First(ish) impressions of Sam Hillborne

[John H.]

Following along on the Roadini thread...

I just finished building up my Sam H. and could not be happier. I knew I wanted a Rivendell, but I churned internally for years about which model was going to the 'right' model for me. I was looking for something to ride 70/30 road/trail, mostly unloaded and with big clearances. I had zero'd in on a Sam early on but I couldn't stop thinking that it would be too 'stiff and heavy' for its intended usage. My fears were completely unfounded and -- to me at least -- the Sam feels just as "fast" as the Columbus SL tube'd Basso frame it replaced. The only major departure (as far as ride quality is concerned) is that the Sam is several orders of magnitude more comfortable. 

A *huge* (and long overdue) "thank you" goes out to Jason, Mike and co. at Maine Bike Works for sourcing the frame and working with my now wife to surprise me with it a few seasons ago. I can't speak more highly of the work they do and urge anyone in the area to check them out.

Here's the high level build specs:

55cm Canti Sam Hillborne

Campagnolo Veloce 10 Speed Ergos

Crust Towel Rack bars

Paul Neo Retro / Touring Canti

9 speed Shimano XT Shadow mech

CX-50 front der.

TA Zephyr crank (46/34)

Velocity Quill rims / Generic Velocity Hubs

Compass Snoqualmie Pass tires

[Tim Bantham]

Nice looking Sam build!  I too have a Sam along with a Clem and an Appaloosa. The Sam is great bike for going on my current version of a speedy road ride. The guys at MBW are good folks. I've been to the shop a few times and have done some rides with my Maine friends over the last couple of summers. 

Tim

[Jason Fuller]

Beauty of a build!  I had the same path to Rivendell ownership, landing on a Hillborne for basically exactly the same purposes (with a little bit of credit card touring mixed in).  I had a similar concern about it being a bit heavy duty and sluggish, coming off a lightweight randonneur frameset, but was also impressed by how quick and fun it is for how comfortable and stable it is. It's a very special bike!  

[RichS]

John,

Congratulations on acquiring a Sam. They do rock! Love mine. Only wish it had canti brakes.

What saddle bag are you using?

Best,

Rich in ATL

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:16:39 AM UTC-4, John H. wrote:

[j.schwartz]

looks pretty much perfect. Congrats.

I've had a few Rivs come in and out of my life and currently have 4 (Sam, Joe, Clem, SimpleOne)

The only one that I've never thought about moving on is my very first Riv.  A 2009 first generation 56cm Sam.

If I only kept one bike, that would be it.  

[greenteadrinkers]

Really nice! I just picked up the 55cm Sam that was up here last week! Looking to also have a 70 / 30 build but 70 trail / 30 road. I'm sure in a year or two, I'll be hunting for a Hunqaplliar.

Scott

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:16:39 AM UTC-4, John H. wrote:

[MaineBiker]

Hey thanks for posting! Another Mainer with a Sam Hillborne here...

I picked up my secondhand 62cm Sam last February 11th, and have ridden it pretty much every day since then except for the super rainy days. I've owned several bikes over the years, but this is by far the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. I always start out saying, "Just going for a quick ride," then end up riding twice as far as I'd planned. It is surprisingly fast too. It doesn't corner as well as I'd like, but I wonder if that's due to the 44mm tires.I'll gladly sacrifice the cornering for the supple ride. 

The first upgrade was a pair of Compass Snoqualmie Pass tires. It's like riding on clouds. It literally floats over rough pavement and gravel trails. I'm on my 4th handlebar already. Stared with Soma Portola, then Salsa Cowchipper, then Salsa Cowbell. Now it's got a Nitto Noodle 46 that so far feels great. Really would like to try the towel rack bar. 

Definitely want to get up to Saco to check out Maine Bike Works. For now, the southern Maine seacoast will have to do...

 

Cheers!

Charlie

 

On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:16:39 AM UTC-4, John H. wrote:

[Reid Echols]

Loving my canti-Sam these days, in mega-monster-mode with 50mm Gravelking tires. It's surprisingly fast on these, and very confidence-inspiring when I have to dodge runners or other cyclists by hopping a curb or veering into the rough stuff. 

Reid in Austin 

[MaineBiker]

Hey Reid, awesome build! Do you know if the tire clearance is different between the cantilever model and center/side pull model? 

[Ash]

John, congratulations!   Sam is indeed a great bike.  Your bike looks quite handsome.   Lovely color them there!  Wish you thousands of miles of happy riding.  

[dustin schaber]

How do the mini motos feel with regular (pretty) road levers? I had the same brakes on a Space Horse back in the day and the LBS implored me to pair them with v-brake drop levers, which I did and they felt superb. 

Dustin