Thanks to all the advice and guidance from folks here on my second Rivendell build! Turns out there are quite a few folks with a "Country Bike" that also went for a +1 Roadini.
I've set up my 2017 Sam Hillborne several different ways; first it was drops+road focused, then it was a Riv 1.0 camping basket bike, then it got lighter wheels and no basket, then flat bars and knobbies, then it lost it's F+R racks, fenders have come and gone, and in each phase it's been "perfect".
I just wanted a +1 and the +1 was to be lighter and faster. Months ago I was looking at 90s racing and sport tourers as cheaper alternatives to a Roadini, perhaps also lighter, and less well rounded, and more definitively alternative to my Sam. I test rode some: Specialized Sequoia, Waterford 22 Series, Bridgestone RB1. Nothing felt like the right move. I was being patient, doing the research, etc, when a Roadini frameset in my size and my preferred color was posted here, and the owner Lived 2 hours away. Let's go.
Using Sam's lighter wheelset, former drop bar cockpit, and a few other parts bin items, I was able to keep the entire build within my budget. I bought a lot of NOS and pre-owned components for great prices. Stoked. I'm happy with how it came out. There's a whole bunch of component interchangeability with these two bikes, which may come in handy some day. Weather in PNW has been bad for riding, good for wrenching. I still haven't ridden it yet.
The only thing I was not stoked on was the Ultegra FD inner cage plate rubbed the middle ring when shifting to big ring. It was already up high-ish to not hit the chainstay. So now it's even higher out of necessity. It bothers me a lil bit. Bars and seat height+angle subject to change after test ride. Right now the drops swing just under the top tube to avoid dings.
Build List:
57cm Roadini Sergio Green
Nitto Noodle 48cm bars
Nitto Tallux 8cm stem
Shimano Tiagra levers
Blue Lug cotton tape (not as long as newbaums)
Tektro R559 brakes
Nissen clear housing
Velocity Dyad 32H, Deore w/11-32, SP front hub
Ultradynamico Cava 700x42
Sugino XD2 46/36/24
Ultegra 6500 FD + RD
Suntour Superbe DT shifters
Wellgo Pedals with gasp cages
Brooks C17 seat
King bottle cages
A few brass bling bits from Riv + Blue Lug