Homer or Hillborne? Which Would Be Better For Randonneuring?

[Grady Wright]

Homer or Hillborne? Which Would Be Better For Randonneuring?

I am aware there are past Models that would be better suited, or even current models like the Roadini; however, none of those are available to me right now. Curious what the Thoughts of the Owners Bunch are. 

Currently I do have an Appaloosa, My favorite bike of all time. But I want to keep it set up as a county bike. 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.   

[EGNolan]

They're going to be pretty similar if set up with the same components, but at this point, besides a li'l bit of difference in tubing, it's more about chainstay length and canti's vs. sidepulls. If you have a preference for either of those aspects, that would be the deciding factor for me...

[Bill Lindsay]

"however, none of those are available to me right now"

In what way is the Homer and Hillborne available to you right now?  Are you looking at second-hand opportunities?  If so, post the links so we can look them over?  Are you referring to the current Homer pre-sale as "available to you right now"?  

What are the kinds of things that you consider "better" about a "better bike for Randonneuring". Better because it is faster?  Better because it is more reliable?  Better because it is more comfortable for 1200k brevets?  Better because it can carry more stuff?  Better because it's easier to transport to Paris for PBP2027?  

In my experience I think most randonneurs fall into one of three categories:

1. they rando on a road bike

2. they rando on a traditional BQ historical reenactment bike

3. they rando on their favorite bike

Some randonneurs are open to all three experiences.  I'm certainly all three.  Because I'm all three, there is no such thing as a better or best bike for randonneuring.  There's probably a number of worse bikes for randonneuring, but neither the Homer nor the Hillborne is an objectively bad bike for randonneuring.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Ron Cramer]

I owned both. Sold the Homer, kept the Hillborne. IMHO The Hillborne is more versatile because it takes cantilever or V brakes, is a hair more stout, and personal preference, doesn't have ridiculously long chainstays.

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[Toshi Takeuchi]

I've heard it said that the Homer and HIllborne ride equivalently, so there might be slight convenience factors (like brakes mentioned before) and tire width factors that come into play.

In my case, I have a Homer--old school Waterford? 650b right after the "Saluki". Anyhow, the max width with fenders is 38 mm. That's good for Parimoto or Grand Bois Ecureuil. I rode a 600k on my Homer with the Parimoto, but today I probably would go for the GB Ecureuil.

Many people like 650b x 42 mm, which I believe the Sam H would fit with fenders.

Personally, I chose the Homer, because it's slightly more road-bikish than the Sam, but being able to ride 650b x 42mm Hetre/Babyshoe pass tires might sway me toward the Sam...

Toshi

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[Ryan Mulcahy]

My wife has a Joe app, I have a homer, and I think they complement each other really well. The Sam would be a hair's width closer to the Joe, I think, and for that reason - to gain a little more separation between bikes - I'd get the homer, if I was you. Or maybe it'd come down to color - looks like the HH is currently available in most sizes blue/green, and the planned colors for the next batch of sams are somewhere on riv's site. Good luck!

[Saturday Mark]

I would choose the Hillborne for a slighty larger tire with fenders. I would choose the Homer for a wider selection of drop bar levers. 

I also heard your local shop has Sam's in 57 and 60, and a Homer in 58... ;)

[RichS]

Having owned both and still riding the Sam, either one will work fine for rando rides.

Best,

Rich in ATL

On Friday, May 9, 2025 at 12:55:12 PM UTC-4 gre...@gmail.com wrote:

[dave nawrocki]

I have done many Rando rides on an Atlantis and Rambouillet. Currently own a Sam and it is set up with upright bars and 37mm tires.  I don't do Rando rides anymore but this bike could certainly handle them.

Dave 

Fort Collins, CO

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[Ron Cramer]

Dave: send me an email; I live in Ft Collins as well. cramer....@gmail.com

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[Brent Eastman]

I would say a Homer is a better compliment to Appaloosa if you're trying to diversify the stable by adding a light(ish) weight rando bike.

I think the tire clearance of current sam+homer is the same, but older homers might have less

If you, or you+your gear, are heavy, Sam is a lil more stout.

I don't think you can go wrong with either bike. There's also the option to make Sam the country bike, its nimbler. Make the Appa the touring rig.

On Friday, May 9, 2025 at 9:55:12 AM UTC-7 gre...@gmail.com wrote: