2021 Homer wheelbase numbers

[Daman Kumar]

Hello, Rivsters,

Has anyone here measured the wheelbase of their 61.5 cm Homer? I've been meaning to replace my 59 cm Clem H with a shorter (emphasis on the *er*) wheelbase-d bike for months now, and only just started actively looking at options. The wheelbase is the only real complaint I have with the Clem -- it is way too long to fit on a bus rack, which diminishes a bike's utility for me.

Given the increase in chainstay length for the 2021 model, I wanted to check with the group if anyone has measured, or could measure, the wheelbase of their 61.5 cm bike.

I was originally considering picking up a Sam frame from the next batch, but I do want to get an Atlantis a few years down the line as my forever bike, and I felt there's a considerable overlap between the two. I intend to use the Homer as an S24O/bike-camping, go-fast (when not bringing groceries) bike. Randonneuring has interested me for a while, and it just seems perfect (although, I don't think *I* would have much trouble using a Sam or Atlantis for brevets given I'm not really a fast rider). At under 170 lbs. I believe it shouldn't be a problem. I digress.

So... anybody?

Clem tax: a picture on a typical PNW winter morning at Lake Sammamish

P.S. How cool would a canti Homer be, eh?

Daman "who would be a lot more open to a Sam in that *gorgeous* Homer blue" Kumar

[Daman Kumar]

Well, *of course* I didn't actually attach the image. Here it is.

[Roberta]

I didn't realize the Homer got longer wheelbases last year.  I'm sure someone here knows for sure.  I don't keep track too closely.

So, here are my numbers for much smaller sized bikes  that I've ridden or asked owners about, just to give you an idea between the bikes.  They may not be exacting, but you'll get the idea.  BTW, my interest in wheelbase length has to do with me being able to take bike on public transportation bike racks.  I live in the city, so this is important to me.  My two most favorite bikes are the Homer and Platy, so wheelbase didn't correlate to "favorite."

54.5 Homer       43"

51 Appaloosa   45"

55 Cheviot         45 1/4" (or 45 1/2")

55 Platy             47"

52 Clem L          52" (I got to ride Leah's Bicycle Belle Ding Ding)

And, yes, the blue color on Homer is lovely.

I've gotten quite a few "yikes!" with that

Roberta

[Roberta]

That's "Ive gotten quiet a few "yikes" with the Platy (and Appaloosa--not shown in pics) on bus racks."  I put the bikes on there to test the length and feasibility.  I wouldn't put the Platy on a rack if the bus was to move!  :)

[Bones]

61.5cm Homer (most recent batch) ~118.75cm wheelbase. The Homers have definitely gotten longer faster than the Sams have. I found considerable overlap (for my uses) between my Sam and Appaloosa. I no longer have the Sam but I still have an Appaloosa. I now have a Homer as well. It has Paul centerpulls and I wouldn't want any other type of brake on this bike. The blue on this recent batch is out of this world.

Bones

[Daman Kumar]

Roberta,

It’s interesting to see that the Homers reach 43” at the 54.5 cm size. I am interested in wheelbase numbers for the exact same reason, although I live in a suburb. Riding around, and especially commuting, is a lot more convenient if I have the option of riding the bus back home or to the ferry dock.

Side story: when we lived in Boulder, CO I had loaded up the Clem on a bus. I had misjudged just how risky it was, and the rear wheel popped off the rack *while the bus was moving *. Fortunately, that’s all that happened. On the bus ride back, I started the rear wheel to the rack to prevent it from happening again. The drive politely informed me she wouldn’t let me do that again, and I wouldn’t be able to use the rack of my bike didn’t fit. No more of that, thank you.

Daman

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[Daman Kumar]

Thank you for measuring that, Bones! The official spec on the racks on buses here says the maximum supported wheelbase is 46”. 118.75 cm translates to 46.75”. Argh, I’m tempted to think that the extra 0.75” should be fine ™.

> It has Paul centerpulls and I wouldn't want any other type of brake on this bike.

Have sidepulls not performed well enough for you?

Daman

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[Roberta]

My Homer is from 2019, previous version. Appa is 2016, also previous. Platy is 2021. Clem L is 2019 I think, current model. 

I’m glad no damage to your Clem. 

[Bones]

I’ve used sidepulls and took no issue with them. I can’t claim to have experienced any night and day differences. I just find that Paul center pulls and levers have the best feel. They also maximize your clearances, look sharp, and probably provide more powerful braking. In my opinion, they are a perfect match for this bike. I like cantis and V-brakes on other bikes, but on the homer, center pulls just feel right to me.

Bones

[Danny Noonan]

Yeah I just hand-measured my new 61.5 Homer and got a similar measurement to Bones.

Damon, I think a Home would be excellent for the purposes you described. I've only had mine for a bit over a week but absolutely loving it so far. As far as randonneuring/Brevets go, I got the Homer in part to replace a Velo Orange Polyvalent after I did a 200km and found the VO to be a bit lacking in performance and just generally overbuilt for that type of riding (thicker tubes for loaded touring, stouter fork to accommodate the disc brakes, etc.). Haven't done a long distance ride on it yet but I've done a couple 20-30 miles rides and it's very noticeable how much more sprightly and responsive it is compared to the VO. Definitely think that, particularly at your weight, a Homer would have no problem doing double-duty as an S24O / light touring bike. That Clem H you have is awesome though and different enough that I'd be looking to keep both if you can (at least until you get that Atlantis)!

– Danny