Where can I read try out a ton of different Rivendell models?

[Anthony Davila]

Hi, I'm interested in getting a Rivendell in a year or so, but I wanted to try some out in the meantime. Does anyone know of any places that have readily available rivs (preferably Roadinis)? Where did you guys try them out before purchasing? 

I'm from Florida and the riv dealer near me doesn't have any complete bikes. If anyone is in the Tampa or Miami area and is generous enough to let me have a test-ride, that would be great! Thanks in advance!

[Bill Lindsay]

Finding a local Rivendell owner is a good idea, and you should definitely try to pursue that.  In 2024 it can be tricky to execute a Rivendell Acquisition Plan a year in advance.  If it's a year down the road because you are saving up the money then my advice is to plan on being patient twice.  Be patient now while you are saving up the money and trying to arrange your informal test ride stuff.  The second round of being patient will hinge on what is actually available for you to buy in the summer of 2025.  If you have your heart set on one particular thing, and that thing isn't available, then you'll have to react to that situation.  

Big picture, if it's possible, I think it's a good idea in 2024 to be ready to react when the perfect bike presents itself to you. If a bike you want to own is available, buy it, because it may not be available to you later.  That's easier said than done, particularly if your tastes are fluid.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Mathias Steiner]

Regarding the test rides: you should state your desired frame size and/or your PBH.

[Anthony Davila]

Thank you for the advice Bill! 

I’m mostly just waiting to graduate university before getting the bike, but I definitely see your point in purchasing if I get the opportunity. I was thinking of making an LF/WTB/ISO post on here and some other forums with Rivendell owners around the time that I plan on buying, what do you think about the likelihood of a good amount of responses? I’m definitely leaning towards buying used if I can help it. 

On Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 3:25:21 PM UTC-4 Bill Lindsay wrote:

[Anthony Davila]

I should’ve stated in the original post, my bad. I’m thinking that a 54 cm Roadini would be a good fit since I’m 5’11 and have a PBH of 86 cm. Please let me know if I’m wrong though!

[Glenn Mackin]

What Bill Lindsay said. It would have been nice to find a local Rivendell owner, but I couldn't, and I'm not plugged into the local bike community enough to find one. In any case, I just got my first Rivendell, a Platypus, and it wasn't the one I had originally thought I wanted (an Appaloosa). Partly, this is because the Platy was available when I was ready to buy, and I liked it better than, say, the Hillborne (which was also available). It was also that I decided that the Appaloosa was more touring oriented than I needed, and so I decided not to wait. I'm quite happy with the decision. The bike is beautiful, is a joy to ride, and it does everything I've asked of it. 

On Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 3:25:21 PM UTC-4 Bill Lindsay wrote:

[Cyclofiend Jim]

What kind of bikes have you been riding previously? 
The reason I ask is that at 86CM PBH, you are probably "between" the 54 and 57. 
If you walked into most shops, they would probably to put you on the smaller bike for all the reasons we fear most shops.
If you showed up in Walnut Creek and anyone at the RBWHQ&L got chatting with you, they'd likely encourage you to try the larger size. 

Also, if you are going for upright bars, that might change the equation a bit. 
If you are 5'11" with a true 86CM PBH, then you probably are a little longer in the upper body 

You might call them in Walnut Creek and be honest about your budget restrictions and the fact you might not be buying it right away. They fit folks well. 

J

[Anthony Davila]

I've been riding a large Raleigh Cadent 1 which is a hybrid I bought in 2021. I attached a sizing chart!

Honestly, I started looking at flights to San Francisco and am leaning towards taking a week vacation before the school year starts back up to go try out some Rivendells. Do they usually have most models for test-riding there? Excited to go out there and see what it's like! Also thanks for the advice and stories Glenn and Jim. 

[Bill Lindsay]

Do they usually have most models for test-riding there?

Riv Headquarters is several bays in an industrial park, big roll-up garage space.  One of the bays is the "showroom".  There are usually about 20-25 built up demo bikes there.  Those demo bikes usually represent what is available right now and sometimes what is going to be available very soon.  Since the Leo Roadini is sold out in 54 and 57, I suspect they will not have a 54cm or a 57cm demo Leo Roadini there for you to test ride.  Call them, and discuss what you are thinking about and they'll help you formulate a strategy.  Maybe they have a 57 Hillborne and can talk to you about the subtle differences between a Hillborne and a Roadini.  At least one of the employees runs a Roadini, and they are usually generous with letting customers ride their bikes.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Edwin W]

Your strategy is good (since it was very similar to mine in 2010): read a good bit about it, think about which bike you might get, go to Riv HQ (many reasons to be in Northern California at some point, right?) and try some out. You will enjoy the Rivendell ride quality (or your money back, haha) and you will buy one used or new. 

I had never spent that much on a bike before, despite owning many bikes. I got my first Hillborne used, frame only, and they gentleman who sold it to me gave me good advice: "the price isn't so bad if you always have one to sell!"

Edwin

[Christian Santa]

Hi Anthony,

Where do you live? I'm also looking into purchasing a Rivendell in the near future. I live in West Palm Beach FL, I ride a 1978 Raleigh Professional road bike all around the city and beach (Ocean Drive). 

If any members live near the area let me know I can also meet between the Miami and Tampa area. 

-Christian 

[maxcr]

This map might help you find others in the list near you: https://sites.google.com/view/mapofrivendellriders/home

Good luck!

Max

[Anthony Davila]

Hey Christian, I live near Miami Gardens/Miramar area, but currently I'm in Tampa for an internship this summer. What kind of Rivendell are you looking for and what size?

Also, I booked the flight and hotel in San Francisco as well as an appointment at Riv HQ to go and try some bikes out lol. It just worked out since I would have a big gap of free time in August!

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 3:45:08 PM UTC-4 Christian Santa wrote:

[Anthony Davila]

Also thanks Edwin for the story! Hope I enjoy the ride quality and am able to buy used or get a good price to buy new anywhere within the year for sure. I've also never spent that much on a bike, but I definitely want something that'll last, look good, and feel right. This whole looking for a new bike thing started because my family member wants my current bike lol!

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 3:45:08 PM UTC-4 Christian Santa wrote:

[Jon Dukeman]

Call Vince or James at Rivillle and ask if there are any old catalogs laying around. 

It has all the frame dimentions . Won't have latest models but it has Sam , Cheviot, Appaloosa ,Homer,Clem,Atlantis.Rodini

Jon

On Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 10:36 AM Anthony Davila <anthony...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi, I'm interested in getting a Rivendell in a year or so, but I wanted to try some out in the meantime. Does anyone know of any places that have readily available rivs (preferably Roadinis)? Where did you guys try them out before purchasing? 

I'm from Florida and the riv dealer near me doesn't have any complete bikes. If anyone is in the Tampa or Miami area and is generous enough to let me have a test-ride, that would be great! Thanks in advance!

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[Ryan]

Anthony, that is great that you are going to Riv HQ in Auguat....best way to pick a bike and I don't think you'll be disappointed

As far as paying for it...Riv has a 6-month payment plan agreement with PayPal if that helps...check with folks at Riv to ensure this option is still applicable. https://www.rivbike.com/pages/financing?_pos=6&_sid=5574a8e69&_ss=r 

Good luck with your search

[Anthony Davila]

Just wanted to update everyone, I visited Rivendell today and got to try out a bunch of stuff! Was really cool to see a bunch of the bikes in person and test ride them, even got to take out a Roadini on a nearby trail. Thanks everyone for the info and advice!

[Eric Marth]

Anthony — Cheers to you on making the trip and trying out some bicycles. You left out some important intel: What did you think? Have you settled on a bike? Were there any you liked more than others? Models you said "Oh yeah!", others "Not for me"? 

Let us know!

[Anthony Davila]

Hey Eric, first I wanted to say I have enjoyed your YouTube videos!

I thought the Roadini with drops was great and exactly what I thought it would be like. I tried out a ton of their models  like a Hillborne, a Roaduno, a Platypus, and some others. I really enjoyed all of them and to be honest, I came in with the mindset that I wouldn’t like swept-back bars,  but I thought they were really comfortable and fun to ride with.

I ended up choosing the (in green)  to go on that nearby trail and it was great! Really smooth shifting, comfy posture with drop bars (I’m new to drops and anything that isn’t a flat bar), really pretty bike, and the thicker tires on it were great as well.

Out of all the models, I would say that the Roaduno and Platypus are probably not for me. The Roaduno because a trip I have planned will probably be nice with gears and the Platy because I’m not a huge fan of the aesthetic.

As for next steps, I’ll probably be lurking on here and Facebook Marketplace for 54 cm Dark Gold Roadinis. Not sure if budget will allow for a brand new build from Rivendell when the new frames come out soon, but I’ll also be looking out for those! Should be fun, and hopefully I come across some nice deals.

Also another post on here was a little concerning as some were saying their Roadini’s welds were a little sloppy. I didn’t notice that on the one I test rode, but if anyone has pictures please share! I guess I could ask in that thread as well.

Anyways thanks for being curious about my visit to Riv HQ!

[Anthony Davila]

Oops meant to say “ the Roadini (in green)”! Hard to type on my phone.