Re: [RBW] Digest for rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com - 22 updates in 10 topics

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Melanie Yolles

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Aug 7, 2026, 7:57:00 AM (2 days ago) Aug 7
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Hi Chris - I'll take the B68.
Melanie

On Fri, Aug 7, 2026 at 7:49 AM <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 09:37PM -0600

My 2010 Sam Hill came from Rivendell with a low-normal LX rear derailleur,
and I recall that it shifted very well, although I wasn’t particularly
enthusiastic about the reversed lever action after decades of high-normal
experience. So I sold it and installed a high-normal (the 10 sp Microshift
rd, shifted with friction bar ends, also shifted wonderfully). But I could
learn to love low-normal if the derailleur was particularly nice in its
shifting action.
 
So, I’ll add to Joe’s question: Does the OM-1 shift nicer than low-normal
LX or the other low-normal derailleurs mentioned in this thread?
 
>>> experience there has been good?
 
>>> Ted Durant
>>> Milwaukee, WI USA
 
Patrick Moore
Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
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John Dewey <john...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 11:25PM -0700

My experience with low-normal sold me. Once I bought in, no reason to look
back—it’s challenging to go back and forth.
 
YMMV as always.
 
JD
 
R. Alexis <noj...@webtv.net>: Aug 06 08:44AM -0700

I know the talk of cost has been mentioned on these bikes, but has anyone
considered that the cost of things have gone up and that this is the
result? I have not dug into the cost in comparison to other bicycle
companies past and present cost for bike models. As for the possible
"Lugged" Clem Smith Jr, I maybe on board with it. Wish I had gotten a Gus
Boots-Wilson when it was available. The Clem I rode at Riv HQ was very
nice. Almost tried to get a Gus when I saw one listed at an overseast
Rivendell dealer and was in Asia last December.
 
Thanks,
 
Reginald Alexis
 
On Monday, August 3, 2026 at 10:40:27 AM UTC-7 Adrian wrote:
 
iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 05:01PM -0700

Well, shoot. I was pretty intrigued at the thought of a lugged clem.
Especially if it had a higher top tube like the Charlie Gallop. I'm going
to have to try hard to refrain from speculating I guess, and just wait for
official news.
 
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7:41:54 PM UTC-6 derek zeitel wrote:
 
Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 05:09PM -0700

I think a pricier Clem with lugs makes it not a Clem anymore, a frame
originally designed to be a new alternative to snagging an old TIG'd MTB
off Craigslist and spending too much money trying to make it a decent city
bike. I love my humble welded one-color step-through, Riv already makes
fancier/pricier lugged frames.
 
Joe Bernard
Clearlake CA
 
On Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:01:22 PM UTC-7 iamkeith wrote:
 
Josh C <getjosh...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 06:07PM -0700

I, too, would be interested in a lugged Clem. When I think Rivendell, I
think lugged steel bicycles. That said, I love a Clem, currently own one,
but have owned two over the years. It's a great bike. I usually have one
bike set up for commuting and around-town riding (rides to work, dinner,
drinks, shows, overnighters, and whatnot, the lock-it-up-wherever bike),
and the Clem has had that duty for the most part. But I had a Joe frame
sitting around without a purpose, and seeing as it's a "prettier" frame
with the double top tubes and all them lugs, I swapped my Clem bits over to
that frame, and it's now doing that job. I could see myself buying a lugged
Clem to replace a couple of bikes. Think of a Clem with all the pretty lugs
of a Platy; that would be a good look'n bike.
 
On the other hand, I can see the "need" for a budget bike, but part of me
also thinks that not every bicycle manufacturer is for everyone. There are
plenty of quality budget bike brands out there, and if a lugged Riv is not
in one's price range, it may not be the brand for them. I happily rode a
Surly LHT for years without complaint. I don't mean to sound callous, but
I'm not as attracted to the tig-welded Rivs personally, and, if I were
running the company, I would lean into what they are known for:
good-quality, simple, beautiful, lugged bicycles. I can't justify a new
Range Rover, so I drive a 20-year-old Toyota. I don't feel any kind of way
about folks who choose the Range Rover; it's just a different priority for
them. They want a pretty SUV with all the bells and whistles, and when I
drive, I drive a Surly...
On Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 8:09:59 PM UTC-4 Joe Bernard wrote:
 
derek zeitel <zei...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 07:23PM -0700

Rectangle! Not triangle!
Derek Z
 
On Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:07:30 PM UTC-7 Josh C wrote:
 
jaredwilson <duh...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 07:00PM -0700

Bump,
 
Still available, I suppose I would consider shipping at this point.
 
Thanks :)
 
jared in Berkeley
 
On Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:12:06 AM UTC-7 jaredwilson wrote:
 
ascpgh <asc...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 06:42PM -0700

Someone snap these up; I have a set on my Rambouillet, and they are simply
the best.
 
I told Paul Price that in person at the Philly Bike Expo.
 
Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh
 
iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 05:17PM -0700

Hey, congratulations and hello from another Wyomingite and Rivendell
owner. Good choices, all the way around! The first time I saw a Sam
Hillbourne in the wild, right after the model was released, was during a
Tour de Wyoming ride. I was riding my Rambouillet and we immediately
understood we were part of a fraternity. Welcome!
 
On Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 9:35:07 AM UTC-6 Russell Duncan wrote:
 
Chris Halasz <cha...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 11:22AM -0700

Some saddles and an Ortlieb bag for your consideration - must ship by
Saturday Aug 8 or they’re off to eBay or Craigslist. Prices include CONUS
shipping:
 
Brooks Honey B68 (Excellent - quick takeoff after I found a black Imperial
that better matched the bike) $130
 
Avocet O2 40W Titanium (some beausage) $50
 
Avocet AMPD X-Country W Titanium $30
 
Ortlieb BackRoller Plus Green (beausaged, rack adjustment clips are well
worn) $45
 
Photos here
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/sea-fisherman/albums/72177720334790664/> (apologies
for the disorder!).
 
Thanks,
 
Chris
Chris Halasz <cha...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 04:28PM -0700

Ortlieb bag sale is pending.
 
Brooks Honey B68 (Excellent - quick takeoff after I found a black Imperial
that better matched the bike) $130
 
Avocet O2 40W Titanium (some beausage) $50
 
Avocet AMPD X-Country W Titanium $30
 
Ortlieb 4.1 liter saddle bag (black, does not play nice with most Brooks
saddles due to their shorter rails) $35
 
Photos here
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/sea-fisherman/albums/72177720334790664/> (apologies
for the disorder!), must ship by Saturday!
 
On Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11:22:55 AM UTC-7 Chris Halasz wrote:
 
Joe Putnam <sirputn...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 11:40AM -0700

Nice ride, Dave! I live down the street from Stone's (great shop) and had
admired this Roadeo many times on trips there. You may have noticed my
orange XO-1 or brown Saluki in there, I believe John had those while he was
working on your Roadeo. Anyway: Good luck w the sale!
 
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 4:52:06 PM UTC-7 dstein wrote:
 
P W <philip....@gmail.com>: Aug 06 08:00AM -0700

Joe,
 
You know we all need to SEE it!
 
Even though we can't trade for it, and you don't want to sell it, and definitely should just keep it and ride it, because two cm is just a seatpost and stem adjustment away from the same “right size” anyway, and bigger bikes look better, and French fit is actually ideal for touring, Etc. Etc.
 
I just love looking at cool bikes!
 
P. W.
 
~
 
(917) 514-2207
 
~
 
On Aug 5, 2026, at 4:19 PM, Joe Putnam <sirputn...@gmail.com> wrote:
 
Hey all,
 
So, my favorite Riv of all time is the Saluki, as I've mentioned here on several threads. I have found myself in a bit of an odd situation. I won't go into the details here, but through a series of interesting events was able to buy (and currently own) both versions of the Saluki. A Candy Apple Red 60cm cantilever model, and a Root Beer Metallic 58cm Sidepull model.
 
When I bought the red one, I thought I was getting a 58cm (long story, but the bike had been bought/sold more than once before I got it and was advertised as a 58cm, an honest and understandable mistake). Evidently I was the first person to actually measure the size, mainly due to noticing right away that it felt bigger than my 58cm, which is the perfect size for me (for this bike, anyway). Not sure if this makes any sense, but trying to keep the post semi-brief.
 
SO! I am torn. I love this bike, but there is no denying that it is just a hair too big. The 58cm definitely fits right into the sizing advice "buy the largest frame you can ride comfortably", which I generally agree with as I prefer the feel of a larger frame to a smaller frame. I am having fun riding the 60, but I have it built as a light trail touring bike (which is exactly what I why I wanted the canti version to begin with), and it might be crazy to have a bike this large for this purpose. Would love to just swap for one of the next two smaller sizes.
 
TLDR: I am considering putting a 60cm Saluki frameset up for trade. Anyone potentially interested in trading one of the below models? Bonus points if somewhat close to the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
In order of preference:
 
56/58cm Canti Saluki
 
56-58cm Mountain or Allrounder
 
55-56cm Toyo Atlantis
 
54-56cm Hunqapillar
 
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Joe Putnam <sirputn...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 10:41AM -0700

I am having trouble posting pictures (they are evidently too large and I am
not tech-literate enough to know how to reduce the file size, but I am sure
there is some kind of repository of all human knowledge I could easily
access to figure this out...). Will update when I have a few! She's a
stunner.
 
As far as the "French sizing" thing goes, yes, this is pushing those
boundaries to the absolute max. While still technically readable, I think
with any kind of touring load it would probably be unwieldy/unsafe, or at
least more difficult than it needs to be to get on and off this thing.
 
Thanks for the replies!
 
Joe Putnam <sirputn...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 10:51AM -0700

[image: Saluki_1.jpeg]
iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 11:14AM -0700

Just want to comment that, if that saddle ihat photo is adjusted properly
for your legs, that Saluki does NOT appear to be too big for you. At least
to my eye. My advice is to proceed slowly and to contemplate future
configurations and future riding styles.
 
I have a 60, my saddle is lower, and I think my frame is a wee bit small.
Joe Putnam <sirputn...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 11:28AM -0700

It's nice to get some assurance that this might be an ok fit. As I said, it
is fun to ride and not a major difference from the 58 except in one
important regard: The saddle is the correct height, and the main issue w
this size is the standover height. I have 42mm tires on right now and the
TT just BARELY grazes if I'm wearing normal clothes and shoes standing over
the frame. So, effectively I am at the max tire size right now (which is
ok), but some breathing room seems wise if I am going to be riding on any
trails or in heavy traffic where frequent mounting/dismounting (sometimes
unexpectedly) is likely to happen. Alternatively, I supposed I could run
38mm tires to buy myself a few mm, but that wouldn't be ideal.
 
It is nice to see that others have their rides set up similary, size-wise.
 
On Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11:14:34 AM UTC-7 iamkeith wrote:
 
Brian McDermott <brianmark...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 06:12AM -0700

Love the Saluki and name and agree on the animal names. Love my Appaloosa
but I have never called it a “Joe” Appaloosa and have even considered
covering the “Joe” decal with something else
Jonathan Carmack <jonca...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 09:56AM -0400

All I know is my Gallop ride quality is the GOAT. 🐐
 
On Thu, Aug 6, 2026 at 9:12 AM Brian McDermott <brianmark...@gmail.com>
wrote:
 
George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 06:04AM -0700

Looks like Pelatonia. No?
 
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 9:28:23 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
wrote:
 
Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com>: Aug 06 09:25AM -0400

Sure is!
 
On Aug 6, 2026, at 9:04 AM, George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com> wrote:
 
Looks like Pelatonia. No?
 
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 9:28:23 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:
 
I took Charlie to a charity ride with 8500 riders and I did not see any other Rivendells. Sad! I was surely the most comfortable of all 8500 riders. I had to wear a jersey, but my shorts are unpadded merino wool, so I did not totally cave!
 
Leah
 
4B085866-9139-4CAE-91DE-FEA8446589CF.png
 
On Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 11:31:11 AM UTC-4 tin...@gmail.com wrote:
 
Definitely! I'll be getting it this week. I'm thinking I'll take it slow on a few solo rides before rolling up to a mid-week or weekend group ride.
 
On Friday, 19 June 2026 at 06:12:31 UTC+9:30 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:
 
These replies are wonderful! Thank you both for reporting on your Charlies.
 
Tin - please, PLEASE write about your club ride experience with your Charlie. Before I had mine, I was riding a Platypus with the group, so not unlike your Buena Vista. I absolutely notice a difference between my two bikes - that Charlie is easier to ride faster. How soon before you can get your bike and do a group ride?
 
Leah
 
On Jun 18, 2026, at 4:03 PM, Tin Do <tin...@gmail.com> wrote:
 
Hi Everyone,
 
Leah, I'm in the same boat! Writing also on a rainy day - I bought a Charlie specifically to ride on group/club rides, and from the Rivendell copy felt it was designed exactly for someone in my position. I've been happily getting around on a Soma Buena Vista for these group rides but wouldn't mind a speed boost for some of the longer road ones. I've been keenly following your Charlie posts and have been encouraged by your experiences.
 
Getting onto this thread a little early though, as I actually haven't taken the Charlie for a group ride yet. It's still at the bike shop getting racked and fendered. A spin in the alley suggests it is a lighter ride than I'm used to, and because I sized up to a 57 it still feels stable and smooth - it's a familiar feeling probably due to the bikes I currently ride. I'm hoping the light weight and increased gear range will make the crucial difference to my riding, while still being a bike I can ride and use daily.
 
I'm expecting to be tolerated, but perhaps underestimated based on group reactions to the BV, but I welcome it. One of the bike mechanics didn't think it would make of a difference to performance, but in my own experience borrowing a friend's gravel bike on some of the longer rides even a little improvement is all I'd need. And if not, I subscribe to the notion that Rivs are about 80% similar to each other; variations on a theme that I would enjoy riding regardless. Here it is below with road bike inspired black and silver parts. Will report back after the first group ride soon!
 
Tin
 
On Monday, 15 June 2026 at 17:02:44 UTC+9:30 tom.powe...@gmail.com wrote:
 
Hi Leah and all,
 
I don't have a Charlie, but am very Charlie-curious, so I'm pleased for this thread and will look forward to hearing how other people are finding theirs :)
 
I'm also quite curious about whether people are finding the Charlie more light and lively than the Homer, for people who have ridden both! (I'm tossing up between these two.)
 
As a tall person at the top of the nominal weight range for the Charlie, I'm also curious to hear if any heavier folks have been riding it, and how they have been finding it. I'm guessing that one wouldn't be in danger of breaking the bike, but I'd be interested to hear if the bike feels 'noodly' at that end of the weight scale.
 
Apologies for adding more questions than answers, and looking forward to hearing about people's experiences,
 
Tom
 
(Cambridge, UK)
 
On Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 2:40 AM Ted Durant <tedd...@gmail.com> wrote:
 
On Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6:34:19 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:
 
At the gem of our area, George. Gull Lake!
 
Home of one of the last remaining fleets of International 210's, the boat I grew up racing on.
 
https://www.210class.com
 
Ted Durant
 
Milwaukee, WI USA
 
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