2024 Appaloosa Build and Ride Report

[AppaLanta]

Hi All, I ordered my Appaloosa frame this past summer, have finally built it up after taking my time to assemble all the parts.  After about 250 miles, I offer this Ride Report for folks who might be interested in this model in future production runs, those who want to build one up, or those who are just Appa-curious.

This is my first Riv and my first build-from-scratch.  I had been considering various models for a long time and decided the Appaloosa was the right model for me - my use is loaded daily commuting (with two full rear paniers), a couple of tours every year, and the occasional long Sunday ride or light trail excursion.  I wanted a sturdy frame that would track smoothly under load but still work as an “all-rounder” for quick runs, and this fits the need perfectly.

I chose the 57cm size. I’m 6’-11.5”, 165lbs, and have a PBH of 88cm.

First the order – I waited for the pre-sale day, had everything ready to go, and when the site went live, completed my purchase in about 15 seconds.  After jumping up and down (and doing a few laps around the room) I checked back at 2 minutes past the hour and noted all the popular frame / color sizes were gone.  Super fast!  Pre-sailors of the presales beware.

I was initially hesitant about the Sergio Green (“too plain” some have commented, when compared to more vibrant Rivendell  colors) but trusted my gut (and my friend who is a graphic designer and a color connoisseur) and was delighted to see the frame in the flesh.  The light mossy green is easy on the eyes and elegant in the sun, and the gold flecks are warm and classy.  It is a superb color to apply to the upcoming 2025 Atlantis (I think).

I have been riding a 23” 1991 Trek 520 since I purchased it new in 2001 for a cross-country trip, so I am familiar with a lugged steel sport-touring ride.  I figure the 520 model geometry is most similar to the Roadini in the Riv lineup.  I wanted something longer, more stable, even sturdier with less flex in the back under a load of full bags.  I can report that the Appaloosa delivers each of these attributes in just the right doses.  And, importantly, it also feels spright and nimble to me when unloaded and ridden free.

The fit and feel of the ride is as I had heard.  Immediately, I noticed that I was “in” the bike more than “over” the bike, especially because I chose the Chocomoose bar – more on that below.  I can see and feel the fork responding to the road bumps – I sail over little holes and speed humps and there is little to no shock sent up through the frame.  The steering is especially noteworthy to me - it is more “leaning” in rather than “turning”, almost like power-steering assist.  And the bike naturally tends to auto-correct to a straight path - not bothersome, just stable.  Experts who know more than me might attribute this to the long chainstays, the wheelbase, or the trail of the fork, or all three – I don't know – I just end up doing the more-than-occasional-hands-free riding with a big grin on my face.

The wheels are built-to-order by Rich Lesnik at Riv – 36 hole Velocity Cliffhangers on a Silver hub (rear) and a SON28 (front).  The tires are 700c 48mm, inflated to 30psi, and they soak up the road chatter and small lumps with ease.  The rolling feels stable and buttery at the same time.

(continued below...)

[AppaLanta]

(continued from above…)

Regarding the Chocomoose, the recent handlebar setup on my 520 is a steel Albatross on a 9cm Nitto Tallux.  I had found the ride super comfortable, but could feel the bars flex a good bit right and left when I really pumped.  So, I studied the geometry and slope of the Chocomoose and decided to give it a try - $90-ish new from Bluelug. I can report that the set-up is ideal for the Appaloosa, and I now understand why the bar was offered in the first release of the frame, or so I have heard.  The V connection between the stem and the bar is very solid – just a teensy bit of flex.  The fixed slope of the grip zone is a comfortable match for my proportions and grip preference (for those who are really curious, it is a 13 degree downslope when paired with the 70 degree headtube of the 2024 geometry). I often reach forward to the "hooks" but enjoy how they are up rather than down.  And I especially appreciate the stem-free middle zone of the bars due to the V connection – it is a handy holding point when walking or lifting the bike.  Also great for lights and phones, if that is your thing.

The new Silver 3 crank is a match for this frame, in looks and stiffness.  Although designated a “road” crank, it feels stiff not flexy (when compared like my previous Deore crank).  With a 44/34/24 setup, and a 11-36 cassette, I have a range of 19-114 gear inches, which I use to the fullest in my very hilly commute.

Last point.  Since I wanted a small rack up front for easy access at stoplights, I went with a Mark’s Rack.  However, this model is not suited for cantilever brakes - which I really like and installed - because the diving board can conflict with the central cable.  Fortunately, the Appaloosa fork crown having a pair of M5 bolts provides a perfect opportunity to mount the back set of struts, almost horizontal with no bending required.  I swapped the included long front struts for even longer versions at 90 degrees straight down to the drop-outs. Between the two points of connection in the rear to prevent forward movement, and the vertical posts in the front to take the load, I am pleased with the stability and security.  I removed the diving-board mount that conflicted with the cantis (and if I have a load beyond a few pounds, I break out the included “manny strap”).  I’ll admit that I enjoy gazing at the dead-level horizontal line of the front and rear rack tops, and the pure vertical line of the front struts – it is a geometry thing.

All in all, with the build phase over, and a couple of months commuting and weekend fun rides, I’m looking forward to years – no, decades – of riding with this bike, every day, and quick trips and on long tours with my family.  I just have to wear in the new saddle a bit and put a few scratches in the paint.

Thanks to Will for working with me on all the orders and Rich for the lovely wheels!

Here’s a link to more photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MiPCUQq3NEqDqWsq5

Cheers,

David in Atlanta

Bottom Bracket              IRQ QB55 113mm x 68 Square Taper

Crank                                Silver3 - Triple 44x34x24 – 173mm

Pedals                             MKS gamma pedal (B/W)

Chain                                KMC 9 Speed (2 needed)

Front Derail                     Shimano Deore XT FD-M730-HS 28.6d 26t capacity – Parts Bin

Rear Derail                      Shimano Altus M310 Silver Color

Cassette                          Shimano 9 Speed 11-36t (HG400)

Front Shifters                 Silver2 Bar End Pair

Cable Housings             NISSEN mesh

Cable Hanger                 Rear - Long – Nitto

Cable Hanger                 Front - DIA-COMPE 1255 cable hanger (silver)

Cable Stops                    Shimano Downtube Cable Stops Pair

Ferrules                           Brass

Stem / Handlbar            NITTO Rivendell b910 Choco-Moose Steel

Headset                          FSA Silver 1in Threaded (stock with Appaloosa)

Grips                                 Handlebar Grip - ESI racer's edge silicone – Gray

Brake Levers                   Shimano Alivio BL-MC18 - NOS

Brakes                               Shimano CX50 - Silver

Wheelset                        700c -36H Velocity Cliffhanger / Silver Hub (rear)  / Son28 (front)

Spokes                              Sapim "Race" double-butted 14/15/14g stainless

Nipples                             Nickel Plated Brass

Inner Tube                       Schwalbe SV19ws 700c x 40-62

Tires                                  Soma Shikoro Tires, folding - 700c - 48mm

Seatpost                          26.8 stock with Appaloosa

Saddle                             Brooks B17, Carved - Honey

Rear Rack                        Nitto Big Back Rack - Large 33R

Front Rack                      Nitto Mark’s Rack M1

Fenders                           SKS Bluemels - B65: 44 - 61 [1.75” - 2.25”] / Silver

Handlebar Bag               RandiJo Fabrications Bartender Plus

[Kat]

Great write up David and beautiful bike. I'm having my Appaloosa built up this week and looking forward to it!

[der_amerikanische_freund]

Thanks for your report, very helpful and full of information.

May I double check your height? I'm not used to imperial measurements, and converting your 6' 11.5" to cm results in 2.10 metres. I have a similar weight and PBH to you but am 1.85 metres tall (6' 1" according to Google). Did you mean 6' 1.5" (rather than 11.5")?

Kind regards

[AppaLanta]

Edit: my height is 5'-11.5" not 6'-11.5"!

[Drew Fitchette]

Appa Looks Great David! 

I'm in Atlanta too, and have a 54cm Sergio Appa. 

Looking forward to seeing yours out in the wild!

[der_amerikanische_freund]

Thanks for the clarification, Appa.

@drewfitchette, would you mind sharing your PBH/Height to help us figure out the right size for us?

Thanks

[Drew Fitchette]

Sure Alfonso! 

I'm 5'11" and my PBH is 835mm. Long Torso, short inseam. But have had a 53cm Atlantis(too small), 56cm 2TT Sam(too big), and now the 54cm Appa(just right). 

My saddle height on this is 74cm, if that's helpful! 

[der_amerikanische_freund]

Hi Drew, thanks for sharing.

Is your 53cm Atlantis the 'current' model with long chainstays? Looking at Riv's geo chart a 53 Atlantis and 54 Appa don't look that far apart so I'm surprised you feel the 53 Atlantis is too small.

[Drew Fitchette]

It was from the 2022 batch of Atlantis frames, but the taller Stack on the Appa and the fact that I jumped from 650b to 700c wheel size made a pretty big difference. 

I put a Brooks Flyer and some Tosco bars with a faceplater stem on the Atlantis to compensate but I always felt like I was sitting up too high/on top of the bike. By contrast the 56cm 2TT Sam rode like a dream, but every time I had to put a foot down it was too close for comfort with my short inseam. 

To be fair, when I called Riv before getting my Atlantis James said I was inbetween sizes and that an 54cm Appa would probably fit me best... Just took me eating the porridge that was too hot, then too cold first. 

Happy to DM you some photos of all 3 bikes if you want to see where my bars/saddle were on each frame! 

[der_amerikanische_freund]

Hello Drew, thanks for you message. I shall try and call Riv to discuss my size. I've sent them an email but haven't heard from them in 3 days, I guess they're super busy.

If you don't mind sending the photos directly to me that'd be great. Thanks!

[AppaLanta]

Kat, I hope your Appa turned out great.  Send us a picture!

Alfonso, I hope you found the information helpful and have dialed in your best size.  One comment: with an 88cm PBH and a typical proportion of legs to torso, I find the Appaloosa geometry great, but specifically the generous sweep-back of the chocomoose.  I don't think the frame would work for me if I had a straight bar or drops - I'd likely be too stretched out.  If you would like any measurements (i.e. seat to grip) I'd be happy to oblige.

Drew, thank you and I hope our paths cross soon.  I frequent the Eastside, SE and SW segments of the Beltline, even the ones that are 'closed' right now, as well as the Capital area and Midtown.  Let me know if there is ever a Riv meetup.