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Philip Hamilton

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Sep 23, 2024, 12:41:14 PM9/23/24
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Like many, I've recently read the New Yorker article (posted below) that features Rivendell bicycles.

I'm an out of shape middle-aged guy with a bad back who loves bikes, and I'm desperate to find a comfortable bike and to begin riding again. It's been many years.

Of note: I'm 6', but my inseam is merely 29", so short top-tubed bikes are particularly difficult for me to ride comfortably.

I'd like to be able to shift gears, so the Rodini seems a good choice. Can anyone comment on how high the bars can be placed? Can anyone comment on sizing and comfort, given my odd proportions and twitchy back? 

Thanks!

-PH

Stephen Durfee

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Sep 23, 2024, 1:57:33 PM9/23/24
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Hi Philip,  the answers to all of these questions and more can easily be answered by anyone at Rivendell HQ.  You can find the telephone number on the website rivbikedotcom, where you can also have a look at the current line up...a Roadini might be a good choice, but you might find that you like a step-thru model, like a Clem or Platypus.  So many great options, and pretty much any of them will accommodate high bars and bad backs
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Eric Daume

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Sep 23, 2024, 2:02:27 PM9/23/24
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You seem like a good candidate for the step through modes (Platypus, Clem). No worries about standover height then. 

Eric
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Ian A

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Sep 23, 2024, 10:58:57 PM9/23/24
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Definitely call Rivendell and discuss your needs. Also, properly measure your PBH as it will be greater than your  trouser inseam. There should be instructions on the Rivendell website. I'm on mobile, but perhaps someone can link? That will help with working out what size frame might work.

Rivendells tend to have long top tubes, so you have a great chance of finding a good fit. A number of modern design bike-packing style bikes (Surly Ogre among others) also have longer top tubes FWIW.

IanA Alberta Canada



David Ross

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Sep 23, 2024, 11:07:08 PM9/23/24
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Your inseam is 29 or your PBH is 29? My inseam on my trousers is 31.5 but my PBH is 33.75. Anyway, it’s an important distinction. If you’re concerned about bar height, I’d think about going with one of the swept bar models as drop bars and a bad back aren’t great bedfellows. I have a bad neck and I’m riding a Gus with the bars way above the saddle. 

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Joe Bernard

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Sep 24, 2024, 12:52:39 AM9/24/24
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Hi Philip, 

Bad back and short legs are my jam, not to mention arthritic wrists. My inseam is a little shorter than yours and I'm only 5'-6" but I think you would do well on something like my 52cm Clem Smith L. Your saddle would be a little higher and you'd have lots of room to reach the bars; this bike is borderline too long for me saddle-to-bars, I can only reach the ends where the grips are comfortably. 

This has a very tall stem that I can't remember the details of, I bought the bike from the lady interviewed in the story, Leah Peterson, she could explain it to you. The bars are Nitto Bosco. 

This is an excellent cruising bicycle: very upright as configured, it's long and suspiciously suspension-like in the way it handles bumpy roads, and the low stepover is wonderful. Clems are gems! 

Joe Bernard 
Clearlake CA 

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On Monday, September 23, 2024 at 9:41:14 AM UTC-7 philipr...@gmail.com wrote:

Eric Marth

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Sep 25, 2024, 10:52:52 AM9/25/24
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Welcome, Philip. As others have suggested a call to Rivendell would be a great way to go. They're really good at matching people's needs, riding style, preferences, etc. with their frames and getting you matched up with the right frame size. 
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