The "One Bike" for a featherweight?

[Sean Steinle]

So, I see lots of discussion around how a bike handles for tall/heavy riders. What I don't see is much about us featherweights. Is it because we don't have to worry about it, or what? I'm 125 pounds if I'm lucky, and I'm lusting after a Bomba/Hunq. The thing is though, I'm wondering if it's overkill. I live in Kansas and have endless miles of country roads with loose, large gravel that I want to explore, and dip my toes into some bikepacking. I also commute to work, and buying a new bike will likely mean selling my Titanium Brommie, so this new bike will see plenty of paved roads for commuting duty as well. 

I bought a Soma San Marcos (54 cm 700c version) frame on an impulse, without doing any research. Everything that Grant has said about it though is that it's made with lightweight tubing and is a road bike.  I was originally thinking about doing a 650b conversion to get 42s under there, but now I'm second guessing it with Grant's "this is a road bike" remarks. With my interest in lots of gravel riding and bikepacking, this frame seems like a poor choice. 

Sorry for the long-winded post. I think my real question boils down to: does being very light let me pick whichever frame I want as long as tire clearance and geo are good, without the worry about putting too much stress on the frame on rough surfaces? Or is a Hunq/Bomba still a good choice for me?

[Deacon Patrick]

Hey Sean! Fantastic question(s).

First, the weight of the engine is separate from any gear the bike carries. It doesn’t matter how much you, the engine, weigh, putting 50 pounds of gear on a bike is going to change how it rides. Lighter tubing more so than stiffer tubing.

Where you carry gear also matters. Front or back (Rivendells have geometry for all rear or add some to the front if you want, entirely personal preference). Weight on top of a back rack has a higher center of gravity than that same weight in panniers down lower (just pack semi-balanced! Grin.).

Riding smart and “unloading” the engine off the seat for bumps etc, allows a lighter frame to do more, but keep in mind that a load can’t unweight and will impact in all those bumps and washboards even when you unweight.

So, a lighter engine can ride a lighter tubed bike for road, but as soon as you add in trail and/or touring and/or bikepacking (the best and most challenging of both trail and touring!) I’d suggest a stiffer frame. But keep in mind that Grant has you covered and describes very well the range a bike can do well. Just based on what you’ve described, it sounds like an App. or Atlantis would be perfect, and easily handle what you’re going to throw at it.

Give Riv a holler. They’d love to talk with you and help you out! It’s what they do!

With abandon,
Patrick

[Patrick Moore]

Perhaps this is not stealing from Riv's market, given your quandary, but you might enquire with Chauncey Matthews (Matthews Custom Cycles, Belen, NM) who specializes in rather nice and even exotic off road bikes at very reasonable prices. Mine doesn't give me the superlative ride I'd expect from an Atlantis or Hunqapillar -- but who knows, I've not ridden those -- but it rides darned nicely for a bike that takes 60 mm tires with fenders, 70s or 75s without, is made from lightweight heat treated tubing, has all sorts of custom features, and allows use of a Logic triple with sub 160 mm Q (Q on mine is right at 160, but I could get a 126-127 spindle to work in place of the 130). Disc brakes with nice, tapered, curving fork, custom racks f/r.

I'm 175 and my bike shown weighs in at 30.34 lb with frame bag full of kit, pump, spare tube, 4 oz sealant; 1 lb tires with 4 oz sealant; and bulky dynamo light system, the innards of which are in the frame bag.

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Auditis an me ludit amabilis insania?

[Don Compton]

Patrick,

You have some really cool bikes. Cheers

Don

On Monday, July 9, 2018 at 4:56:44 PM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:

Perhaps this is not stealing from Riv's market, given your quandary, but you might enquire with Chauncey Matthews (Matthews Custom Cycles, Belen, NM) who specializes in rather nice and even exotic off road bikes at very reasonable prices. Mine doesn't give me the superlative ride I'd expect from an Atlantis or Hunqapillar -- but who knows, I've not ridden those -- but it rides darned nicely for a bike that takes 60 mm tires with fenders, 70s or 75s without, is made from lightweight heat treated tubing, has all sorts of custom features, and allows use of a Logic triple with sub 160 mm Q (Q on mine is right at 160, but I could get a 126-127 spindle to work in place of the 130). Disc brakes with nice, tapered, curving fork, custom racks f/r.

I'm 175 and my bike shown weighs in at 30.34 lb with frame bag full of kit, pump, spare tube, 4 oz sealant; 1 lb tires with 4 oz sealant; and bulky dynamo light system, the innards of which are in the frame bag.

On Mon, Jul 9, 2018 at 9:55 AM, Sean Steinle <seans...@gmail.com> wrote:

So, I see lots of discussion around how a bike handles for tall/heavy riders. What I don't see is much about us featherweights. Is it because we don't have to worry about it, or what? I'm 125 pounds if I'm lucky, and I'm lusting after a Bomba/Hunq. The thing is though, I'm wondering if it's overkill. I live in Kansas and have endless miles of country roads with loose, large gravel that I want to explore, and dip my toes into some bikepacking. I also commute to work, and buying a new bike will likely mean selling my Titanium Brommie, so this new bike will see plenty of paved roads for commuting duty as well. 

I bought a Soma San Marcos (54 cm 700c version) frame on an impulse, without doing any research. Everything that Grant has said about it though is that it's made with lightweight tubing and is a road bike.  I was originally thinking about doing a 650b conversion to get 42s under there, but now I'm second guessing it with Grant's "this is a road bike" remarks. With my interest in lots of gravel riding and bikepacking, this frame seems like a poor choice. 

Sorry for the long-winded post. I think my real question boils down to: does being very light let me pick whichever frame I want as long as tire clearance and geo are good, without the worry about putting too much stress on the frame on rough surfaces? Or is a Hunq/Bomba still a good choice for me?

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[Garth]

     Pick whatever frame you want . You are overthinking all of it. A bike is bike, sheesh ..... 

"Yes but ......butt butt butt" 

Yeah ..... everyone has one, sooooo what ? !!!!  

[Sean Steinle]

But surely soliciting advice on a forum will end in an objective, unanimous frame reccomendation to end my analysis paralysis forever, right..........right??? :)

[Collin A]

Heyo,

I'm about 145 so I know how you feel in regards to buying an overbuilt bike, and you could probably get away with a less-burly bike like an App or an Atlantis (even those are probably overkill...). That being said, if you end up doing more rough-and-tumble roads like you are describing (while fully loaded for bikepacking) having a more burly bike leads to more peace of mind so you don't feel like you are nursing a precious frame down a rough route. For context, I'm an Earthquake and Dam engineer so a little bit of conservatism can go a long way for peace of mind :)

I didn't really answer your question, but I guess my suggestion is a little extra weight in the frame is worth it!

Good luck,

Collin A

[Patrick Moore]

And if it doesn't, we will all have great fun for hours and days fretting over the ever so many choices.

If Garth took his own advice seriously, he'd be riding one of these, though possibly without a funny hat.

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[Philip Williamson]

I weigh 236 today. I think a Bomba/Hunq is overkill for _me_!

I’d ride that San Marcos. 35mm tires work surprisingly well, even for someone 100lbs heavier. They used to be huge. Deep gravel is safer with 38s, but who can afford extra gravel these days?

That said, I just put a deposit down on a custom Fitz road bike with 60mm tires and a dropper post.

Philip
Santa Rosa, CA

[Justin, Oakland]

First: ride what you have the way you can and want to ride. Figure out what works and what doesn’t. Many people prefer lighter bikes for gravel and bikepacking, some prefer 3” wide tires without suspension, some like 2.4” full suspension bikes. You won’t know until you try.

From there iron out what you might change:
- do you want racks or strap on bags?
- are you needing a lower top tube for dismounting?
- does it waggle or feel too stiff?
- does it feel like you need skinnier or fatter tires?
- how about that top tube? Does it let you run the bars you want in the position you want?
- are my tires supple enough? SHOULD I HAVE GUMWALLS?
- why isn’t it orange?

All of these will help you decide if what you have is right, almost there and tweakable, the correct base but serious overhauling or complete replacement.

I have tended mostly towards tweaking the setup except in the case of my MTB. My first one came and went so fast I barely remember it. I’m tweaking it’s replacement to all hell though.


-J

[John Phillips]

Hey Sean,

     I don't know if a Hunqapillar would float your boat, but I do know my 54cm 2013 Hunq floats mine. I have fun on 38-42mm tires, usually just keep it that way, and stripped down with minimal racks or bags. BUT, it also rides sweet with 50mm tires & loaded racks, so a Hunq can be fun doing anything.

John

[Garth]

Ahahahaahah😀

Great photo of you and with your compadres in ABQ for a Patrick, dressed in your Sun-day best no doubt !

[Shoji Takahashi]

Hi Sean,

I agree with Justin.

How do you like your San Marcos? Does it ride well for you on paved roads? What happens to the handling when you put a commuter load on it? or bag of groceries? 

How does the ride change when you're on Kansas gravel? 

I'd recommend an S24O on it, and see how it does. I'm 155# and ride AHH (38mm wide tires)-- perfectly fine and happy riding New England trails for bikepacking. 

Good luck!

shoji

[Sean Steinle]

Thanks all for the responses. I'm trying hard to go N+0 with most stuff in my life, and while I know I can't go wrong, I know I could go more right :) Sounds like I could get a Joe, AHH, Hunq, or Atlantis and be perfectly happy for any type of riding I'd want to do. Honestly, I think the Atlantis fits the bill very nicely, I've just never loved the color, and paying extra for paint on an already very expensive frame just doesn't seem right. AHH and Hunq on the other hand have some of the most beautiful paint jobs I've seen on any bike. App sounds great but since I'm trying to go N+0 I want to go whole hog and get MUSA. 

Justin & Shoji, I think that advice is spot on. I wasn't clear though, my San Marcos is unbuilt, just F&F. Unfortunately, my only bike to experiment with at the moment is a Brompton, so not a great starting point. One thing I did realize, before I sold my previous bike (Salsa Casseroll) when I took it out for a few rides after riding my Brompton for several months, is that I really have come to love the low trail of my Brommie....I know, probably sort of heresy on this list, but, it is what it is. So that's sort of giving my pause about everything in general. I do know that I'd get used to mid-high trail again once I started riding it regularly, it just felt sooo wonky and awkward after riding low trail for so long. 

[Patrick Moore]

I want to see this. What geometry? I asked Chauncey to make me a "road bike" that could take 60s and fenders, but he (doubtless in his wisdom) gave it a slacker head and, while generous rake (55 mm), the trail is still 67 or so with 60s. but I wonder what my Rivs would feel like on dirt if they could take and were ridden with 60 mm tires.

On Mon, Jul 9, 2018 at 10:54 PM, Philip Williamson <philip.w...@gmail.com> wrote:

...

[Ginz]

Once upon a time I weighed 125lbs.  I have a 48cm hunq....  

Tire and handlebar would be, by far, my main qualifiers.  

For general comfort, gravely roads and dirt trails, I would insist on a minimum 1.75" tire with fenders.  AHH doesn't go there, I don't think.  Joe, Atlantis and Hunq do....

If I were buying a bike for that purpose, I would get the MIT Atlantis provided the new version worked well with my choice of handlebar (Albatross).  The original did not, as I believe it was designed with drop bars in mind. .  Joe would be my next choice, then the Hunq, mainly because you don't seem to ride rocky, rooty trails.  

[Joe Bernard]

Even what Grant calls a light road bike is going to be stouter than what your average carbon rider considers such a thing; I have full confidence your San Marcos is fine for the riding you want to do.

But you want a nice new MUSA bike so bollocks on all that San Marcos silliness! I think you'd love the Hunqapillar, and might even fit the used one that's listed around here somewhere. Or get a Crust Lightning Bolt for low-trail. I have one and it does handle similar to a Brompton.

Joe Bernard

[Lester Lammers]

Not MUSA  or Riv but low trail and affordable.

https://www.cyclestoussaint.com/collections/frames/products/velo-routier-2-0-650b-low-trail-frame-with-braze-ons

MUSA

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/internet-bob/2_Zo8AMfQuE/EILtyZ7BCgAJ;context-place=forum/internet-bob

IMHO, the Rivendell Taiwanese frames are nicely painted and a relative bargain. I'm picking up my 53cm Atlantis tomorrow.

You have great options. :-)

On Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 9:57:47 AM UTC-4, Sean Steinle wrote:

[jack loudon]

Sean said "worry about putting too much stress on the frame on rough surfaces?"

IMO it would be very hard to find a frame that would be too flimsy for your needs.  Production frames are almost always overbuilt (although there are some exceptions) to survive the heaviest strongest rider that would reasonably ride that size bike.  Echoing Joe and others,The San Marcos will be *plenty* strong for gravel riding, but its low bb and smallish tire clearance may be limiting.  Rivendell frames tend toward the strong (heavy) side of the spectrum and may not be the best choice if light weight is a priority, unless you can spring for a custom Legolas or similar.  But frame weight is only around 1/4 of overall bike weight.   If you are truly lusting after a Bombadil, you should follow your heart!.... but carefully select the components (wheels especially) to come up with lightweight build that is suitable for your weight.

Jack

Seattle

On Monday, July 9, 2018 at 4:42:31 PM UTC-7, Sean Steinle wrote

So, I see lots of discussion around how a bike handles for tall/heavy riders. What I don't see is much about us featherweights. Is it because we don't have to worry about it, or what? I'm 125 pounds if I'm lucky, and I'm lusting after a Bomba/Hunq. The thing is though, I'm wondering if it's overkill. I live in Kansas and have endless miles of country roads with loose, large gravel that I want to explore, and dip my toes into some bikepacking. I also commute to work, and buying a new bike will likely mean selling my Titanium Brommie, so this new bike will see plenty of paved roads for commuting duty as well. 

[RonaTD]

I weigh 120 and if I had to narrow my collection to one bike it would probably be my 57cm Bleriot. I’ve used it on and off road, for commuting, for camping, and for brevets up to 600km.

Ted Durant
Milwaukee WI

[Michael, SF/CA]

I'm 135 lbs and I own two bikes: Hunqapillar + A. Homer Hilsen. I used to have a San Marcos, but my plan for years was to own exactly these two Rivendells, so I upgraded as a present to myself for landing a new job.

As a fellow lightweight, I'd focus on geometry, tire clearance, brake type, and of course aesthetics (none of these frame are cheap!). If you're ok maxing out with 42 mm tires, build up your San Marcos or get an AHH (stouter tubing). They are both super capable for the riding you describe and, as Deacon Patrick pointed out above, it's more about how the frames ride with loads than anything. You will need to be reasonably responsible when you load them up above ~25 lbs and hit the trails for extended lengths, but otherwise you will be ok.

Speaking from experience, Hunq/Bomba lust is strong once it starts and might be insatiable by alternatives. I love my Hunqapillar for both loaded and unloaded off-roading and bikecamping on Bay Area trails and single-track. Sure, it's a tad heavier, but I can focus on knocking around and having fun without any morsel of doubt that I might wreck my frame on the wrong trail, or even ding the top tube for all the reasons top tubes get dinged. The Hunqapillar is happy to take on endless load and rough terrain without sacrificing its ride quality/handling. It fits 60mm tires and, in my opinion, has the best Rivendell head badge.

FWIW I can keep up with roadies on either bike, but if I could only keep one, it would be the Hunq. Short of Evel Knievel mountain bike terrain, I appreciate never feeling anywhere close to the frame's upper limit no matter what I get into. I advise you chat with the seller of the used 54cm Hunq a few posts below this one... that might make your decision easier.

[Pondero]

Sean, this is exactly my dilemma. I have learned that enjoy standard diameter thin wall tubed framesets because they have more of a springy, energetic feel. Others might have different preferences. For example, even with a full touring load, my Hilsen was more fun (for me) to ride than my Atlantis. If you prefer that rock solid feel over what some might call noodly, you might choose the Atlantis or Hunq over the Hilsen.

I eventually purchased an Ocean Air Cycles with standard diameter 8/5/8 tubing, have loaded it up with touring gear, and it is even better (for me). My weight is around 130-135. Sometimes I don't think average or larger folk uunderstand how important that difference is to us small guys. But there are wonderfully lively framesets available.

Chris Johnson
Sanger, Texas

[Drw]

I’m about 180lbs, so not a featherweight. At one time I had a hunqapillar, Sam and 1983 specialized expedition. I loved the hunq loaded but didn’t like it unloaded. In comparison the expedition was great unloaded and wobbly with a heavy load. The Sam was a happy medium but I wanted bigger clearances, v brakes (this was before the new versions came out) and not 700c wheels, so I sold all of the above and got a Waterford Atlantis. It’s more hunqapillar than Sam, but it’s pretty close to a 1 bike for me. If I was lighter, I probably would go with something g like the ocean air rambler or a crust lightning bolt.

[hugh flynn]

Some good points have been raised here, and I'll echo the advice to ride what you have until it doesn't work for you. 

I've been riding a Heron Road (bought from Riv in 1998 or so) over mixed terrain (including gravel) with 700 x 28 tires 20 years and have only JUST converted it to 650 x 38. While I'm super happy with it, I really can't say I was ever crazy unhappy with the 28s.

I have recently added an Appaloosa to the mix because I found the Heron didn't handle well fully loaded with front/rear racks and bags. Start by doing what you want on the San Marcos and see what you think. I'd be willing to guarantee that you won't hurt the frame in any way doing so.

Hugh "underbiking" Flynn

Newburyport, MA

On Thu, Jul 12, 2018 at 12:09 AM Drw <drewbe...@gmail.com> wrote:

I’m about 180lbs, so not a featherweight. At one time I had a hunqapillar, Sam and 1983 specialized expedition. I loved the hunq loaded but didn’t like it unloaded. In comparison the expedition was great unloaded and wobbly with a heavy load. The Sam was a happy medium but I wanted bigger clearances, v brakes (this was before the new versions came out) and not 700c wheels, so I sold all of the above and got a Waterford Atlantis. It’s more hunqapillar than Sam, but it’s pretty close to a 1 bike for me.  If I was lighter, I probably would go with something g like the ocean air rambler or a crust lightning bolt.

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Hugh Flynn
Newburyport, MA

[John G.]

I'm 195 lbs and have owned a 58cm diagatube Hunq (now sold) and a 61cm Waterford Atlantis. I'm on the bigger end of the spectrum, I guess, but I think the Atlantis actually feels lively and cushy, especially compared to the Hunq. I took it out on a mixed surface 100K this weekend, and it was a delight. 

But if I could do it all over again, and was focused on as few bikes as possible, I'd buy a Homer.

[Lum Gim Fong]

What did people tour on back in the ‘60’s and 70’s? Did they build specific beefy frames for touring? Or was only standard diameter reynolds tubing (I am guessing it was thin walled) available?

[lconley]

Back in the 70s I toured on my 73 Schwinn P-15 Paramount. It was (is - I still have it) made of a somewhat heavier than standard duty Reynolds 531 tubing set. It was not a full on touring bike, but did have a slightly longer wheelbase/chainstays than the P-10 racing Paramount - more of what would be called a sport-tourer. I still have the full matched set of Kirtland Tour Pack panniers - front, rear and handlebar bag all in red.

Laing

Cocoa, FL

On Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 9:01:27 AM UTC-4, Lum Gim Fong wrote:

[Sean Steinle]

Everything that's been said has been super helpful! Chris, your post is a really good direct comparison for me, because our weight is nearly identical. I don't prefer a rock solid feel, lively would be much more the ticket. I think for a bike to feel lively to me, there aren't many Rivs that would fit the bill. Given that I already know I like the low trail of my Brommie, I'm thinking something like a Rambler would be more suitable for me. 

Honestly, it's kind of funny because I've gone full circle (owning probably the lightest-weight "Riv" bike out there in the San Marcos) to wanting the stoutest (Hunq/Bomba) back to wanting lightweight tubing (the San Marcos that I already have!) San Marcos isn't built up though, and I want to go 650B, and low-trail, which the SM is neither. 

I'd still like to own a Riv at some point, I think if I do, it will be a 650b MUSA AHH, or an old Atlantis (I think they were made with lighter tubing than the are now??). 

In the meantime, anyone have a Rambler they're looking to unload? :)

[Patrick Moore]

Sean: I can't add much to the discussion, but I will add that very many Rivendell riders find that even very stoutly built Rivendells ride "nimbly." 

Anecdote: I had a stripped down, minimal braze on (1 pr of bottle cage braze ons on dt; that's all) gofast fixie road custom made by Riv in 1999. I thought it was very light. I took it apart and gave frame and fork to Chauncey Matthews, local builder, for alterations. He picked f/f/hs/bb up and said, "Huh. Not very light." He built my dirt road bike using thin gauge heat treated tubing, even though the total bike with all accoutrements and encumbrances weighs 30.34 lb on my digital scale.

But -- the point -- it has always, always, over almost 20 years felt nimble and fast even compared to at least 1 lighter frame, an all-531, standard diameter 1973 Motobecane. But I'm 175.

Another point: I hear that the Roadeo is made from quite light gauge tubing in the sub-large sizes with butts of just .7 mm and .4 mm bellies; is this right?

I'll be interested to hear what you end up with. BTW, that lightweight Motobecane racing bike? Of all the many bikes I've owned, it has been the best carrier of heavyish rear loads, with less upset to handling than even with much stouter frames. 

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[phil k]

I thought they were standard diameter with thicker tubing.

On Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 9:01:27 AM UTC-4, Lum Gim Fong wrote:

[RichS]

Roadeo, not the San Marcos, is the lightest Riv.
Believe my 53 Roadeo is 645 on the ends and 4 in the middle.

Best,
Rich

[Garth]

"Way back when"  I and everyone else rode whatever you had. You didn't need anything "special" then, nor do you now.  as a teen, I toured on a middle of the road Trek 6something. The rims were probably narrow Rigidas and I rode Specialized Touring Turbos in either 27 x 1-1/8 or 1-1/4. The crank I believe was an SR double with 40/52 rings and a 6 speed 13-28 FW.  I never once thought of changing one damn thing.  Riding the big ass hills of the Mississippi river was no problem loaded with panniers, tent and sleeping bag. My buddy I rode with brought along his "portable" tape recorder, yea, the big ass things that took D batteries, and we rocked out along the way.


My neighbors rode their Treks from Rochester to Door Co. Wisconsin every summer, no panniers, just backpacks.... yes.... backpacks. Worked for them ... back when everyone(men and women and kids) was strong and tough as F'n nails, not like whiny "I gotta have this that and the other to help me" nonsense you see today. Kids played outside, rode their bikes around town, we played "touch" football every Sunday after or before Vikings games. "Touch" wasn't very polite or touchy, I tell you that , ha ha :)

We played outside in the ice 'f'n cold MN winter, walked here and there and everywhere. Played boot hockey, skitched behind cars when it snowed and threw snowballs at them. We had tomato fights in people gardens at night and watched horror movies on TV 'tll the channel went off the air. Yes, stations used to sign off, "see ya later folks, go to f'n bed cuz all we're gonna do is emit this annoying tone all night long."

Oh yeah .... Gatorade came in bottles, as in GLASS bottles, and it was fantastic.  Pop and beer came in "returnables" , a case of 24 reusable and returnable bottle of which you paid a minimal deposit for and got back upon return of the bottles. The bottles were cleaned at the bottler and refilled and sold again. Everything tasted great out of returnables , it just did and there is no use trying to explain it. . On weekends I'd go with my Dad to get gas @ Earls one man service station, back when they really were service stations. He had a glass door pop machine that didn't take money, you paid Earl of course, who else is there, duh ?  On his chest freezer with ice cream sandwiches was a kids dream. Gasoline, pop and ice cream sandwiches .... all the basics covered . Oh, and KFC down the street too was a treat. Back when chicken was chicken, and what they didn't sell real people hand picked the meat off the bones and made sandwiches covered in home made gravy to sell the next day.


ah well . . . .   way back when .... when everything was fresh and new and special. Going out to eat was a REAL TREAT and infrequent. You could go to any airport and run around and look at all the planes without assuming you're a criminal for being born. Flying was a big deal, people wore nice clothes and were polite.

Sorry for running about and all .... stuff happens .

[R Shannon]

Garth,

You’ve just described my childhood.

Many thanks,

Rich

Sent from my iPhone

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[Garth]

 You're very welcome Rich !

Life is Good :)

[Eamon Nordquist]

I don't have one, so can only speculate, but Sam Hillbornes are supposedly somewhere in between the Homer and the Atlantis on the stoutness scale. Now that they're offered with canti/V brake posts, they supposedly clear 48mm tires too. They also build up great as touring, trail, or road bikes.

I feel you on the featherweight thing. I'm between 5' 11" and 6 feet, at about 140 pounds or less. Most bikes my size these days are way sturdier than I need, even loaded. I wonder what people take with them touring. I've never brought more than 30 pounds, even in the mountains for 5 days. I guess cans of beer add up pretty quick!

Both my bikes are standard diameter tubing. A 1983 Trek 520, with .09/.06/.09 Reynolds 501 tubing, and a 1987 Trek Antelope with Tange unbutted .09 tubing. They feel pretty right to me, and I like the look of skinny tubes too.

Eamon

Seattle

[Surlyprof]

Sean,

You may be on to something with 650b depending on what frame size you ride. I’m 5’10” and 162ish. I ride an older 56 canti-Hillborne and love it. It has the wonderful spritely ride that everyone identified. The only issues that have raised desires for n+1 are (1) the desire to ride tires fatter than 45mm Smart Sams and (2) the desire to have 650b wheels and tires. I think Riv started to really nail the proportional wheels to frames on the Clem with the 52 (my size) having 650b tires. I found 650b to be a great feel on trails given my size. Clem, the new Atlantis and the 650b Hunq really felt great to me but not enough to justify ditching my Sam. I’ve camped with the Hillborne and would be willing to try a short tour on it.

That said, I have been considering a dedicated trail bike which, for me, would have to be 650b. If I ever get to go there, I’d keep the lighter wheelset and Compass BP Els on the Hillborne and build the trail bike up for all my camping, touring and trail riding needs. My ideal scenario would be a Roadini or Roadeo for roads and a 650b Hunq or MIT Atlantis for everything else. I don’t see that as an affordable option and, even if I could swing it, I’d really struggle to give up my Sam. The Hillborne has been the best bike I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning and I hope to always have it around to ride.

That’s my 2 cents...
John

[Toshi Takeuchi]

I am about 150 lbs and think that the AHH that I have rides well with about 30 lbs of gear on my rear rack. If the Atlantis is a bit more stout than the AHH, then I would lean toward an AHH or the Hillborne for you, since you are about 25 lbs lighter than me.  

I am favoring the Hillborne for gravel riding because it seems to handle a little more tire clearance compared to the AHH.  I've ridden my AHH on single-track and it rides fine, but if I had a load, then I might want wider tires.

I think the Sam Hillborne seems like an ideal "one bike".  

Toshi

[Bob K.]

I’m 185+ pounds, and I’ve taken my canti Sam on some short mixed-road tours pretty well loaded up and have had no problems whatsoever. It ends up a bit “noodly,” perhaps, but not beyond what I can get used to. It is a ton of fun to ride unloaded, too, and it fits 47/48 mm tires nicely. You didn’t mention a PBH, so I’m not sure if your size would be 650b, though. My 56 isn’t.

What about the Crust Romanceur? It fits 650bx48 with fenders and even bigger without—could do 27.5x2.1 Thunderburts. You could also go with the intended 26x2.3 Rat Trap Pass and have comfort for days.

Bob K. in Baltimore

[Sean Steinle]

Update! 

Thanks to everyone for the replies! This garnered more responses than I expected, and the discussion was extremely helpful. 

I've decided to go in a non-rivish direction for this bike. I think at my weight, and with the riding I want to do, a lightweight tubing with low trail is more ideal. I've taken the plunge and am now the proud owner of the Velo Cult/Nobilette rando that was recently for sale on the iBOB list (pics here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/113550232@N02/albums/72157650396039686). In the end it's everything I want in a bike at an unbeatable price. I still hope to own a Riv one day. I'd like an AHH, but that would probably be far too much crossover with the Nobilette. We'll see what is Riv is offering when I'm ready, which will not be for a long time if I want to stay married. Small plug, in case anyone is interested, the Raw Lacquer Ti Brommie is for sale on the iBOB list. 

Thanks all!

Sean

[Pondero]

Well played, Sean!

That looks like an excellent choice for a lightweight "one bike". Enjoy!

Chris Johnson
Sanger, Texas

[Justin, Oakland]

That is a stunning bike.

-J

[Sean Steinle]

Forgot part of the update: The only bike I'll be keeping from my current stable is the too small, but big enough, Schwinn High Sierra. I added the Albatross cockpit I purchased from Isaac, next will be fenders, Brooks Cambium and still trying to decide on tires. This will be my poor mans, high bb, Hunq. Probably used for foul weather commuting and such. 

-Sean 

[Belopsky]

this high sierra doesnt fit you. sell it to me. ;)

[Sean Steinle]

I really think you might be right...And as much as I want to try Albas, this may not be the bike for them.