Riv Custom 650b, excellent condition

[Joe Bernard]

Time to move this on, my rides are short and often require locking up outside these days, my Clem handles this best for me. 

I wasn't very familiar with the term when I had this frame commissioned in 2019 but it's a gravel bike. I asked for a mostly-pavement bike that could handle light trail duty, I've done a few fire roads and it worked great. 

Geometry in photos, frame designed to carry a 200 lbs. rider plus about 20 lbs. of gear. I've exceeded that limit on shopping runs no problem, I think Grant took my numbers with a grain of salt and built it a little tougher than requested.

54.2 x 63, designed for my 80-ish PBH with lots of room for Bosco Bars, I think a notably taller rider could fit it. 

Mark Nobilette construction, fancy Joe Bell paint in dove grey with red panels. Joe isn't taking orders anymore, I think he's pretty much retired.

FSA Duron headset

Face Plater fillet 11cm stem 

Bosco steel 54cm

Nitto S65 post

SunRace levers 

V-brakes will be grey Deore, gotta pull them from my Clem

7-speed 11-36 Jim cassette, new

Claris rd, new

New chain 

7-speed S-Sride clicky shifter, cheap, works

NOS Suntour "microdrive" fd

Silver2 front shifter

 

Sugino cranks shown not included, I'll swap in a brand new Clipper 26-36-48, 170 arms

Rich-built wheels, WI hubs to 650b Velocity Atlas rims

CST 48mm gravel tires, hardly ridden

No saddle, pedals, rack.

Shifters are swapped to accommodate my arthritis, will put them right/normal before packing. 

Will add details pics to album soon.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3dqGjYuqLr6VDBME9

$4000obo + shipping CONUS, 

can do a better deal with delivery in San Francisco Bay Area

Joe Bernard 

Clearlake CA 

[maxcr]

Joe, I think this should be marketed as the proto-American Generalissimo Especialle. Painted by Joe Bell and built for a heavier rider - beautiful in all it's might!

Best of luck with the sale.

Max

PS. I hope you don't regret selling it and unless you really need to, I hope you don't! Getting a Riv custom is expensive and it takes a very long time.... yours is a truly special one that I know you worked with Grant to make it just perfect.

[Joe Bernard]

Max, 

I won't regret it. The life it was destined for is not one I ended up living, so much changed for me since I brought it home in 2020. I shall be happy with my short rides on my Clem and let somebody who is more committed to miles ride this custom. It's an amazing bike and should be ridden far and often. 

PS. I forgot to put "FS" in the thread title. Doh! 🤦‍♂️

[matt miller]

Such a cool bike. I'm not in the market for this, but I am unable to read the specs- it's too blurry. And due to the custom build, I'm also wondering what size this actually is. Surely more than a normal 54, and with those bars, certainly less than a normal 63. I don't suppose you have stack and reach or the saddle height and distance from saddle to bars? That may help interested parties.

Best,

Matt in STL

[Joe Bernard]

I don't know stack and reach, the seattube is 54.2, effective toptube 63. Those numbers are always just a guideline when buying a frame, they give you a general idea of how much post will show and what range of bars you can use. If a prospective buyer emails me I'll dig into whatever details they need. 

[Joe Bernard]

One thing to keep in mind is Grant doesn't let you "design" a Rivendell, it's not that kind of custom. You tell him weight, pbh and riding style, he makes you a Riv. Tall headtube, stable-not-plodding steering, long chainstays. It's probably quite close to Charlie Gallop if that frame had canti bosses.

[Ben Miller]

Matt, the diagram doesn't even have enough info to calculate stack and reach. It is missing the HT measurement (c-t to top would do it)

But I can tell you the reach is less than 458 mm and the stack is more than 514 mm. That give and absurdly low stack to height ratio of 1.12, so it's definitely pretty far off.

On Monday, October 27, 2025 at 7:29:35 PM UTC-7 Joe Bernard wrote:

[Ben Miller]

I should probably add that I was trying to calculate the stack and reach for Joe and his bike, but then realized more info is required.

I'll reiterate Max's sentiment that I hope Joe reconsiders, but also fully respect his wishes.

[Ryan Fleming]

Well, Joe...you seem to have made peace with your decision so we  probably  shouldn't  be second-guessing you. That is certainly more than a fair price, especially since Riv customs are,alas, no more. 

So I hope it goes to a good home and good luck with the sale.