Atlantis 53 or 54.5

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Richard Rios

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Dec 17, 2013, 11:14:33 AM12/17/13
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Hi All,

I ran across this Atlantis for sale while browsing the local Craig's List. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/4225656821.html . The bike was originally listed as a 53.5 so I was uncertain as to what the actual frame size was since I could not find one listed as 53.5.  In any event I had a chance to speak with the owner who was exceedingly  friendly, and helpful about the bike.  Turns out the frame is actually a 53.  I was hoping for it to be the 54.5 as I am 5' 9" with a PBH of 82 which would be perfect for me according to Rivendell's current sizing standards.  So my questions is any one out there my size or thereabouts have any experience with the 53cm frame? To small or just right perhaps?  If so it would be great to hear about your experience on the 53.  I have been checking around and noticed that at one point in time the Atlantis was not listed as being made in 54.5 frame size and the 53 was recommended for someone my size. (wring hands)  !)


Dave

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Dec 17, 2013, 1:47:41 PM12/17/13
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Riv's sizing chart, as posted on their wall in a grid, puts an 82pbh on a 53-54.5 Atlantis.  Too far away to take for a test ride?

Joe Bernard

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Dec 17, 2013, 1:58:02 PM12/17/13
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Richard, I find that seattube length is practically meaningless beyond my ability to lean the bike over and get a leg over. It's all in the toptube, which is also a bit theoretical until you factor in stem and bar reach. If you think you can get saddle-to-bar-reach to work for you on that frame, go for it.

Joe Bernard
Vallejo, CA.


On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Bill Lindsay

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Dec 17, 2013, 2:05:06 PM12/17/13
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What did the seller say?  The listing says the seller would be willing to trade for a bigger size.  Is the seller about your height/pbh?  What's the seat height in the picture?  If you would have to raise it more than the seller already has it, I'd say don't do it.  If you'd be lowering it, then maybe

Bill


On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Tim Gavin

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Dec 17, 2013, 2:05:29 PM12/17/13
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The 53 Atlantis has a 55cm top tube.  That works in your favor, since you want it to fit a little bigger.  The 54.5 would only gain you 1cm in the top tube (56cm).  That is easily equalized with a longer reach stem or a bit of seat setback.

Frame geometry link on this page:  http://www.rivbike.com/category-s/788.htm


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Richard Rios

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Dec 17, 2013, 3:40:27 PM12/17/13
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On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

hsmitham

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Dec 17, 2013, 3:42:55 PM12/17/13
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Bill,

The bike is my Brother's. He picked it up on a spur of the moment from a fellow in San Diego. He has a PBH of 85 cm so it's just a bit too small for him. My other Brother Andrew borrowed it for a day he's 5'9" with a PBH somewhere around 82 cm and it seemed to fit well. Bruce would be better suited on a 56 cm. Also the drive is all new.

~Hugh

Richard Rios

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Dec 17, 2013, 3:52:39 PM12/17/13
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Thank you all for the feedback.  Sounds like I am in the ball park :).  I would be lowering the seat post for sure.  The current owner is quite a bit taller than I am with a longer PBH which is why he is looking for a bicycle with a bigger frame.  A test ride sounds like it is in order.  Again thank you all for the input it is appreciated! I apologize if this post ends up in the wrong place and it looks like I am responding to myself.  Still in the process of figuring things out...

On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Bill Lindsay

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Dec 17, 2013, 3:53:29 PM12/17/13
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If the seatheight in the photos is for a pbh 85 dude, then a pbh 82 dude should be quite happy on it.  Go for it!  What's the worst that could happen?

dougP

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Dec 17, 2013, 4:18:36 PM12/17/13
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Richard:

Likely you can easily fit more than one frame size.  Rivendell has published a couple of charts over the years and there is usually a bit of overlap in frame sizes, and their recommendations tend to larger sizes.  Definitely worth giving this one a serious look and take your wrenches so you can adjust to fit. 

dougP (58 cm Atlantis)


On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Richard Rios

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Dec 17, 2013, 4:43:08 PM12/17/13
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Hi All,  Thank you for the responses they have been very helpful.  I am in contact with the owner of the bike and we are working on a time to get together for a test ride... :)  I apologize if my post pops up out of order or seems like I am responding to myself as I am still working on figuring the messaging system out.  Thanks for the understanding.  If it comes out OK please disregard the former.

Sincerely,
Richard

On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Deacon Patrick

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Dec 17, 2013, 4:49:19 PM12/17/13
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No worries, Richard. Google takes care of the order based on the chronology of the posts, not on which posts you are responding to. Will this be your first Rivendell? Enjoy your test ride!

With abandon,
Patrick

Hugh Smitham

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Dec 17, 2013, 5:02:15 PM12/17/13
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Bruce will have all the necessary tools for fit. Unless they meet at a different location than his home.

And Doug is correct there is overlap...I could fit on a 53 cm or a 56 cm but decided on the 56 cm as I have a 83.5 to 84 cm PBH

Richard, been on the group for a bit over a year now and still working out the messaging :-)

I can assure you this Atlantis is in remarkable condition and worth the time to check it out. Enjoy the process.

-Hugh

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Richard Rios

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Dec 17, 2013, 5:12:57 PM12/17/13
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Thank you for the reassurance :).  No, actually would'nt be my first Rivendell.  I currently own a Simpleone and Sam H.  I have always loved the Atlantis for some reason.  Believe it has to do in some part with the lyrics for the Velvet Underground song Heroin...

I wish that I was born a thousand years ago
I wish that I'd sail the darkened seas
On a great big clipper ship
Going from this land here to that
In a sailor's suit and cap
Away from the big city
Where a man can not be free
Of all of the evils of this town
And of himself, and those around

Somehow the two became wrapped together in my brain as far as how I felt in part about cycling and what not, and with the Atlantis being a Clipper ship of a Bicycle well...Hope this makes some sense.  The beautiful blue paint and lugs don't hurt either! :) 

On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Deacon Patrick

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Dec 17, 2013, 5:21:08 PM12/17/13
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Makes perfect sense, Richard. I fell in love with the Hunqapillar because an ogre like me really does need a mammoth to ride. And now that I ride mostly backcountry trails, I love the idea of a mammoth tromping and wending it's way through the pines much like a broad antlered elk or massive bear somehow manages to gracefully do.

With abandon,
Patrick

dougP

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Dec 17, 2013, 7:31:34 PM12/17/13
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Richard:

If you're in southern California, come out to one of our irregularly scheduled bike rides.  Watch here for announcements on future rides.  I think our next one is in Redlands on March 15.  Some people even show up with non-Rivendell bikes but we're a tolerant bunch. 

Looks like the Atlantis is just what you need to round out your stable. 

dougP

Richard Rios

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Dec 17, 2013, 11:31:51 PM12/17/13
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Putting the 15th on my calendar! I live in the Loma linda / Redlandsish area so it would be perfect.  Looking forward to the chance to meet and ride with some fellow Rivendell owners.  And thank you all again for the helpful feedback.

Sincerely,
Richard


On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Joe Bernard

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Dec 18, 2013, 1:02:56 AM12/18/13
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I've always loved the Atlantis, too, for entirely aesthetic reasons: I love the color, the name, and the headbadge. I've so far managed to avoid actually buying one - I've had an AHH, Saluki, Rambouillet, Romulus, and currently a Bleriot - but I suspect it's only a matter of time. This one is my size, too, so buy it before I do!
 
Joe "kidding, no Atlantis for me right now" Bernard
Vallejo, CA.

On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 2:12:57 PM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:

Evan

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Dec 18, 2013, 6:39:33 PM12/18/13
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So Richard:  Have you ridden it yet? 

Evan E.

dougP

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Dec 18, 2013, 7:45:43 PM12/18/13
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Richard:

You and David are practically neighbors then.  Here's info on the ride:

http://redlands-strada-rossa.blogspot.com/2013/12/tires-tires-tires.html

There's a thread a while back "Speaking of tires for the Redlands Strada" where we talked about it.  Heck, you may be be able to just ride over!

dougP

Richard Rios

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Dec 19, 2013, 1:03:49 AM12/19/13
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So here is the conclusion.  As I was speaking with Bruce / the owner of the bike about setting up a test ride, a buyer contacted him ready to go cash in hand from what I understand. He was nice enough to call me back and give me the first shot at the bike but I was only about half way there cash wise so would have to move a couple of bikes to gather the rest of the dough.  So no Atlantis this time around, again Bruce was fantastic about the whole thing and I am happy he is getting what he wants out of the bike and can begin the process of finding a frame that is a better fit for him.

Would be awesome if I could ride over for the ride.  I'm not that big of a fan of driving somewhere to go and ride my bicycle, but understand the need to do so and often find myself driving to my favorite spots due to time constraints.  I will be riding my Sam H with 650B Marathons,  They have done a pretty good job on the local fire trails so I am hoping they are enough tire to get me through the rougher portions of the trail...but if not, I have no qualms about taking my bike for a walk on a warm and beautiful socal day.  Cant thank you all enough for the feedback and info in regard to frame size.  Still helps me out when I go to make my future Atlantis purchase.  If I don't see one now my wife has promised me one for my 40th which is only a hop, skip, and one legged jump away.


On Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:14:33 AM UTC-8, Richard Rios wrote:
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