue to chase the technology...there's no end to it. And I will never catch it. The levers on my Litesepeed were fine, I just wanted the new ones. I had no need, just a lot of want. BTW, about this same time, I began reading Grant's writing via his old newsletters and I realized this was the philosophy I adhered to. 

Shortly thereafter, I decided, enough—sold the Litespeed in '99 and had Richard Schwinn build me a Waterford touring frame, the AC1900. It's still in my 'rotation' and I'm as fond of it now as I was when it arrived 23 years ago. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146626768@N06/50644206498/in/album-72157702711634681/lightbox/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146626768@N06/50492813172/in/album-72157704160992724/

Until then, I didn't realize I needed more than one bicycle—afterall, you can only ride one at a time. So in autumn 2004, I walked into the great Williamson Bike Works (RIP) in Madison WI, and saw this gorgeous deep blue Rambouillet hanging from a hook on the ceiling with a bunch of other frames. (Remember those days, when you could just walk into a shop and grab one from the rafters. Don't we miss that?) I bought it on the spot and the journey began in earnest.

The blue RAM is my only Rivendell but, of course, Richard builds frames for Grant. And I have two EBISU built by Hiroshi Imura...so all in the same family.  I have no more bicycle-envy left in me, so my hoarding impulses now to turn to late '90s components to keep things running at the 9-speed level. I find it manageable and entertaining, so I'm all good.

BEST / Jock Dewey / NorCAL

--

[R Shannon]

Very inspiring to see the variety of Rivs those of you currently own or have owned. Max, you have a stellar collection of bikes! 

I'm a Golden Ager in terms of longevity but less so with Rivendell; since 2011 if I recall. Wish it had been sooner. I wouldn't have bought lesser bikes. All part of the learning curve I guess. Cyclofiend, Ecolvelo and Lovely Bicycle brought me into the Riv loop with reviews of the Sam Hillborne. The Sam wasn't my first Riv - that was an Atlantis - but it quickly led to a Sage Green Sam. The expression "you can't have one Rivendell" certainly proved true. Some others followed: Clem H, Roadeo and a Taiwan built Homer. 

The Sam has been a keeper though with no plans to leave the stable!

Best,

Rich in ATL

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[reynoldslugs]

Thanks Rich, I love all these bikes.   Just did a lovely ride on the Sonoma Coast today, Monte Rio to Cazadero, over Ft Ross Road and down Meyer’s Grade to Highway 1.  Awesome weather!

I meant to mention, I had a Quickbeam but gave it to Crazy Bradford down in Petaluma, who loves it.  My knees are no longer suitable for fixed gear or single speed.  

Best,

Max Beach

Santa Rosa CA

[Jay Connolly]

Definitely a 2TTer leaning into the Clemster age. Own an Appaloosa for touring and running around with various loads (and as my winter bike in a wet climate), a Sam for my version of speed (which is laughably slow, but really it’s just a reminder not to weigh down the bike with the extra 10 lbs I carry on the Joe day-to-day). Had a 64 Clem which I stupidly sold to a friend and now wish I had back.

Jay

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada 

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 4:55:34 PM UTC-7 Philip Williamson wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA 

[Eric Peterson]

Saw a comment from Ted Durant, recall we rode a 200k brevet together on our RIvs back in 2016.

I'm definitely a "Golden Ager"

I started with an RB-1 bought when Bridgestone called it quits, then another RB-1 and an RB-T - yes at one time had three RB bikes. I gave the RB-T to my brother for his 40th birthday (he subsequently loaned it to his daughter in Chicago where it got stolen). The two RB-1s I gave to my son and his husband in Boston and they are still in active use there.

But this is about Rivs I almost forgot. 

I started with a blue Rambouillet, then an orange Rambouillet which I keep in Seattle for when I visit and ride out there.

After a crash damaged the blue bike, I opted for a Roadeo which I still ride on brevets today.

I really like the classic "fast" road bike feel of all these bikes. 

Eric

On Friday, November 11, 2022 at 8:52:34 AM UTC-6 Ted Durant wrote:

[Piaw Na]

Hi Ted, like you, I started riding Bridgestone with the 1993 RB-1. At one point Eric House (who was sponsored by Grant) was riding "sunrise centuries" to get ready for his RAAM attempt, so I joined him on a few rides. At one point I got invited to a ride on Grant Petersen's commute to Bridgestone from the Oakland hills. Grant showed up on his fixed gear and mentioned something about not being able to coast and shift, but he still proceeded to outride all of us. I got into bicycle touring (https://blog.piaw.net/2022/07/consolidated-cycle-touring-page.html) and bought a Rivendell Custom touring bike, but that bike didn't work out. It rode beautifully without a load but with both front and rear loads it would shimmy and no mechanic could fix it. I gave up and sold it to a friend.

Then I bought a Heron touring bike. This bike served me well for many tours, until I started riding in the alps. There, I discovered that cantilever (shimano XT, paul's neo retros) would judder and shudder under aggressive braking. I realized that I should have bought a Heron road instead. I switched away and ordered a custom titanium touring bike, which served me well on all my tours, commutes, and abuse. OK, the riding was great, but I've broken 2 frames. The builder was apologetic both times and stood by his work, building me a new frame each time. When the second frame broke though, I visited Grant and decided to return to the Rivendell fold.

I agonized a bit about either a A Homer Hilsen or a Roadini, but the fact that all my wheels carried over from previous bikes were 130mm spacing tipped me towards the Roadini, especially now that they clear 42mm tires. I'm quite happy with my Roadini at this point, though I think I would still like a lower BB, and maybe a slightly shorter chainstay to make it easier to pack for a tour.

On Friday, November 11, 2022 at 6:52:34 AM UTC-8 Ted Durant wrote:

[Ted Durant]

On Nov 12, 2022, at 9:41 AM, Eric Peterson <peterso...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Saw a comment from Ted Durant, recall we rode a 200k brevet together on our RIvs back in 2016.

Pictures prove it happened. Alas, I was on my Terraferma, not my Riv. But I was wearing my Riv hat.

[Matt Beecher]

IMO, the peak of my interest remains with the Atlantis and Saluki, though I would like to try one of the Toyo Homers of the 700c variety and maybe a Wilbury.  The move to being upright does not interest me, yet, and I have not seen anything that interests me in a new frameset.  I imagine one day I might be looking for an upright bike, but I wonder what the options will be at that time.    

I do like some of the clothing options they offer, namely the wool, but none of it fits me, with my long arms/torso.  I'm a big fan of the sweaters from a few years ago though, because the sleeves appear designed to roll up, but would love to see more items with long arms for riders wanting to keep their wrists warm on cold rides.  I'd love to see a heavier equivalent to the Surly wool jersey, with the extra long sleeves and thumb holes.  

Best regards,

Matt in Oswego

[Patrick Moore]

I slot in just behind Ted. I fell in love with a 1992 XO-1 that an Albuquerque bike shop was discounting to get rid of it; I'd been riding road-ified or allrounder-ified mountain bikes but wanted something that handled more like the 1989 Falcon I'd sold but with 26" wheels. The XO-1 got close, but in 1994 I ordered a custom Riv Road but one based on the XOs: compact, 26" wheels, road tires, tighter angles, road tubing. I loved it, and told Grant I was going to proclaim the 54" c-c frame (my "normal" fistful size is 60 c-c), and he said, "Don't you dare."

I got serious about fixed gear riding in 1996 and ordered a 26" customer riv road fixie gofast in 1999; you've heard enough about it. Then in 2003 I ordered a derailleur clone and built it up as a 26" wheel 1X10 gofast road bike (46 X 11-23 and 12-25 Am Classic cassettes) shifted with Simplex retrofriction dt shifters. But I turned it into a fixed gear commuter with Dave Porter Campy dropouts and Chauncey Matthews racks, and after it was replaced in 2020 with the Matthews clone I traded frame, fork, fenders, and custom racks to a listmember for the later much modified 2012 Monocog.

In the meanwhile I had a 2010 Sam, nice, but sold because for me it was neither flesh nor fowl, neither nimble road bike nor capable of our sandy soil; and I carried groceries on a racing bike (which handled the rear loads better anyway). About 2013 I got a second hand, second gen (blue) Ram and built it up several ways, including the first indexing since 1993 -- Dura Ace 7 speed, later swapped for better-shifting mix 'n' match friction 9 speed. That too got sold as not quite flesh nor fowl -- not as nimble as I liked, not dirt capable, didn't need a grocery carrier.

I remember the very first luggage products; very home-made looking, though well made. Quite a shot put distance to today's Luis Vuitton-quality luggage. I think I've owned at least 1 from each generation, starting with the high quality Nelson Longflap that Riv brought into the US -- did anyone else sell those here in 1995? Adam and Hoss, first-gen Sackville M and L, now later gen Sackville M.

Would love to try a Clem or similar if only they accommodated 622 X 76 mm tires; sand.

[Marc Irwin]

By these standards I am a 2TTR.  I have a Hunq from the first Waterford run, but the 54'd didn't require 2 top tubes so it only has one.  A year after riding it, I HAD  to have the lighter, faster version so I pre-ordered a Hillborne.  The 56 Sam's fit me, so it was supposed to have 2 top tubes, but the factory goofed on 3 and since I had pre-ordered, Riv let me choose.  I took the single TT because I already had the Hunq for all the rough tumbling about.  So, I'm a 2TTR with single top tubes.

Marc

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 7:55:34 PM UTC-4 Philip Williamson wrote:

Recent discussions make me wonder, what epoch of Rivendell bikes or aesthetic most appeals to list members? 

Which era do you identify with the most, or like the best? 

Is it the era you first encountered Riv in, or did you look back through the back catalog and say, "That's the one for me?" Or did you arrive early, travel into the future with Rivendell and love best what's happening now? 

• Are you a "Proto-Riv" aficionado of Longlows, Allrounders, and Herons? 
  
• A "Golden Ager?" Are Herons, Rambouillets, and Salukis your favorites? 
  
• Or are you a "2TTer," a Bombadil, Hunq, and Sam Hillborner?
  
• A "Clemster" and a Rosco? 
  
• Have you become a "New Atlantean?" A Swoop-a-tuber, Hill-biker, and a Gus Bootster? 
  

Are these fixed preferences, or have you been most into a different era before? Do you have shadings of more than one?  I first encountered Riv in the Proto era, looking at the All Rounder. Overall I'm a Golden Ager, but the New Atlantean age is looking pretty attractive. 

Philip 

Santa Rosa, CA