Appaloosa first dirt ride and first blush-she makes me blush

[Lucia Matioli]

Hi RBW Owners. 

*hope this comes through with the photos...

I just got out into a 25+ miler from the city to Marin Headlands on the Appaloosa this am. 
I am moving from an A Homer, as I wanted something that could handle trails and bike packing. 
She does not disappoint!!!! All I wanna do is ride this bike!
I feel like the appaloosa is more girthy - more beefy overall. Like the frame feels way more stiff than the Homer. Not surprising. The longer chainstay is felt-even when I was out last night and riding through some deep sand at one point, she tracks like a champ. Descending on dirt is a dream-climbs like a champ-very responsive. I would say less springy overall-just seems like a more solid bike, for lack of a better description. 

she's a 46 cm which is a step down form the Hilsen 51. I like the tighter feel-feels much more nimble for what I was looking for. And one thing that used to annoy me is the Hilsen with the front rah and basket was so unstable for my liking. The front end would constantly turn to one side or another. Caused a lot of bike drops. Even with a center kickstand. It was annoying to me. 

I am a very confident rider, love anything technical-and the Appaloosa knows this, checks it and can take even more sketch fest. I am not surprised-and this is exactly why I wanted it. I was bombing down dirt hills one handed , recording with my Iphone, as my Insta360 is on the fritz. Tracks like a freaking arrow. I had no qualms about a one handed descent. Now, two haded had me at 23mph-which is the way I like it. Speed demon. YES SHE'S a Demon! Cap D!

I am running Maxxis Icon 2.20's on Velocity Cliffhangers, built up of course by Rich Lesnik. Bombers. Bombproof. She feels like a dirt bike. I did quiet a bit of climbing today and could handle all of it. Running a 38/24 up front with a 12-36 rear cassette. I got up all of it, and also plenty of teeth to not spin out on the flats. Could probably let out some air for a more kush ride. Beast of a set up.

i have my choco from the Hilsen, I do love this bar but curious in the long run about a bullmoose bar for more of an aggro stance. Well see if I eventually switch, but I do love being able to position my hands on the front grips in a climb. 

She never looses traction on dirt climbs-which is an annoyance of mine with a shorter chainstay frame. 

I know I can lad her up which I plan on doing before the weather gets too cold-maybe that won't really happen here in the bay. Most of my gear is in storage at the moment so TBD on that. 

Here are a few more eye candies...such a gorgeous bike and a badass. 

If you want more content that's easier to look at vs this google photo shenanigans IG is here: @bikes_for_joy
Enjoy! And feel free to ask any questions!

Best,

Lucia, SF CA

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Lucia Matioli

Executive Creative Director, Consultant and Fractional Leader
Creative Strategist

goodthinkingco.com

linkedin.com/in/luciamatioli/

              

   

[Kat]

This is a gorgeous bike Lucia. I love seeing Appaloosas set up in full dirt mode. My Appaloosa is currently in citybike/touring mode but I harbour secret dreams of getting a Platypus for city riding and making my Appaloosa into a dirt/gravel bike. This is a pretty silly dream because most of my riding is on my e-bike (I live in a hilly and hot city!) and my Appaloosa is already a bit neglected. 

I love the bar tape wrap and the basket set up. Gorgeous countryside too. 

Ok, you've inspired me to take out my Appaloosa for a ride this afternoon. 

[Lucia Matioli]

Excellent Kat!

Such a sweet riding bike. Enjoy!

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[Nick Lindsey]

Great write-up!   Almost felt like I was on the same ride as you!  

Beautiful bike ( and photos ). 

Nick L.

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 11, 2026, at 4:37 PM, Lucia Matioli <lucia....@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Shannon Menkveld]

Sweet sled!

That green is one of my favorite Rivencolors. Reminds me a lot of the paint on my '74 Raleigh Sports. Which I love, and I've wondered since I got it back in March to what extent the Clem was thunked up as a kind of modern version of Ye Olde English Three Speed. (Except with a lot more gears, a lot fewer pounds, and brakes that work... kinda like the relationship between the original Mazda Miyata and a Lotus Elan. Except also almost entirely unlike that.)

--Shannon

[Roberta]

Kat, 

Those two bikes set up the way you describe would be extremely complimentary bikes. I’ve owned both. With her IG videos, you feel like you’re on the trail. Very nice. 

If you wanted a fast road bike, Charlie Gallup could be it. You’d have all the bikes you’d need for every biking occasion!

Roberta

Owner of Betty Foy (precursor to Platy), Homer (precursor— sort of— to Charlie), working on getting third bike that is precursor to Appaloosa. Then, I’m done!