XO-1 or Roadini

[Zack Medow]

RBW Owners Bunch I need your help!

I'm looking to venture into the world of my first Rivendell/Bridgestone. 

I'm at an impasse right now. I'm thinking of putting in an order for a Roadini and set it up with the new Shikoro 38mm tires Riv is carrying. But there's also a mint condition XO-1 right now on eBay in my size. 

I'm going to be using this bike for road and city riding, maybe some very light grav grav. I have a Jones for a trail bike, so that's not really a concern. My goal is to find a supple steel bike that fits a wider tire without resorting to a disc break and the stiff fork that comes with it. 

Which one would you go for?? Is this a silly comparison?? 

[James Valiensi]

Hi,

The Roadini. It is new and better made. X0-1 is more of a collectors item and the concept is more valuable than the execution. 

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[Ian A]

What James said. With the XO1, you'll be paying a lot for the history. A Roadini would be better value, as would a Sam Hillborne...

IanA Alberta Canada

[ted]

Are you sure that a Roadini will fit 38mm tires? Would you be getting the 47cm size that is built for 650b or one of the larger sizes that is 700c?

[Dave Johnston]

I like my X0-3, but honestly the new bikes are more refined and easier to size. If I had one I'd keep it but I wouldn't pay collectors prices for one. 

Currently the Sam Hillborne is most like the 93 X0-1 (cantis, max 47mm tire) and the A Homer Hilsen most like the 92 XO-1 (sidepulls, max ~42mm tire).

-Dave

[Joe Bernard]

Roadini. The XO-1 is a fun bike but achieves its low-standover sizing at the expense of a short headtube..getting them bars up is an exercise in searching for tall stems and bars.

I've owned both and the Roadini is a truly great bicycle.

[Joe Bernard]

Oof, I've seen the XO you're looking at..your competition for bidding have lost their minds! It's a lovely piece of history but I don't think they're worth what those folks seem willing to pay. Modern Rivs are better bikes.

[Patrick Moore]

I owned a 1992 XO 1, and I asked Grant to build me 3 road customs, with 26" wheels, to ride nicer than the XO-1. 25 years later, I can safely and confidently say that a newer Rivendell, whether custom, Rambouillet, or Sam Hill (at least the first edition Sam Hill) all do better on pavement and on dirt than a XO-1 with 32 mm tires (max on the '92 with fenders). 

My, I would bypass the Roadini because I think the tubing is too stout for my taste; but I'd choose the Roadini over a XO-1, '93 as well as '92.

Even more than the Roadini, if I were in your Sidis, I'd buy a Roadeo because of the lighter tubing.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Jason Fuller]

The XO-1 is a very cool collector item, but I'll come right out and say it: it is overpriced for its ride quality, due to its collector status. For a Sunday driver I think it's a great bike but for an everyday, long distance road bike, the Roadini has another 30 years of Grant's experience built into it despite the modest TIG welds.  I would also consider the Homer, if you don't mind giving up a little bit of speed for a whole lot of luxury.  

[Lyman Labry]

I can vouch for the Homer being luxurious.  I was considering a Roadini or a custom 90’s Rivendell bike for sale on their website.  Grant recommended the Homer instead.  It’s been an awesome ride.

On Mon, Jul 13, 2020 at 9:29 PM Jason Fuller <jtf.f...@gmail.com> wrote:

The XO-1 is a very cool collector item, but I'll come right out and say it: it is overpriced for its ride quality, due to its collector status. For a Sunday driver I think it's a great bike but for an everyday, long distance road bike, the Roadini has another 30 years of Grant's experience built into it despite the modest TIG welds.  I would also consider the Homer, if you don't mind giving up a little bit of speed for a whole lot of luxury.  

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[masmojo]

I had a 92 XO-1 for 23 years and it is a lovely machine. I would have kept mine had I gotten the proper size all those years ago. When I was younger I could ride a small bike, with no problem,
There are some advantages to the XO I find it to be much more compliant then many of the later Rivendells made for being loaded with bags and gear. I replaced my XO with a Toyo Atlantis, to me they are the most comparable; the Atlantis is super light as is the XO, but what the Atlantis gives up in compliance it makes up in usability and versatility. They both have 26" wheels which is a unique sensation on a radish bike; acceleration from ip stop is so much fun; when you lay into the pedals there a feeling of getting up to speed very quickly that doesn't happen with 650B or 700.
The Roadini is a great bike, but if you are concerned with beefier tires maybe the Sam is a better choice!? Or maybe a Homer?
Actually, I'd recommend an Older Atlantis.

[RichS]

Zack,

No experience with a Roadini but a synopsis of 

my current Rivs:

MIT Homer - Lightest of the three. Now this is only a guess based on past observations from others on the list - the Homer and the Roadini frames weigh about the same. No doubt about it, the Homer rides lighter and snappier than my Sam and Atlantis. Note: for comparison my Homer and Sam have identical builds and geometry.

MIT Sam - Handles a good bit like the Homer but its stoutness makes it more akin to the Atlantis. In my experience what sets it apart from the Atlantis are the 650b wheels and the angles.

MUSA Atlantis - Size 53 with 26" wheels. The Atlantis is in a class by itself with the smaller wheels, less slack geometry, the term "planted" comes to mind, and likely different tubing from the Sam.

Whichever Riv you decide on, you can't go wrong.

Best,

Rich in ATL 

On Monday, July 13, 2020 at 10:47:40 AM UTC-4, Zack Medow wrote:

[Jason Fuller]

Interesting info Rich, now you've got me dreaming about swapping my Sam bits onto a Homer and rebuilding the Sam as an upright bike. I use the Sam for long distance road riding a lot, with light loads. I know the frame is overly stout for that job, but it still goes pretty well!  I'll also point it down some fairly rough trails too, though.  

[R Shannon]

Yes, I have similar dreams about swapping this part or that part on whichever bike or a custom or a. . .

It never stops does it?

Keep on dreaming!

Rich in ATL

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 14, 2020, at 7:36 PM, Jason Fuller <jtf.f...@gmail.com> wrote:

Interesting info Rich, now you've got me dreaming about swapping my Sam bits onto a Homer and rebuilding the Sam as an upright bike. I use the Sam for long distance road riding a lot, with light loads. I know the frame is overly stout for that job, but it still goes pretty well!  I'll also point it down some fairly rough trails too, though.  

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[Ryan M.]

I'd get the Roadini. I like the looks of the roadini and the price is pretty good too. The tig welding does not bother me over the lugs, even though I personally would pony up cash for lugs. 

Or I would be looking hard at the A Homer Hilsen too. I kinda like the looks of the Homer better and it's a bit more versatile of a bike...meaning, you can take it on chunkier gravel stuff with larger tires. 

I will say this, I had a Roadeo and felt that bike rode great and can only imagine the Roadini, being a Riv road bike, will handle great too. 

[Joe Bernard]

I'd love to know how this turned out. That XO is gone.

[EGNolan]

I've got a Handsome XOXO, a tigged re-make of the XO-1. I also have a Roadini. I love both bikes and it would be a hard choice to have one, but I'd go Roadini. It's a refined bike, and will give you many more years of enjoyment. 

[Mark Roland]

$2,515.00, pick up only in MA!!! (I have to think some out of state bidders made arrangements to get it to a bike shop for shipping). Holy cow. I know, the orange, in top condition. But really. Any modern used Rivendell would be a better deal as a rider. If you can hold out a bit, maybe pick up a suitable vintage machine for a couple hundred, I think the Charlie H. Gallup, (which is being prototyped in orange) looks like it would blow away the XO-1 in every respect except perhaps joinery.  I'm imagining the frame/fork will be similar price to the Clems, so you could build up a brand-new Charlie, with racks, luggage, lighting if desired for $2,500, and still have some change in the pocket.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 2:53:04 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:

[Robert Tilley]

I sold my all original '93 XO-1 years back for around $900. I should have kept it so I could cash in now. There is no way that bike is worth $2,500. Especially when you could pick up a used Riv for less.

Robert Tilley

San Diego, CA

Sent from my BlackBerry - the most secure mobile device

From: absolut...@gmail.com Sent: July 16, 2020 6:31 AM To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com Reply-to: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com Subject: [RBW] Re: XO-1 or Roadini

$2,515.00, pick up only in MA!!! (I have to think some out of state bidders made arrangements to get it to a bike shop for shipping). Holy cow. I know, the orange, in top condition. But really. Any modern used Rivendell would be a better deal as a rider. If you can hold out a bit, maybe pick up a suitable vintage machine for a couple hundred, I think the Charlie H. Gallup, (which is being prototyped in orange) looks like it would blow away the XO-1 in every respect except perhaps joinery.  I'm imagining the frame/fork will be similar price to the Clems, so you could build up a brand-new Charlie, with racks, luggage, lighting if desired for $2,500, and still have some change in the pocket.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 2:53:04 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:

I'd love to know how this turned out. That XO is gone.

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[Joe Bernard]

$2515?? No. That's madness.

[Ian Terry]

I don't think it's a silly comparison. The X0-1 on ebay looks pretty fantastic. If it were me, I'd look at how much it was going to cost you to do the full build of the roadini. If it was similar or just a bit more expensive, I'd go roadini. If the X0-1 can be had for less, then I think it'd be a great buy.

On Monday, July 13, 2020 at 10:47:40 AM UTC-4, Zack Medow wrote:

[Zack Medow]

I’d be getting a 50cm. My understanding is that the newest models have wider clearance and can clear a 38mm or 33mm with a fender. 

On Jul 13, 2020, at 11:31 AM, ted <ted....@comcast.net> wrote:



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[Zack Medow]

Jason, when you say luxury, are you just referring to the aesthetics of also the ride quality. 

On Jul 13, 2020, at 10:29 PM, Jason Fuller <jtf.f...@gmail.com> wrote:



The XO-1 is a very cool collector item, but I'll come right out and say it: it is overpriced for its ride quality, due to its collector status. For a Sunday driver I think it's a great bike but for an everyday, long distance road bike, the Roadini has another 30 years of Grant's experience built into it despite the modest TIG welds.  I would also consider the Homer, if you don't mind giving up a little bit of speed for a whole lot of luxury.  

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[Zack Medow]

Many thanks, Rich! For me it was down to a Roadini or a Homer. The fact that Riv just sold out of my size in Homers really decided it for me. 

On Jul 14, 2020, at 10:42 AM, RichS <rshann...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Zack Medow]

Yeah I'm really glad I didn't waste my time bidding on it. 

On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 3:55 PM Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

$2515?? No. That's madness.

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[Zack Medow]

Agreed. I made this post to the group a few days ago when the price was still reasonable! Definitely off my list now. And encouraging to know that all of you would prefer the Roadini anyway. 

[David Johnston]

A used Bleriot or San Marcos should also be on your short list.

-Dave J

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[Joe Bernard]

Zack, check out this "Mark's build" on the Garage Sale page. Then go buy it!

https://www.rivbike.com/products/50cm-roadini-web-special-complete-mark-spec

[R Shannon]

Zack,

Your question refers to the Homer.

Mine checks all the boxes. Did a 46 mile ride on it yesterday in 90 degree temp.

Ride quality: Smooth as silk. 

Luxury: As far as appearance goes -It’s a looker for sure.

Speed: How fast do you need to go?

Best,

Rich in ATL

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 17, 2020, at 12:18 PM, Zack Medow <zem...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Nate in Oakland]

I just bought a new 54cm roadini this week, built it up with mostly leftover parts (as quick as possible without sleeping) and took it for a shake down ride in the hills yesterday evening. The ride climbs 1200 ft or so on not great roads and descends quickly on pretty sketchy road.

I ride this a couple time a week on my Atlantis or Sam. On the Roadini, I was in a bigger gear the whole time. I was suddenly passing several carbon bikes. The ride was twitchier than my other bikes but still very stable. Def a fast roadish bike even (maybe because of?) with 38mm Barlow pass el. The stack and reach on the roadini make it more suited for drops than any other riv without funny stems.

If I had to have one bike and choose between a homer and a roadini, I’d take the homer for the utility, smoothness, and lugs. Roadini is a really good second or third bike.

Nate

[Zack Medow]

Thank you, everyone, for your input. I didn't end up bidding on the XO-1. I'm going to call Riv about a Roadini shortly!

Zack in Toronto

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[Andrew Turner]

Has anyone fit jack brown tires with fenders on their Roadini? 

[Andrew Turner]

Just discovered the 2020 Roadini's will facilitate that. If I had waited a year, that probably would've been my forever bike.