Gus or Susie, am I crazy?

[Ryan Frahm]

Hello all! Long time Riv admirer. But, I always hesitate long enough to miss out on buying one. 

I ride a Chumba Ursa mountain bike. It tows my daughter, grocery runs, any trail ever. I ride the bike mellow in my opinion, but I’ve been told maybe I’m more aggressive than I feel. Jumps are common when a water bar is good, even fully loaded. But they are always a smooth landing. I ride a 29x2.6 and find it great for most terrain. Snow is rare but not something I don’t ride in. I had an LWB Jones complete and very much enjoyed the bike. But, 37lbs without saddle or pedals was my first time feeling like a bike is too heavy to be fun. And it was the shortest lived bike I’ve ever had. I’ve never felt that disc brakes were an upgrade really. For reference, I am 6’1” 170lbs. 90 PBH puts me between sizes on the upper end so that is always nice to hear what others prefer!

Anyhow, am I a Riv candidate? With the Gus And Susie pre sale starting soon I wanted to ask the group opinion. I will call them and I’m sure they can sell me that I am. But that’s their job. 

Thanks to anyone who has some insight, I appreciate it in advance!

[Roberta]

If you speak with anyone at Riv, I believe he will tell you what he really believes is best, not a “sales” job. 

I’ve called about a red Roscoe Bubbe to have a Joe Appaloosa (purchased from a dealer instead of direct; they would have made more money with a full Rosco build) suggested instead.  I’ve called about a Cheviot to be told I should wait a few years until their newer model (which became the Platypus) comes out. I’ve been extremely happy heeding their advice. 

Good luck with your first Riv

Roberta 

[Bill Fulford]

I’ve been riding my Gus for a year now. It’s taken some time to warm up to it, but having  ridden through the fall and now into winter I am loving it. It definitely feels heavy, but when I want a ride without windchill, a bike that can plow through water, mud, over roots, basically thru anything Maine offers, it is my go to bike. A peppy ride? Not how I would describe it. Strong and stable? Yes! Fun? Absolutely! Just yesterday I rode across deep frozen mud and felt confident, The bike hardly shifted. (I also ride 2.6 tires). Hope this helps in your decision.  ~Bill

[Garth]

If you found your enjoyable Jones too heavy to be enjoyable .... you'll likely find the same with a Gus/Susie. Or just give up the ghost of weighing and comparing bikes and just ride and enjoy them for what they are...... a means for The Ride !  

[Ryan Frahm]

It was partly weight and mostly a poor quality control issue that left a bad taste for the jones. The weight mattered when it was more than my rack could handle. I have a better rack now. Just enjoying the ride is why I’d buy one of these. 

[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you for this! I’ve never called but they have been very helpful on a couple email questions I’ve sent. Glad to hear that they really are as great as they seem. Definitely another reason I’d like to have one of their bikes!

[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you Bill! Peppy isn’t how I’d describe what I’m on either. The big tires do what they do well in the rocks and mud though! Glad to hear from someone who has one, they seem so rare still!

[a spen]

Having owned all of the bikes you've mentioned here (Gus, Susie, Jones LWB complete) I will share that there is no comparison between the Jones complete vs. the Rivs, IMHO.  The Jones complete felt like a sled out of the box and like you, it was not long in my stable (unlike the Jones LWB frame I built up which felt much lighter and livelier, though ultimately not a keeper) 

Given the riding you describe I would comfortably encourage you to consider one of the Rivs you mentioned here.

Al's 2-penny's worth

[Benjamin Park]

I have a Jones LWB complete (size M) and a Susie (size L). Or had a Susie until it died an untimely death after falling off a bike rack on the highway. I found the Susie to be barely the right size (me: PBH 87, 6 foot, 150 lbs) so take all of this with that in mind.

I got the Susie because the Jones was quite heavy and wanted something lighter and more nimble- but the Susie was not much lighter, maybe 3 lb or so. I had pretty standard components (Velocity Cliffhanger/ Teravail 2.6; Silver crank, Tosco bars). It's a big bike. Like really big.

I mostly used Susie for singletrack, pretty standard XC mountain biking with some downhill and commuting thrown in. I found it to be very similar to the Jones, actually, with some slight differences.  The steering of the Susie had less flop, and the ride felt a bit livelier. Susie was able to handle any terrain I wanted to ride and I kept up fine with my friends on full squish (I just needed to steer more to avoid the big bumps). The Jones however feels a bit more planted, perhaps because the BB is lower. I also had the stem on the Susie all the way down, so I feel that the stack was almost too high for me as I found myself hunching over my handlebars on gravel or road and fantasizing about drop bars.  But again, maybe the bike was too big and a M would have been better. I will say the stack and Tosco bars were nice especially on steep downhills.

Overall I preferred the Susie, for the ride but a lot for the look and feel of it - but then it died. However I have not missed Susie so much as to look for another one and feel like the Jones is fine. If I get a Susie in the next round it will be a size M but I really like 29+ wheels to be honest.

Ben in ATL

[kaelawoods]

It's been 4 months since I built up my Gus, which also happens to be the first Rivendell I've ever ridden. ( I live halfway across the world and Rivs are scarce here). I've never ridden a Jones nor do I own a disc brake bike, but like you, I wanted a bike that can do it all, handle any trail I come across, and the Gus has been doing all that, and more. It's a strong, beautiful frame, definitely on the heavier side compared to my other low trail randonneuring bike which is a real lightweight,  but man it's just such a joy to ride. I think the wheel set and tires do contribute greatly to the ride feel, i built up a a pair of Velocity Cliffhangers with a front dynamo and currently have Rene Herse Umtanum Ridges on them. They're only 2.2" but work well for the mixed terrain in my country. Single track took some getting used to, which had nothing to do with the bike but the rider I'm sure. :) I have a friend who owns the Susie and I think you can't go wrong with either, but I think the Gus is just... invincible.

[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you for the comments! I’m sure the Gus is invincible. Also good to know it isn’t too low with a 2.2 tire. I really wish the dark green Gus was still available. My wife is very against all of the color options coming except the Riv orange for the Gus, so that’s what I’d have to go with. Haha

[Patrick Moore]

What country do you live in? (Sorry for leaving out a salutation; don't know your name.)

And please post the statutorily required photos!

Patrick "2.2" is too skinny for our sandy acequia trails" Moore, in the ABQ, NM, USA riverine bosque.

On Wed, Dec 8, 2021 at 10:01 AM 'kaelawoods' via RBW Owners Bunch <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

It's been 4 months since I built up my Gus, which also happens to be the first Rivendell I've ever ridden. ( I live halfway across the world and Rivs are scarce here). I've never ridden a Jones nor do I own a disc brake bike, but like you, I wanted a bike that can do it all, handle any trail I come across, and the Gus has been doing all that, and more. It's a strong, beautiful frame, definitely on the heavier side compared to my other low trail randonneuring bike which is a real lightweight,  but man it's just such a joy to ride. I think the wheel set and tires do contribute greatly to the ride feel, i built up a a pair of Velocity Cliffhangers with a front dynamo and currently have Rene Herse Umtanum Ridges on them. They're only 2.2" but work well for the mixed terrain in my country. Single track took some getting used to, which had nothing to do with the bike but the rider I'm sure. :) I have a friend who owns the Susie and I think you can't go wrong with either, but I think the Gus is just... invincible.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Ryan Frahm]

Hey Patrick! I was actually just in ABQ over thanksgiving. Riding on 2.6” tires now but the i36 rim helps them spread out. Having to use the i25 cliffhanger is one of the things that has me hesitating, I’m a fan of wide rims. I’m back and forth. Should probably wait for the next Clem run. The Gus just has so much style!

[Ryan Frahm]

Crunch time! I talked to Will and he recommended a large Susie. I’m definitely leaning towards dark gold. But my wife says both colors look like something from our daughters pants still. Haha. With a February, or let’s be honest, later delivery, I will have plenty of time to source the few parts I will need. Ordered the Bosco bars today to pacify me. 

[Joe Bernard]

Dark Gold rules. If I was still that guy who buys too many bikes I would be all over this. Enjoy! 

[Ryan Frahm]

Haha, thanks! I only have one bike. If this works out, it will be my new only bike!

[Eric Marth]

Frahm30, I don't have a Gus or Susie but, man, the colors slated for these frames are great! You can't go wrong. 

[Laura]

If you are in the Susie category, that LimeOlive is deceptively slick! It tips the scale on handsome when paired with black & grey. But, if you want to add color with anodized bits, and housing, the choices are varied… blue, purple, raspberry, or even green would top my list.

The DarkGold is beautiful, but many of the off-the-shelf component colors, to my eyes, would be too strong for it. It begs to be adorned with grey and silver, which is its own type of perfection. Of course, someone will post examples to prove me wrong, but that is how I differentiate the two colors.

[Ryan Frahm]

Hey Eric, thank you for that color comparison! I agree there is no wrong choice myself. 

[Ryan Frahm]

And thank you Laura for complicating it further! Haha. The LimeOlive really looks nicer in that picture above as well! I do love green but wasn’t sure with so few pictures to see it in better light. My build will likely end up being silver. It will also start out as a mix of things I have and will be searching eBay for just to get it together. 

At least I have a few hours left to decide!

[Ryan Frahm]

Added the LimeOlive in large to my cart at 12:04. Was distracted by my daughter just long enough, they were gone. Went for the dark gold! Now the waiting game… Thank you everyone for the help!

[Laura]

Oh boy! Have fun…

[Ryan Frahm]

I feel better already knowing that if I’d have hesitated yet again, I’d have missed them. Again. Trying to talk myself out of the Rich built wheels with White Industries hubs. They have them. Seems like a better jump situation these days…

[Ryan]

Don't talk yourself out of those Rich-built wheels with the WI hubs...they are gorgeous. Expensive, yes. But worth it. OTOH if Riv says the Velocity-built rims are good , they probably are and they are  about half the price and since you seem to have a young daughter...probably the financially responsible choice😊

[Erik]

Rich builds beautiful wheels.  I have the White Industries / Velocity Cliffhangers on my Susie.  Certainly not necessary, but they are well worth it. And I think you'll love the dark gold color.  

[Joe Bernard]

I have Rich-built WI/Atlas on my custom. Why? Because it's a really nice Rivendell and Rich is the best in the business and those polished hubs are so pretty! You gotta like the buzzy noise though. I do, but them half-the-price wheels with Shimano are quieter. 

Joe Bernard

[Ryan Frahm]

Completely unnecessary. But so nice!

[Wally Estrella]

Congrats!  I popped for a XL Gus in 'friction shift'n sardine'.  I went through my LBS for the frame purchase.  Put the burden on them to get it as I figured I could have possibly become distracted during work and missed out.  The sales seemed to go fast!  

Now, I'm off to find the rest of my parts.....

Wally in Maine

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 6:14:42 PM UTC-5 fra...@gmail.com wrote:

[Eric Marth]

Congrats on your frame! I would have gone with your first choice LimeOlive as well but wouldn't complain about the dark gold! 

As far as wheel availability, just call Riv and see what's up. The stock online isn't always 100% accurate as to what's available, especially when you buy a complete and have it built up. They save stuff for builds. 

It's nuts that there was another blistering sale. I didn't watch closely when they went live but as of this morning most sizes and colors are sold out of the Gus and Susie. You can still get a Homer in every size! I think the Homer may have limited appeal, though perhaps they got in a ton of them? That seems unlikely. Maybe it's the sidepulls and the tire size limits. Seems people are eager for frames that offer linear pulls, cantis and bigger tires as the Platypus, Hillborne, Susie/Gus, Appaloosa frames all sold lickity split. 

[Garth]

It should be noted regarding wheels you're not limited to/by what's shown online as Rich has access to other parts/brands as well. Send him a note or call and ask. 

[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you! The green would have been great but I’m not at all upset. I’d have loved to have Riv build it up but I have some parts to use and couldn’t justify it. I also love building them up! 

I have no need to rush getting wheels I’m sure. But who knows these days! I’d like silver hubs and options are limited unless using a disc hub. I probably shouldn’t over spend but I’m excited for this thing so it will be tough!

Thanks for the tip on calling them. I will likely wait until after the new year to order some up. And hopefully the frames will be close to the scheduled delivery!

[Ryan Frahm]

Hey Wally, glad you were able to get one! The XL still have some left at least. Larges were gone quick! Enjoy the parts hunt. Putting them together is at least half the fun I think!

[Wally Estrella]

Thank you!  Well, I was in on the original run, but lockdowns were happening around then.  My work situation was unknown at the time (as was most things then).  So, I bailed on getting one.  Not this time though :)

I'll (seemingly) always say "I don't like that Riv color selection!"  then see it in person then say "WOW! That's sharp!".   I'm looking forward to finally getting a mermaid Gus.  Almost went w/ the orange, but I have an orange Quickbeam.  

Good luck w/ the Susie/Wolbis!

[Ryan Frahm]

I have bailed because of color choice before as well. I was going to go for a green Gus last time. Just got to it late and missed it. I wasn’t going to let another chance slip by! Especially if the spring run is the last of these. Maybe a tig version instead. But likely a similar price the way hints are going!

[kaelawoods]

Patrick, I live in Singapore. Sorry for the long delay, hope the photos make it through. This was right when I first built it up, I've since swapped out the stem for a slightly shorter one (100mm-80mm) and added a Happisack, which led me to an interesting observation of how the Gus Boots much prefers a rear load as compared to a front load.

It's mostly paved roads around here in Singapore, we only have a few trails around, one of which requires taking a 15min boat ride out to a small island, but I am curious about 2.6" tires on the Gus, will definitely try those someday but for now am enjoying the extremely quiet and supple ride quality of the RH Umtanum Ridges.

Kelvin 

[Ryan Frahm]

Great pictures Kelvin! Good to know about preferring a rear load. Though I kinda suspected that with the chainstays. Maybe just low riders up front? I was hoping to put a basket up front for around town at least, guess we will see!

[Ryan Frahm]

Actually, I plan to put the same Pass and Stow rack on! 

[Jared Wilson]

I had a Pass and Stow 5 rail on my Susie and didn't like the way it felt, the load seemed to too far forward. 

Much happier with a Nitto Marks Rack for that application, but that's just my preference, YMMV.

[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you for the tip! The pictures I’ve seen made me think that but I figured it worked if people ran it, so very good to know. I really can’t wait to see the rear Pass and Stow come out.

[kaelawoods]

I got the Pass and Stow for exactly that, a front basket setup with ability to run panniers if need be for camping/touring. I think the handling is actually rather acceptable as long as it's balanced with a rear load, so in this instance, rear Happisack + front basket for misc about town things, which is how I'm using it now.

You'll love the P&S, it's a wonderful rack, and the internal wiring for dynamo lighting just makes it all so clean. That said, I did not know there was a rear P&S in the works!

Glad you enjoyed the pics, planning to shoot some more with its current setup on my next ride.

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, especially for the photos. No, can't go wrong with RH tires!

[Ryan Frahm]

I look forward to seeing more pictures of your setup! I had a P & S rack on a bike I sold not long ago. Great rack for sure. A basket would really just be for around town. I’ll probably wait to ride it and then decide. Pretty much only need some wheels and whatever stem is going to work! Going to be a long 2-3 months of waiting. Hopefully no long delays!