Front Range Riv Riders? Atlantis curious in Boulder

[Christian B-H]

Hi All-

A Riv admirer from afar since 2019 thanks to my Rivspirational Uncle Andy in SF. Grant's Bluhgs and Riv-stuff kept me mostly sane from 2019 till now and influenced my decision to get a steel "gravel" bike with bigger tires over carbon.  I had a chance in July 2021 to  go to Walnut Creek, and my wife and friends who joined will attest I was like a kid in a candy shop. I remember glancing over at Grant who was practicing laps on the long-stemmed, mini cycle with James, and then looking back at Antonio, who had Grant's Appaloosa in hand and saying, "Really? I can ride HIS bike?" (photo below- Me with Friend in Hat clarifying with Antonio. My wife in the background experiencing the Riv magic). 

That day however I left with one thought in mind: Jame's Atlantis was the smoothest, best feeling bike I've ever ridden. Even if it was a size or so too small. 

So, looking to determine what size Atlantis I'd be ahead of this next order, my question for this group is: Is there anyone within a a few hours of Boulder, CO with a 55-60cm Atlantis who'd be willing to let me test ride? 

I think I've seen at least one Atlantis in the wild here, and I know I've seen a few other Riv's around here...I'd love the opportunity to ride an Atlantis again before buying to help figure out sizing (I know PBH (89), calling to discuss, email etc. I've done it. I just want to see if I should go 55 or 59  based on feel, and experience the ride one more time to see which bike I may have to get rid of to help the purchase along....). 

Thanks for any help!

Best,

Christian Beitel-Horton in Boulder, CO

[Richard Rose]

I am still new here but I suspect you will get a lot of folks suggesting you depend on & trust the advice on fit that is available just from talking to the folks at Riv. They will not steer you wrong. Of course there is nothing wrong with riding first if the opportunity presents itself.

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 21, 2022, at 1:32 AM, Christian B-H a<bei...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All-

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[Johnny Alien]

Rivendell likes to put people in the MAX size possible. With the expanded geometry I am almost always at the top of one size and the very bottom of another.  Rivendell has suggested the larger sizes but time has shown me that I prefer to be at the top of a size vs the bottom contrary to what they would push for me.  It looks like you might be exactly the same with the Atlantis frame. A PBH of 89.5 is the minimum size that that they would recommend for the 59 which would put you at the very bottom for that size and at the top for the 55.  That makes it tricky and a lot will come down to personal preference. I hope you can find a good source for a try out!! 

[Ben Mihovk]

Good morning!

I don't know how you'd define "a few hours," but I'm in Omaha, NE and have a 59cm. If for some strange reason you found yourself in town, you'd be more than welcome to give it a spin. I'm confident, though, that you'll encounter one a little closer to home.

Ben in Omaha. 

[Christian B-H]

Thanks RM Rose, Johnny and Ben!

Johnny- you hit the nail on the head. I could just barely make the 59 work, and especially after reading Clark Fitzgeralds wonderful first impressions, one year review, and brief but joyous Atlantis break-up email to move onto the Platypus (Posted in this group "Atlantis one year review - the consummate All-Rounder"- Thanks, Clark!)....He's 6´1" and found the 59 slightly large. I'm 6' with an 89PBH so, I think I'm leaning towards the 55.

Ben- thanks for the Omaha invite! It's a slightly cheaper, similar flight to Oakland, then BART to Walnut Creek, so unless I'm in Omaha I don't think we'll have the pleasure! 

I also got a nice response from Andrew in the Denver area, and am hoping to meet up to ride  and try some Colorado Riv Cyclists soon!

Best, Christian

[esoterica etc]

Christian,

If your main takeaway from your visit to Riv HQ was that James' Atlantis was the best bike you've ever ridden, I'd try to duplicate his bike as best you can. 

His is a 53cm size with 650b wheels, and you did mention that it's a size small for you, so I'd be on the lookout for a 56cm 650b Atlantis. 

Bill Lindsay has just recently offered up his 56cm 650b frame for sale here:

https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/8fEX_xvEv3g/m/V5yj1LlfBAAJ?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer

~Mark

Raleigh, NC

On Mar 21, 2022, at 22:27, Christian B-H <bei...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks RM Rose, Johnny and Ben!

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a765f290-5585-42a0-888e-30bee4e913d2n%40googlegroups.com.

[Lance Terry]

Hi Christian, I'm down in Littleton. I just finished up an Atlantis build. It's a 62cm however,  but you're welcome to give it a try. We can probably move stuff around enough to make it ridable for you to at least give you an idea. I have a 60 Platypus also that's a lot of fun. I have to travel this week but maybe sometime after that we can get together. 

Lance

On Monday, March 21, 2022 at 10:39:33 AM UTC-6 bjmi...@gmail.com wrote:

[Jon Dukeman]

Lance

Is Front Range Riv Riders a Club?

I live in Larkspur but all my rides start at Reynolds Landing behind Breckenridge Brewing Company. Love riding to Big Dry Creek to Highline.

I have a Sam, Platypus, and. Cheviot.

Best

Jon Dukeman

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/dbb71ae8-ed56-480b-bee2-4d14f439b415n%40googlegroups.com.

[Christian B-H]

Mark- You're probably correct on your insights! I received a helpful reply from Bill although I missed out on his bike while deliberating, and agree with your assessment of setting the bike up similarly to James which is also pretty much the direction Johnny's response was taking me. 

Lance and Jon- Thanks for the messages. I'd love to come down to Littleton and ride sometime. I know Andrew on this group has a 2001 Toyo Atlantis and would also be interested in riding. Front Range Riv Riders is not yet a club, but anyone Riding Riv's on the Front Range is welcome to it! 

I'll be in Bear Creek Lake Park this Saturday morning the 2nd if a 10:30 or 11am ride might work out of the Littleton area, and if not, could do Sunday. Otherwise, potentially April 17 or the May 8th or May 15th, or a Saturday at 2pm or afterwards on the 16th of April or 7th or 14th of May. 

If anyone is interested feel free to send me an email directly at bei...@gmail.com and I'll put together an email to organize.

Christian in Boulder with 3 Steel Bikes and None o' Them Yet Riv's