65cm Clem Smith Jr Build / First ride

[Mackenzy Albright]

Howdy all, 

We are in new bike season, and hope to see lots of posts soon! Came across it for sale from a RBW poster this winter. Third hand I think. Since I spent most of my disposable income on it, Ive been doing my best to build it as inexpensively as possible given costs of parts in Canada are outrageous and hard to find, Coops are still difficult to access and short of nicer parts because of shortages. I put my bike snob self aside to build the cheapest possible version keeping to somewhat RIV spirit. 

65cm frame (im about 6ft 1in) I love the fit. 

Alex Adventurer 2 rims laced to used XTR disc, and 2nd hand SON disc (my biggest expense) Random recut spokes for budgets. 

Hand me down Racing Ralph and Nobby Nic

Brooks ive had for 15+ years 

Altus rear DR 

Suntour barcon (doesnt seem to like the spring of the altus) 

2x KMC chains - because I guess that is a thing 

Cheap AVID levers

Losco Bars, my favorite bar ever. 

120mm nitto stem with shim that creaks non stop 

ALIEXPRESS cranks mimicing the Silver cranks gearing and sprocket guard 

Cheapest Shimano V brakes 

AliExpress brake lever converters that I just use as a pulley now 

ESI grips 

Odyssey BMX petals 

Sinkhole Montreal Custom Bar Bag 

The pink parts started off as a joke and because they're spares from a BMX bike project that got canned. Now I am kind of into it. I need to find a cheapish headlight, and would like to splurge on Simworks Flat 65 fenders for when I move back to the coast. 

Once I get some camping trips in I need to decide how to carry camping gear. Front and rear bags only? Front basket and panniers? who knows! half the fun. 

Speaking of fun. I cannot believe how nice this rides. It tracks great at speed, grips well on loose steep climbs, front end stays down during climbing. And in general just so comfortable. I was skeptical going for the 65 frame being only a bit over 6ft. With advice from Will at Riv, I was able to get a good enough estimate to know I'd fit minimally. It's nice having so much leeway to move the bars up and down and a good amount of forward and backwards for leverage and comfort. I honestly just really like this bike. I cant wait to get camping.

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

“6’1” on a 65 Clem Smith Jr?!”, is what I said to myself in disbelief 🫢, but seeing the photo wiped away my fears. To be overly technical, 65s only came in H, H as in the top tube was all the way there, and as someone on the upper end of the 6’s with a 65 Clem H, I feared for your abrupt stops…

But yeah, photos tell all, and specifically, that’s a 64, and a beautiful one at that.

Enjoy!

-Kai

[Mackenzy Albright]

oh! you are right - 64. I think I measured seat tube center to top which is about 65 and it stuck in my brain :) 

The length is only 25mm difference between the 59 and the 64. That was my biggest determining factor, as Will confirmed the seatpost would be able to be low enough to accommodate my PBH. Plenty of room for stopping and jumping off mid climb :) 

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

The low is the way to go, here's my 65 high for reference- https://photos.app.goo.gl/uxqm63W2nB5scvmg7

Sturdy bike for sure, rides a lot bigggger than other 65s out there.

-Kai

[Mackenzy Albright]

That Clem H is great! Can't wait to get a handful of years of adventure and tape on it. What headlamp are you using? 

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

That there's a well worn B&M Lumotec IQ. It's lit up a lot of paths over the years, but my IQ-X is better looking...

-Kai

[Michael Waldschmidt]

Mackenzy,

Pretty picture, nice bike!  Kainalu, your’s is also great.  I’m looking at getting a Clem for myself, too.  I know you both have 64cm bikes.  Kainalu, how tall are you?  I’m 6’8” with a 100 pbh.  Do either of you have anything else you could add about how you like your Clem.  Also, what size tires are you currently running?

Thanks,

Mike

[Lance Terry]

I honestly never thought of using my Happysack on the front until I saw your pictures. tried it out and it works great. Thanks for the tip.