First Ride Thoughts on my new Sam Hillborne

[Nathan Mattia]

Published on my blog here:

https://pipesbikesandleather.com/2020/03/21/new-bike-day-with-samuel-hillborne/

[Michael Baquerizo]

Curious to know how much bigger you think you can go in the tire dept?

Looks like a nice ride, glad there is something to enjoy amidst all this chaos

[Nathan Mattia]

Oooooh, tough question for someone like me with neither experience, nor expertise.  But sure, I’ll take a stab.

  I think there’s a few mm under there, so hopefully 45s?  The good news is that the 42s on there fit great, with the fenders.

[Fryett]

I had 45s on my 2tt SH with ample room to spare.

On another note, what size is your expedition?

[Nathan Mattia]

Was your Sam a Caliper or Cantilever?  Do you run fenders as well?

The Expedition is a 56 cm which makes it just a wee bit too big for me.  I think a 54 would be perfect for that frame.

[Michael Morrissey]

Your Specialized Expedition looks amazing. I think you’re going to really like riding the Rivendell. Rivendell are 85% similar to 80s touring bikes, but the small differences become apparent over many miles and years. :)

[Nathan Mattia]

Well, I’m definitely loving it so far.  For all the “small differences” I think, it’s the best-fitting bike I’ve ever had.  Just feels right every time I saddle up.

I haven’t ridden this much since I was 8.

[Nathan Mattia]

[Surlyprof]

Congrats on the Sam, Nathan. I have an older, orange 56 canti-Sam and almost every ride has the same impact that your first ride did. Even if I’m not up for a ride or feel like I’m going for a ride just to get the exercise, a transformation Usually occurs. At some point in the ride (usually earlier than later) I realize that I’m authentically enjoying myself. Happens almost every time. This can often lead to longer rides, faster rides and, the occasional phone call from my wife asking, “Hey. Where are you? I thought you were only going out for an hour.”

Enjoy the ride.
John

[Nathan Mattia]

This is it, John. I just have a ridiculous smile on my face when I’m on this bike.  This is from today’s ride.  I was out 1/2 an hour later than I had planned because it was so fun and so beautiful outside.

[Fryfam]

Older 45 - 47mm Schwalbe Marathons had an actual width of ~41 (39 height). Room to spare without fenders.

If fendered, 40mm Marathons (37 actual) are my width preference for Tektro long reach or Paul Racer centermount. Excellent tires.

Here's a pic of Tektro LR caliper clearance with the 35mm Schwalbe Allrounds I used for a time (actual width of 36mm) before moving to another brand. The Allrounds were supple and light (~425g) but a bit delicate for my purposes.