Well done Cheviot marketing

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Rivendell and its dealers are really doing a great job promoting the Cheviot since the new batch arrived. I’ve seen them being pictured and adored all over Instagram lately. The Blaugh and BLUG have been saturated with gorgeous Chev photos and commentary, and we even got an email to boot. Even if I wasn’t already sweet on the Riv mixtes, I would be a convert after all this positive press. Folks have chimed in on how they love their Cheviots and the high praise they offer should make the rest of us rush to hit the “add to cart” button. It’s been fantastic to see this bike get such rich and rightly-deserved public adoration.

In that vein, if anyone here has ordered a new Cheviot, it would be so enjoyable to see your photos, and same goes for the rest of you lucky Chev owners from previous batches! I really hope Rivendell SELLS OUT of them, 1. Because it’s good for them 2. Because I can stop hand-wringing.

I can’t wait to see everyone’s photos and commentary - you guys are such fun.
L

[Justin, Oakland]

It’s made me consider selling my Trek 710 and 930, convert my saluki to road usage and get a Chev for kid and dirt duty.

-J

[sameness]

Will's "Is the Cheviot a road bike?" spiel in the yesterday's email was very... human sounding. It didn't stink of marketing, yet was still compelling in a commonsensical way.

Jeff "Human, All Too Human" Hagedorn

Los Angeles, CA USA

[Joe Bernard]

Leah, I can't wait 'til you help Riv sell out of Cheviots and post all the pretty pictures with that excellent Sage color complimenting your excellent jacket. You know what to do! 🙂

[Leah Peterson]

Hey, I could be like that UltraRomance guy! “See this gal on a Cheviot, don’t worry, she’s a real authentic dealer!”

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 24, 2019, at 5:19 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Leah, I can't wait 'til you help Riv sell out of Cheviots and post all the pretty pictures with that excellent Sage color complimenting your excellent jacket. You know what to do! 🙂
>

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[Adam Leibow]

yeah i agree the marketing is dope. been riding my cheviot a lot lately. its my slowest bike because of the 2speedness. loving it. 

[tc]

Leah,

You know, you're right.  What's killing me is that my wife ordered a 60 Chev *2 years ago* and still hasn't built it up!  No lie.  Still in the box.  Her's has a custom "Sam Blue" paint job, and I'm tellin' ya, it's a beaut.  Here's a pic of Dave holding it up before they shipped it:

She's been riding her Sam (which was originally mine ... she stole it after 1 ride).  So she's not exactly roughing it.  But still, if she doesn't build it up soon I may steal it and build it up.  Fair is fair, right?  

Nah, it's got little hearts all over it....

Tom

[jamin orrall]

I ride mine every day!!!

[Deacon Patrick]

Real people going real places doing real things on real bikes.
Rivendell, really.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Tom, TWO YEARS WHAT?!? I call, she has to just slum it on her stolen Sam. That Cheviot is *yours*, there’s an unwritten expiration on frames, sure it’s written around here somewhere. Get used to a smattering of hearts on your frame; you’re getting a Cheviot for Valentine’s Day.

Alright, I’m in fine form tonight, folks. Anyone else need me to solve their bicycle quandaries? 😜

[Tom Wyland]

Tom, I could defuse the potential conflict by taking that frame off of your hands.

:-)

Tom

[Stephen W.]

I have also noticed an increase in the Cheviot exposure...that's a good thing... it's a great bike...and a cool animal. 🐑

Best,

Stephen

[SeanMac]

Here is a shot of my Cheviot taken a few years ago.  I use it mostly as an 'around-town, grocery-getter' bike.  I have also used it for some slow-ish, casual riding around town.  As everyone has said, it sure is fun to ride.  Since the photo I have replaced the front bag with a basket, making the bike even more versatile.  Next summer I hope to take it on some sort of a short tour - perhaps the Erie Canal Trail or riding around the Niagara region of southern Ontario.

Sean -

in snowy western NY

[Doug Van Cleve]

The Cheviot seems pretty cool, I personally didn't like that email much.  More than ever, there are LOTS of "road" bikes that fit big cushy tires, aren't quick handling and easily allow (pretty) high bars.  Not sure it matters much if a CF or aluminum frame breaks vs steel getting all bent up, severe crashing is bad either way.  I think RBW can do a good job promoting their offerings as versatile and unique without making statements that are opinion at best and easily disproved at worst...

Doug

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[Leah Peterson]

Doug,

 I understand what you’re saying, I do.  

I would offer a different perspective. I, as a consumer, about to write a fairly large check, would like to know I’m getting the absolute best for my money. I want to be convinced of that, and good, confident marketing and user testimonials will be key. The rest of the industry is making no apologies for their strong stance on their road bikes and their frame materials being superior to the rest, why should Rivendell Bicycle Works not do the same? What Will says in that email is generally true of road bikes, though you can find exceptions. In fact, I would argue Rivendell should do even more. No apologies, market the heck out of those sleek, useful steel masterpieces! Tell us why you believe, make us ache to own one.

I realize there’s a variety of personalities, so you might find the marketing offensive, but I absolutely love when Riv drives it home. “Here’s how we see it, here’s our answer to the problem, buy this bike and you’ll be happy forevermore.” 

Respectfully,

Leah

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[Deacon Patrick]

Doug,

Welcome to the group! I think you’re new here? Diving into the deep end with this! Grin. “Not sure it matters much if a CF or aluminum frame breaks vs steel getting all bent up, severe crashing is bad either way. I think RBW can do a good job promoting their offerings as versatile and unique without making statements that are opinion at best and easily disproved at worst...”

The differences in fatigue and failure rates between CF, AL, and steel are science, not opinion. Grant has described that while CF tests strong one directionally (not laterally, so never ding your CF bike on a post, tree, or rock!), than invisibly fatigues quickly with use. The facts are the CF fails without warning and those failures can be catastrophic; steel bends and may remain rideable after an impact that visibly causes damage.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Doug Van Cleve]

Hey Patrick, thanks.

I have been on iBOB forever (although not as much as I used to be) and RBW since it started (I think), just not a lot of posting here.  FWIW, I have a Joe Starck built '99 Riv Road Standard, burnt orange, spec'ed by GP after fitting me in person and built for me.  It has had a cool Mavic crank and Ti railed B.17 on it since new and is possibly the only bike I own that I will never part with.  Ironically by modern RBW standards, it has short reach calipers and won't clear much over a true 32mm tire.

The reality of CF frames is that they aren't failing willy nilly all over the place and are at least as repairable as steel.  That said, you can certainly bend any not-super-technical steel frame back into shape and I agree that CF handlebars, stems & seatposts require vigilance and torque wrenches not really necessary with not-crazy-light alloy parts.  A steel fork bent enough stop the front wheel/otherwise make the bike unridable will, however, still put you on the ground.

I'm all for the durable and proven, I just didn't like that email, that's all ;^)

Interesting to me, but I think there used to be a lot of overlap between iBOB and the RBW list when RBW was young, but there doesn't seem to be much at all any more.  I suspect it's because GP's frame design ideas have changed a lot since the early days of Rivendell...

Regards, Doug

[ascpgh]

Agree on all those points but would also would add the economic and environmental impact of a frame material choice. Elon Musk's differentiation between stainless steel and CFRP certainly highlighted the complete comparison of cost-effectiveness between those two from sourcing, fabrication and performance of the end-item. 

Grant wrote of this (steel, aluminum and Titanium) in the 1994 Bridgestone catalog, starting on page 51: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1994/index.htm

Again from Rivendell (didn't find a date): https://www.rivbike.com/pages/frame-materials

There're lots of  "halo" choices when you begin to examine material environmental impacts. They seem to just put a different reward on unchanged consumer behavior. Trading my twelve year old car, driven less than 7500 miles annually, for a hybrid is an example. I'd gain esteem of many I don't know and escape consequences a new hybrid without bearing the real consequences for retiring my old car while still operating as new while extracting the materials and manufacturing expense of a (complex) new one. Continuing to use my existing car at the low rate my cycling allows seems much more responsible, even if I don't earn kudos in parking lots with convenient  "Hybrids Only" spaces.

No gain from more complex and impactful material choices warrants my use of them above or beyond steel. I am surprised by the switch and pitch mentality propagated in the mainstream market. Riders don't seem to perceive value in a frames, they talk about new bikes like complete units and don't seem to hesitate in complete replacement. I'll be near 20 years on my main non-commuting bike's frame when it's replacement comes on line. I feel responsible for my material waste in this category just as I do about household waste at the curb on trash day.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[lambbo]

Love my Cheviot for everything.   My other bike is a Roadini which I love, but if I had to choose...no contest: Cheviot!

[Joe Bernard]

I read the email for what it was, one person's impressions of the road bikes he's ridden recently. In Will's case that's going to be whatever is hanging around Mt. Diablo, which is usually carbon with low bars. I don't see a problem with using his personal experience to extol the virtues of the bike HE rides there.

[RichS]

Couldn’t believe my eyes yesterday, when on my commute, there it was, tied to a bike rack - a first generation orange Cheviot. All Riv’d out with Sackville bags too. First one I’ve ever seen AND, ironically, after all the recent conversations here and on Riv’s website.

Chatted all too briefly with the very nice owner. Made my day. Do you believe in magic? I do!

Best,
Rich in ATL

[Leah Peterson]

Rich in ATL, I hope you told the owner to report back here! 😊 I would love to see one in real life, and what is it about that run of orange bikes? Everyone loves the orange Cheviot.

I’m loving all the photos posted here - you all have impeccable taste. Im sure we won’t object to you sending more...

Sent from my iPhone

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[Pancake]

My friend gave me this orange Cheviot frame to build up on the condition that he gets to ride it whenever he’s in the SF Bay:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ysbxDok4Q3WsFPiH7

Love the ride, color, hearts, and feel of the bike. I’ve got it setup for a front baby seat now with Bosco bars (more pics after a ride today).

Good rides MOMs!

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Pancake,
You have the BEST friends. That bike looks good on you. We await your photos later today. Have a fantastic ride today, and bonus points if we get to see the little cherub riding the Cheviot in his/her baby seat. My heart!

[tc]

Leah, this morning I floated your Valentines present idea (gifting me her unused-for-two-years Chev.  I cannot overstate the quickness with which she replied "UH UH!" 

[Leah Peterson]

TC, 

You are pretty lucky to have a spouse that loves bikes like you do. That’s another thread I’ve always wanted (but feared) to start. It seems most of us are in relationships where one is a bike aficionado and yearns to convert the other to feel the same way. And has it ever worked? And what kind of trickery has been employed in the process? Actual quote from me: “But I’ll DIE with that bike! I’ll never need another one ever again!”

But lucky you! Your wife appreciates a fine bicycle and even likes to ride. Now, such a great marriage should be protected and preserved at all costs. I would hate to think of that Cheviot coming between the two of you. And since you can’t agree on what’s to be done with it, I would be happy to let it live with me. Now, don’t try to thank me. I’ve just got a strong conscience, that’s all, and when I see trouble I will do everything in my power to subvert it. Just leave the Valentine Cheviot in the box, it will be easier to ship that way. 

You’re welcome,

Leah

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 26, 2019, at 8:01 AM, tc <tdc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah, this morning I floated your Valentines present idea (gifting me her unused-for-two-years Chev.  I cannot overstate the quickness with which she replied "UH UH!" <Auto Generated Inline Image 1>

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[Pancake]

No baby on the bike yet (waiting until she’s at least a year old) but here are the pics anyhow:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nCxxVvPjgQkEGL3JA

From Napa to Yountville, perfect weather today. The other bike my friend is on is my old Jamis Coda Sport that was once my budget Riv-imitation bike with Albatross bars. But it’s not the same as the Cheviot (or my recently picked up Hillborne).

[Justin, Oakland]

Pancake-
Ask your pediatrician. Ours gave us the green light at 6 months because of great head control. Or wait. Up to you but if you’re anxious it doesn’t hurt to ask!

-J

[Pancake]

I’ve read some resources that say it’s okay when the have good head/neck control, but I read a few others that advised the bumps and rattles that can’t be consistently prevented can be a risk factor for their brain rattling around. I bet it’d be fine now (almost 11 months) but waiting just over another month is okay by me (just leaning on the safe side I suppose).

Any suggestions on where to ride the Bay Area (near Napa particularly) that’s baby on Cheviot friendly? The fewer cars the better.

[Joe Bernard]

Honestly that's a tough call where you are. The Napa area is an odd cycling Mecca in that it's heavily shared with cars, and a whole lotta those cars are filled with wine tasters. I'm sure you can find a few quiet routes, but definitely avoid Hwy 29 and Silverado Trail.

[Pancake]

I’m really planning just the Vine Trail, but there must be other good (10 mile or longer) bike paths that would be good for this sort of thing. I’ll post about it separately, but the Cheviot is just perfect for the baby carrier (front or rear).

[Leah Peterson]

I saw this for sale today and I couldn’t help but think of Will’s Cheviot email. I chuckled. It does not bring her joy, folks, so she would like you to buy it:

[REC (Roberta)]

I don't have a Cheviot  (yet) but I've always been confused about the term "road bike."  I ride my bike (a Joe A., for now, Chev next) exclusively on the road.

Roberta 

[Chris Birkenmaier]

On Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 12:59:21 AM UTC-5, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

I saw this for sale today and I couldn’t help but think of Will’s Cheviot email. I chuckled. It does not bring her joy, folks, so she would like you to buy it:

Yes, that bike would not bring me joy either... 

[Justin, Oakland]

KonMari your bike collection!

[Keith Weaver]

Pancake,

I ran into you and a friend of yours on your Jamis in the area of Hawk Hill on the Marin Headlands ride, in August of last year. I was on my S&S-coupled Lynskey TI all-rounder. I wouldn't expect you to remember me, I'm sure you get lots of folks giving you mad props on that sweet Riv. Great to see you on here, nice bike!

Cheers,

Keith

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[Pancake]

Keith, I do remember you! My friend asked you about your mirror (and since bought one) and we ended up with a GREAT ride that day. The Cheviot was the ride champ!