Three great test rides at RBWHQ

[Bill Lindsay]

After voting and meeting with a contractor, I decided to take the long way to the office and swung by RBWHHQ.  I wanted to ride the 56cm 650B Atlantis again, and possibly put a deposit on one for myself.  I'm planning a 2-week Sierra tour next Fall.  I rode it and it was great.  My SH is 75.5cm and the 56 650B Atlantis is a definite fit.  It's great. 

But.....Grant was there in the showroom when I got back, and he asked "Have you ridden the 650B Hunqapillar yet?  It's amazing."  He pulled down the 53, and sent me out on that.  It is amazing.  It had huge tires, labelled 584x60 or 27.5"x2.4", with tons of clearance.  It had albatross bars and....yeah, amazing.  I'm thinking "who would buy my Appaloosa so I can get one of these, too.."

But.....Grant then insisted that I ride the Green Rosco Bubbe, which also was fabulous.  I had ridden the blue guy for the liftatube, but the green guy was also incredibly fun.  

Grant and I then spent a while talking about that new ball and socket seat lug.  He's excited about it and I think he should be.  While we were talking Mark carried in a bright bright orange Roadeo, and told Roman to post it for sale.  I grabbed a tape measure and confirmed my guess that it's my size (59cm).  The orange is crazy bright, almost neon orange.  Incredible.  

No purchase decisions were made, but plenty of temptations to be had at RBWHQ

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Ryan Fleming]

No purchase decisions were made   YET 

[Joe Bernard]

I rode the 50cm matte green Bubbe v1. I don't have a need for it after buying my Appaloosa, but I want it anyway.

[Bill Lindsay]

Ryan is right.  There is no "if".  There is only 'when' and 'which'.  

When my neighbor finally succeeded in stealing my 58cm 700C Atlantis and forced a stack of cash into my fist, I resisted other spending temptations by buying myself an enormous Rivendell Gift Certificate.  I can't quite claim an Atlantis or Hunqapillar frame for free, but it's close.  Still, I'd like to avoid it being both, if at all possible.  

[John G.]

Gasp! A 59cm Roadeo?!? Race you to it, Bill.

[Chris Birkenmaier]

I sure wish I could swing by Riv and try out some bikes.  Living in Pennsylvania does have that drawback.

[Chris Lampe 2]

How was the 53cm Hunq for you?  I was looking at the charts today and the 56 S.O. is right at my limit and maybe a bit more, as I get older and less flexible.    My saddle height is 75cm so we are similar in size.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 4:59:26 PM UTC-6, Bill Lindsay wrote:

[Bill Lindsay]

Chris

The 53cm Hunqapillar was definitely the "right" size for me.  There's a lot more than a fist full of seatpost showing, but with 2.4" tires, it's got a pretty tall standover itself.  Without question, if I buy a Hunqapillar, 53 would be the size I'd pick.  Since they have it on the floor for rides, you could call them and tell them to set it up with your SH and take a photo of it and email it to you.  I'll do it for you next time I roll by if you like.

Bill

[Zach Duval]

By your estimation, does that mean the 650b Hunqs have more clearance than the previous model?

[Bill Lindsay]

Sure. I guess I would say yes to that. More clearance

[Chris Lampe 2]

Thanks for the information!  I think the 53cm Hunqapillar on the blog is pretty close to my saddle height.  I put that image up against one of my bikes with a 53.5cm seat-tube and it's pretty darn close.   I've always like the Hunqapillar but had some reservations that the 650B version resolves.   Maybe someday.

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

I would be very interested in hearing more of your impressions about the 2 Roscos.

How do they ride and how do they differ? Where would they fit on the Rodeo-Hillsen-Sam-Atlantis-Hunq continuum?

TIA

Jay

[jeffrey kane]

Bill,

Do you think either of these rides -- the 650b Atlantis, the 650b Hunq -- would provide significant benefits for a two-week Sierra tour over the Joe?

[Bill Lindsay]

Jay asked for a comparison between the blue and green Bosco.

They ride the same. Like a roadish Rivendell. It's like a Hillborne with cantilever brakes that you could easily set up single speed. The max bar height on the green one will be higher. I'd get the blue one because I like the bars lower and because I like the lifting handle. The second top tube on the green one is just for looks which offends some people. I probably won't get the blue one even because I'm not interested in a singlespeed and there is no other useful purpose for horizontal tips in my opinion.

[Bill Lindsay]

Jeff asked about the Atlantis and the Hunqapillar vs my Appaloosa for an upcoming California Alpine tour.

I have no intention at this time running the Appaloosa for that tour. I think of the Appaloosa as an S24O bike. If I left today on that tour I would use a bike that I've never shown off here because it's not a Rivendell. It's a Niner RLT9 disc brake gravel bike that I perversely converted to 650b.

If I buy a 650b Atlantis (likely), it will have drop bars and I will seriously consider using it for my tour. I would set it up roadish.

If I buy a 650b Hunqapillar as well (less likely), it would be to replace/upgrade my Appaloosa. I would use it at a trailish S24O bike with uprights of some kind.

If anyone out there is dying for a 55 Appaloosa in butternut, let me know. You could force my hand. I'm thinking frame/fork/choco bars/headset/seatpost/wheelset for the price of an Appaloosa frameset. I would keep the rest of my build kit for my Hunqapillar.

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito Ca

[jeffrey kane]

Ah, ok,  the Joe is too long in the TT for drops. In your eyes, what does the Hunq represent in "upgrade" highlights -- aside from maybe all those braze ons?

[Bill Lindsay]

Jeff asked about why I would buy a Hunqapillar to replace an Appaloosa.  Just that it's MUSA, and I'd pick a color, and it would have no toe-overlap with a longer front center plus smaller diameter wheel.  Any ride you can do on a Hunqapillar, you can also do on an Appaloosa, if you want to.  

I always get very strong MUSA urges around election time.  I feel deep respect for fellow Americans that build things, and I want to buy the things they have built.  Every election cycle I try to recommit myself to buying fewer things in total, but more things manufactured in the USA.  I'm not great at holding myself to it. 

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[jeffrey kane]

Thanks for all that -- now I get it -- you're at least a size bigger than me and I didn't realize that your size Joe was 700c ...

[Ryan Fleming]

Me too! I'd love to actually meet Grant and the crew in person ...considering I've been a Bobette and a Rivendell customer for 23 years now. Even on the phone, Grant, especially , is absolutely charming . Of course anyone else I've spoken to over the phone has been very friendly and helpful . Like talking to old friends.

Funny, I had a dream last night where Riv opened a branch in Winnipeg in absolutely miserable sloppy spring conditions and I brought in an Appaloosa ...it was a nice dream but probably a pipe dream :)

[Joe Bernard]

One thing I find comforting and slightly amusing about Grant & Co. is they almost all have calm, soothing voices. I can't tell if it's picked up from Grant, or just a natural part of being the type of person who would apply to work there, but it's a signature of RBW. They have a sound.

[lum gim fong]

One time I called to ask about a bike mechanical issue and the person that answered talked in a very loud and almost angry voice telling me "Don't listen to those people on forums! If you have a mechanical question call us we are the pros we deal with this every day! We know what we are doing!". He was very helpful and kind to me but super exuberant, possibly fed up with forums.

[Chris Birkenmaier]

I've only called Riv maybe 5 times tops but each time the person I spoke to was very polite and kind. Just a good customer experience in every aspect

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

Thanks.
I guess I expected some differences because of the different geometries.

Jay

[Bill Lindsay]

Jay expected me to be able to put into words riding differences that he sees in the geometry chart.

I like this exercise. I will be the blind subject and I will not look at the two charts. What difference did you expect me to detect between the green and the blue Rosco Bubbe demo bikes? I say they both ride like Rivendells. If you want a cantilever brake road bike for ~700x38s they both are that. The green one is more upright if that's what you are into. Buy the one you like.

[dstein]

I went in yesterday and rode the Rosco Road, it's pretty awesome. Lightweight and sporty feeling. I've never ridden the Roadeo or any of its predecessors but I thought this was a pretty nice riding road bike and felt sportier than other road-ish bikes I've ridden (though not a scientific analysis by any means). 

The 650b 53cm hunq was out at the moment though, sadly (though it was out on a commercial shoot so keep your eyes out in tv land for a hunq).

Made me feel pretty excited about the Roadini and the single speed model coming out.

[Bill Lindsay]

On November 8, I reported:

"While we were talking Mark carried in a bright bright orange Roadeo, and told Roman to post it for sale.  I grabbed a tape measure and confirmed my guess that it's my size (59cm).  The orange is crazy bright, almost neon orange.  Incredible.  "

I don't know when exactly photos got posted, but now they are posted.  

BRIGHT Orange Roadeo

Tell me that's not going to be the fastest Rivendell in history

[Sky Coulter]

I like orange and obviously it's the fastest color, but that shade hurts my eyes.

Sky in new west

[Chris Birkenmaier]

I like it!

[Will]

I saw a Hilsen painted that same orange last year. The rider had stickered 3M reflective polka dots all over it (including fenders). It was outrageous.

[Toshi Takeuchi]

Outrageously awesome!

Trying hard to be seen (and not run over!) in Oakland!

Toshi

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[Brian Campbell]

That orange Roadeo has given me a fever! The only cure for that fever, is an orange Roadeo! Love that color!

[Joe Bernard]

WOW. I love bright neon Miami Vice colors, but I think I've finally found my limit!

[Jim Dobbins]

That orange looks to be similar to the paint on my custom Riv:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rasterdogs/3041950359/in/album-72157604146015375/

-JimD 

in Santa Clara, CA.

[Sky Coulter]

Alright, Jim's bike looks great in that orange. Maybe I just don't like the orange in conjunction with the blue of the roadeo headbadge.

Sky in new west

[Bill Lindsay]

On November 10th Bill claimed unconvincingly:

"I probably won't get the blue one even because I'm not interested in a singlespeed and there is no other useful purpose for horizontal tips in my opinion."

Yeah, I went ahead and bought a Blue Rosco Bubbe 58.  I want a liftabike for BART.  I ride Bart every single day and every single morning I'm lifting my bike up the BART steps with a coffee in the other hand.  I need (NEED, I tell you!) a roadish bike optimized for one hand balanced carrying.  A bike to fit my daily routine.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[David Stein]

Was that one of the completes or a frame you're going to build up as a singlespeed?

I'm trying to talk myself out of the 53 rosco road which i want for the same reason, even though i don't bring my bike on bart all that often. But to be fair I have to navigate some tight corners and steps in my tiny abode and I gave up a cheviot for that exact reason as I'm constantly lifting bikes up and around things to get out the house.

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[Bill Lindsay]

dstein asked if I bought a frameset or a complete

I bought a frameset.  I've got everything I need to do a build.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

On Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 1:29:29 PM UTC-8, dstein wrote:

Was that one of the completes or a frame you're going to build up as a singlespeed?

I'm trying to talk myself out of the 53 rosco road which i want for the same reason, even though i don't bring my bike on bart all that often. But to be fair I have to navigate some tight corners and steps in my tiny abode and I gave up a cheviot for that exact reason as I'm constantly lifting bikes up and around things to get out the house.

On Tue, Dec 13, 2016 at 1:19 PM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:

On November 10th Bill claimed unconvincingly:

"I probably won't get the blue one even because I'm not interested in a singlespeed and there is no other useful purpose for horizontal tips in my opinion."

Yeah, I went ahead and bought a Blue Rosco Bubbe 58.  I want a liftabike for BART.  I ride Bart every single day and every single morning I'm lifting my bike up the BART steps with a coffee in the other hand.  I need (NEED, I tell you!) a roadish bike optimized for one hand balanced carrying.  A bike to fit my daily routine.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

On Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8:48:47 AM UTC-8, Bill Lindsay wrote:

Jay asked for a comparison between the blue and green Bosco.

They ride the same. Like a roadish Rivendell.  It's like a Hillborne with cantilever brakes that you could easily set up single speed. The max bar height on the green one will be higher. I'd get the blue one because I like the bars lower and because I like the lifting handle. The second top tube on the green one is just for looks which offends some people.  I probably won't get the blue one even because I'm not interested in a singlespeed and there is no other useful purpose for horizontal tips in my opinion.

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[Chris Lampe 2]

Maybe this will help

;>)

[Joe Bernard]

I think a lot of us would be surprised at how much we could use a lift-handle feature. I'm constantly hefting bikes up stairs, and have sold some simply because I got tired of carrying them. I've also developed a fondness for folders and mini velos because they're so much easier to grab and carry.

I'm not buying another Riv right now (I just bought a Brompton), but this post has convinced me to quit procrastinating and get a leather handle for Joe Blue.

[ted]

Yes Bill, you really do NEED that Rosco with the handy lifter. I just can't imagine how it took you soo long to realize it. Good thing you woke up before its too late.
Well done you.

[Tim]

What Ted said, Bill.

[lum gim fong]

So Bill bought 3 Rivendells (this, hunq, atlantis) within a one month span? That must be a record around here.

[Bill Lindsay]

Michael said I've bought an Atlantis and a Rosco Road and a Hunqapillar.

I have not bought a Hunqapillar yet.

[Les Lammers]

The day is not over. :-)

[Bob K.]

Bill Lindsay wrote: I have not bought a Hunqapillar yet.

My response: 

"Just c'mon. What would it mean to you--that sentence--'I haven't seen Evil Dead II yet?'"

Anyone?

Bob K. in Baltimore

[Bill Lindsay]

Bill Lindsay:  Right, all right. But let's just say that I hadn't bought it and I said to you, "I haven't bought a Hunqapillar yet", what would you think?
Bob K in Balty:   I'd think that you're a Hunqapillical idiot and I'd feel sorry for you.

[Bob K.]

All right. But from that one sentence, would you think that he was going to buy it?

[Bill Lindsay]

 I'm sorry, Bob K. I'm struggling here. You're asking me what would I think if you told me you hadn't bought a bike that you have already bought. What am I supposed to say?

[David Stein]

I think Bob K. is stoking the fire with some movie quotes. I had to look this one up as it sounded familiar but I couldn't place it: http://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/43954/why-does-the-film-high-fidelity-2000-call-army-of-darkness-evil-dead-2

Translation: By saying 'yet' instead of leaving it out or saying "I'm not going to get it' means you're basically getting a hunqapillar ;). You kinda set yourself up for it with the 'yet' part.

[Bill Lindsay]

and just like Barry and Rob conclude that the hypothetical person probably will go see Evil Dead 2, you are right to suppose that I probably will buy a Hunqapillar, and for my own benefit and for the benefit of others I will quote Barry one last time:

"I never thought I'd say this, but can I go to work now?"

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Bob K.]

You're right, dstein, and Bill was playing along. (Nice work, Bill!) 

I've seen that movie far more times than I care to say. 

Bob

[Deacon Patrick]

I walked into Ye Ol' Local Cyber Cycling Shoppe and overheard a conversation of, by the tone and body language, witty banter between two blokes who usually speak English, yet I had no capacity to understand it. Talk about entertainment value! Grin.

With abandon,

Patrick 

[Joe Bernard]

To paraphrase Bob Dylan..something is happening here, but we don't know what it is ;)