2024 Appaloosa Thread

[Dan]

For those of you keeping up with the emails, looks like the Appaloosa presale is coming up next week!

I'm a very happy owner of a purple 2023 model so I won't be biting - but who will?

Conversation starter: Is it just me, or do this year's Appaloosa's look ever so slightly slacker than last year's...?

2024:

2023:

[iamkeith]

Watching thread, and curious about the same thing - especially since they felt it necessary to get new prototypes. 

The geometry chart still shows it having a slightly steeper headtube and shorter top tube than the equivalent Atlantis, which suprises me every time I've ever looked for this info.  (You kind of have to extrapolate, because the respective sizes alternate.)  Will's email said they will be updating the website eventually/soon.

I've asked this before, but can anyone describe how the various versions have evolved over time?  I know the fork legs got stiffer after the first batch, and the double top tube was dropped from the larger sizes, but I'm particularly interested in geometry and tire clearance improvements. 

I have more bikes than I need - especially Rivendells - but still always daydream about that n+1.  The Appaloosa is the model that has the least overlap to the bikes I already have and -  unlike any Atlantis ever - comes in a size that would fit me.  If it got longer and slacker, it would be even better.  

[Andrew Joseph]

Despite everyone providing fantastic advice regarding my Sam rebuild.  I must admit, I am still incredibly interested in replacing the Sam with a green Joe.

Regarding tire clearance specifically…Grant told me this run of Joes would now match current Atlantis tire clearances.

R,

Drew

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 10, 2024, at 6:27 AM, iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com> wrote:

Watching thread, and curious about the same thing - especially since they felt it necessary to get new prototypes. 

The geometry chart still shows it having a slightly steeper headtube and shorter top tube than the equivalent Atlantis, which suprises me every time I've ever looked for this info.  (You kind of have to extrapolate, because the respective sizes alternate.)  Will's email said they will be updating the website eventually/soon.

I've asked this before, but can anyone describe how the various versions have evolved over time?  I know the fork legs got stiffer after the first batch, and the double top tube was dropped from the larger sizes, but I'm particularly interested in geometry and tire clearance improvements. 

I have more bikes than I need - especially Rivendells - but still always daydream about that n+1.  The Appaloosa is the model that has the least overlap to the bikes I already have and -  unlike any Atlantis ever - comes in a size that would fit me.  If it got longer and slacker, it would be even better.  

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[Dorothy C]

I noticed they got down tube shifter bosses with the upcoming ones. Kind of surprising on a sturdy bike. 

Here is a picture of my 2016 model sky blue 46cm, a 26” wheel bike, my first Riv bike purchase.

[Dan]

Some great sleuthing and info here!

I’ll add in another one that I’m pretty sure I’m not imagining: the chain stays look a tad shorter. 

[Trevor Oleniuk]

I was verrrry tempted to get a green one but having thought extensively about it, I think I will keep my Bassi Hog's Back and ride that. Aside from the very long rear end, the reach is pretty similar and its been hard for me to justify selling a whole bike for less than the cost of a frame, especially when I have been quite happy with my Bassi. I don't mean to derail this conversation at all, but I'm happy with myself for resisting such a big temptation. One day Rivendell will take my money, just not this round.

[Dan]

Not derailing at all! Well done on resisting temptation. I agree with you that the Hog's Back meets a very similar use case to the Joe: an all-round, all-road tourer that can do anything and go anywhere, if slowly. I was eyeing off a Hog's Back before I picked up the Joe! Would you mind sharing photos of your bike - I'd love to see it!

[Trevor Oleniuk]

[Dan]

It's beautiful. Looks comfy and capable and just the right balance of black and silver!

On the topic of Appaloosas, and entering the realm of pure speculation:

With a slacker head tube angle (using the Atlantis lugs?) and wider tyre clearance, the Appaloosa sounds very similar indeed to the previous Atlantis.

I wonder if that leaves room for the next Atlantis to shift to something different?

[Josh C]

I personally wish they’d bring back the double top tube. I like the look of the green one tho, looked killer on the Platy. 

[Armand Kizirian]

FYI I spoke to Grant over the phone today and the new Appaloosa's are indeed slacker. They have a 70 degree head tube angle in order to increase the front-center and wheelbase. Apparently better for trail riding with no downside to paved riding. 

[Ken Geel]

Glad I reserved one with Analog Cycles. Have a feeling they’re going to sell out fast!

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 12, 2024, at 7:43 PM, Armand Kizirian <kiziria...@gmail.com> wrote:

FYI I spoke to Grant over the phone today and the new Appaloosa's are indeed slacker. They have a 70 degree head tube angle in order to increase the front-center and wheelbase. Apparently better for trail riding with no downside to paved riding. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b68c554c-ddbf-487e-bb33-080815e23325n%40googlegroups.com.

[Dan]

Does that tempt you to swap out your Platypus frame, Armand?

I ride my Appaloosa on all manner of ill-advised trails ("your bike has a basket and you're riding it here?!") so better trail riding sounds fantastic.

I'll carry on with my underbiking though, as I always have. The updates sound great.

[Ethan VanValkenburg]

Same! When did they stop making them with double top tubes? Do you know if future Atlantis frames will have a double top tube? They look quite nice and sturdy, especially on the larger bikes.

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[Armand Kizirian]

Dan, I love the way the Platypus rides, but I've come to prefer the function of a full front triangle. I've gotten used to having a custom half frame bag with two bottles (+ third!) on my other bikes. I'd like to have the same with my Riv. For some reason I don't like the ana purple on the Appaloosa as much as I do on my Platypus though! Sergio green seems too boring to me. Those lime-olive Appa's would be the winner for me. I definitely don't care enough to pull the trigger on this batch, but if someone reading this happens to want to trade a 55 Platy for a 54 Appa shoot me a DM.

[iamkeith]

Since the pre-sale starts tomorrow, I'd imagine that anyone with intentions already knows this, but the geometry chart WAS finally updated a couple of days ago, to show the new, slacker Appaloosa numbers:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1403/7343/files/RBW_Bicycle_Geometries_-_August_2024.pdf?v=1723665985

[Dan]

Armand, fair enough. If you’re going to go to the trouble of changing frames, it’d better be for something just right!

AppaLanta: congratulations! Can’t wait to hear your impressions of the bike. 

On Saturday 17 August 2024 at 16:05:05 UTC+9:30 AppaLanta wrote:

I would like to say "Hello" to the forum, as this is my first real post.  As of today's presale, I am the expectant owner of my first Riv - a 57 Appaloosa in Sergio Green.  I'm looking forward to learning more from all of you, and posting a ride report of the new geometry.  Cheers!