Returning to Riv
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Tim Butterfield
Jul 18, 2026, 5:21:18 PM (12 hours ago) Jul 18
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Hi, everyone.
It’s been quite some time since I last posted here, though I never really left the group, just stopped the emails. Some of you may remember helping me build out a 2016 57 A Homer Hilsen. That was my favorite bike (with an Atlantis as second) until my life situation changed and I ended up selling the Atlantis first and then the Homer. Half a dozen years later, I’m looking to resume cycling. I still find myself drawn to Rivendells.
A lot has changed since my Homer. Production moved. Some new models were introduced. Geometries have changed. But, I expect they still ride like a Riv or maybe even better, which is why I’m checking in with the experts here, especially those who have ridden more than one model.
My Homer handled everything I ever asked of it. My riding hasn’t really changed. I’ll likely still ride mostly pavement, greenways, country roads, and gravel roads, but not really dirt or singletrack. I wouldn’t mind some credit card touring if I could talk my wife into it. I’ve been enjoying Steven Herrick’s EuroVelo books, which certainly haven’t hurt. One part of me thinks I should just get the same thing I had. Another part thinks I might be missing out on something just as good, but different.
Another big difference is budget. Back then, I was fortunate enough to order exactly what I wanted. Now, I could look for a used bike with an acceptable build or pick a preferred frame and build it up over time.
For reference, my Homer was built with 700×38 Barlow Pass tires, Honjo fenders, a triple, Paul Racers, dynamo lighting, and racks. It was comfortable, stable, and just seemed to do everything well. I never found myself wishing it could do more. At this point, I would be happy to be riding again as the details can be sorted out over time.
For those who have owned both older and newer Rivs, how do they compare? If I were starting over today with the kind of riding I described, would you still steer me toward a Homer, or has another model largely taken over that role?
I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts.
Thanks.
Tim
It’s been quite some time since I last posted here, though I never really left the group, just stopped the emails. Some of you may remember helping me build out a 2016 57 A Homer Hilsen. That was my favorite bike (with an Atlantis as second) until my life situation changed and I ended up selling the Atlantis first and then the Homer. Half a dozen years later, I’m looking to resume cycling. I still find myself drawn to Rivendells.
A lot has changed since my Homer. Production moved. Some new models were introduced. Geometries have changed. But, I expect they still ride like a Riv or maybe even better, which is why I’m checking in with the experts here, especially those who have ridden more than one model.
My Homer handled everything I ever asked of it. My riding hasn’t really changed. I’ll likely still ride mostly pavement, greenways, country roads, and gravel roads, but not really dirt or singletrack. I wouldn’t mind some credit card touring if I could talk my wife into it. I’ve been enjoying Steven Herrick’s EuroVelo books, which certainly haven’t hurt. One part of me thinks I should just get the same thing I had. Another part thinks I might be missing out on something just as good, but different.
Another big difference is budget. Back then, I was fortunate enough to order exactly what I wanted. Now, I could look for a used bike with an acceptable build or pick a preferred frame and build it up over time.
For reference, my Homer was built with 700×38 Barlow Pass tires, Honjo fenders, a triple, Paul Racers, dynamo lighting, and racks. It was comfortable, stable, and just seemed to do everything well. I never found myself wishing it could do more. At this point, I would be happy to be riding again as the details can be sorted out over time.
For those who have owned both older and newer Rivs, how do they compare? If I were starting over today with the kind of riding I described, would you still steer me toward a Homer, or has another model largely taken over that role?
I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts.
Thanks.
Tim
Mike in BK
Jul 18, 2026, 10:11:16 PM (7 hours ago) Jul 18
to RBW Owners Bunch
A 58 Homer 650B (lower standover, probably like your 57) just went on ebay:
Adrian
1:35 AM (4 hours ago) 1:35 AM
to RBW Owners Bunch
Hey all,
That's actually my Homer. Happy to answer any questions about it if you guys had any! And for anyone on the list, I'm more than flexible on the price, I just listed it high on eBay due to all the fees.
If someone is interested in a rolling chassis or a build with no Paul brakes/levers (tektro 559's can be swapped on) I can work within someone's budget.
Mike is right, the 58 from 2019 has a lower standover than today's current Homer. I had Rivendell 650b x 34 maxy fasty on this bike and it lowered the standover some more. As well as grand bois 650b x 36, they were fast rolling and plush enough still. Currently on 650b x 42's.
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