Choosing a bike, part 2

Hi All,

I had posted a thread previously about getting a road bike either to complement or replace my Trek 7.6FX. I started with the idea of getting a Specialized Dolce, then decided against it as the aluminum frame and the components were the same as my Trek's. I set my sights on a Specialized Ruby next, because the frame and components were better/different, and because I can then have a nice, comfortable bike for long rides next year when both boys are in school. One family bike and one bike just for me, right?

Well.

Then I read lots of threads about steel. I am sold, Girls, sold. I want a smoother ride but like sturdiness. I don't need/want to go racer-fast (though I'm not a fan of slow, either). I want to tow things without worrying about carbon. I love the delicate look of thin, steel-lugged frames.

Honestly, I'm never going to be a racer. I don't want the outfits or the clipless pedals or to become really focused on cadence or timing or any of that. Cyclists that do are SO cool, and I admire their dedication and skills immensely. But I'm a recreational and practical rider with two little kids. And after further study, I just really want a great do-everything bike. A bike that goes all around town, on long rides, will tow a Tag-a-long, give me a buttery smooth ride and will last for years. Steel seems to be the answer to my complicated situation.

I stumbled across Grant Petersen's book Just Ride and I really identified with what he was saying. Well, you know where that led me - to his very expensive Rivendell Bike site. In record time, I fell in love with his Sam Hillborne steel beauty. Sigh. Considering that it is such an expensive bike, I would probably sell my Trek and just have the Sam for my do-it-all bike. IF I get the nerve to plunk down the money at all. My husband is horrified at the thought and will take a bit of sweet-talking. But it can be done.

I live 6 hours from the Rivendell store, so will need to plan a trip to go up and test ride and investigate. So I can't answer as to whether I actually find the bikes a good fit and choice for me. I'm still doing the most preliminary of ground work.

Anyway, back to you. I realize there is a BIG difference between racing bikes and the retro-type bikes from Riv, and I have swung wildly from one to the other in the past week. I would love the opinion of anyone who cares to comment on whether or not such an expensive steel bike is a good choice for someone like me. Given what I've said about my riding, would a Rivendell bike be preferable? If you weren't a racer and could only have one bike, would a Rivendell bike be a logical choice for you? Or would you go a different route?

Thanks in advance for all your input. Means a lot to newbies.

I can't be of any help, but I did want to say I love my steel Jamis Quest. It makes a great road bike and it can be fitted with paniers if I ever want that.

Rivendell's are indeed beautiful bikes, and I don't want to discourage you if that's the route you want to take. But I will just say that there are plenty of bikes that are in the middle-ground between your Trek FX and the Rivendell. Jamis makes some very nice steel bikes. You could also look at Breezers (Villager, Greenway), Linus, Public, Trek, Soma...I mean, there are tons of choices. But by all means, if you want to go for the Rivendell and it won't take food or shelter away from your family, go for it.

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Originally Posted by tulip

Rivendell's are indeed beautiful bikes, and I don't want to discourage you if that's the route you want to take. But I will just say that there are plenty of bikes that are in the middle-ground between your Trek FX and the Rivendell. Jamis makes some very nice steel bikes. You could also look at Breezers (Villager, Greenway), Linus, Public, Trek, Soma...I mean, there are tons of choices. But by all means, if you want to go for the Rivendell and it won't take food or shelter away from your family, go for it.

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This. I love steel and Rivendells are beautiful, but before I paid a premium for a Rivendell or any other boutique bike, I'd want to be very sure of what works for my body and for the kind of riding I do. And if I was going to spend that kind of money on a frame, I'd at least investigate other builders. For that kind of money, I'd probably go full custom, but I have a tricky body to fit (short legs but relatively long femurs, long torso but relatively short arms). But, as Tulip said, there are other off-the-rack options out there that may serve your needs just fine. I have two off the rack steel bikes, a Bianchi roadie and a Jamis Aurora. Surly, Soma, and Salsa have some interesting offerings, too.

As for the cost of a Rivendell (or any custom bike), don't underestimate how much it costs to build up a bike. Between components, wheels, racks, etc., it can add up. Ask me how I know......

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Originally Posted by indysteel

As for the cost of a Rivendell (or any custom bike), don't underestimate how much it costs to build up a bike. Between components, wheels, racks, etc., it can add up. Ask me how I know......

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So true. I got a great deal on a carbon Aegis Swift frame and fork, never built up, on ebay. Paid $699. By the time I was done, I had around $3500 in the bike, all told. Of course I did splurge on a few things -- like Campy Chorus group, which was lovely. But yes, even things like pedals and saddle can cost a bundle these days. And shop labor if you can't DIY.

Of course you girls are so right! I will check out some of the brands that you suggested.

Before I read this, I had called Rivendell to inquire of price, and it looks like $2700 with tax included if I went for the Sam Hillborne. I already have the Brooks. Not sure what componentry but chose the "classic build." I don't think I'd go custom because I have a small stroke imagining that much commitment. Maybe down the road if/when the bike becomes a piece of my heart. I do have the funds, but I am reluctant to give them over without knowing if the bike is THAT GOOD. It sounds like it is according to online opinion. But what of I'm not a Rivendell rider? I was seriously considering a Ruby last week, for Pete's sake! If someone could tell me, "Listen, you get that Riv and it'll be the best ride of your life and worth every sweet penny you pay and will last for 20 years and you'll never, ever look back" then I'd jump in the car and make the trek right now! Actually, no, I'd start convincing my husband and THEN I'd jump in the car! But if you steel owners believe the other steel bikes to be as good and enjoyable, then I really should check those out too.

What everyone else said. Check out Surly, Jamis, Salsa, etc. I'm sure Rivs are sweet bikes, but I think you can get a bike that will do the same things for less money.

Ride some steel bikes and see if you like the feel.
Personally, I'm all for custom, if you have the money, but you need to find out what you really want and what fits. There are lots of great off the rack steel bikes, so do that, and then, make a decision.
I had a steel Jamis Coda for 5 years, as an around town bike. It was cheap, with cheap components, but the feel of the steel was awesome. I sold that bike when I built my custom titanium bike. If I hadn't had the Jamis, I never would have considered building a custom bike in steel or titanium. I love my carbon bike, too, but I find myself yearning for the feel of the ti bike a lot of the time.

Nobody get too jealous. I am just about at Walnut Creek, CA and poised to enter that magic place called Rivendell, where my lovely new bike awaits me. Happy Saturday!

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Originally Posted by LovelyGirl

Nobody get too jealous. I am just about at Walnut Creek, CA and poised to enter that magic place called Rivendell, where my lovely new bike awaits me. Happy Saturday!

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So, reading this string as I think about a new bike (new rider). I hadn't considered steel until now and I have to ask LovelyGirl - did you get the bike and what do you think?

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Originally Posted by Celeste1013

So, reading this string as I think about a new bike (new rider). I hadn't considered steel until now and I have to ask LovelyGirl - did you get the bike and what do you think?

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I got the Betty Foy today, haven't gotten to ride it yet and won't until Mondsy. But it is going to be perfect. I highly recommend Rivendell!

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Oh! Yes. Jealous! :)

But which bike? Details!!!!

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The guys at the shop heavily favor the Betty Foy, and after telling them my story and needs, that was the recommendation. I am setting up the computer, and just have the Nitto rack left. Kind of nervous because I have to remove the fender to mount it, and I have zero experience with any of it. May have to tuck tail between legs and take Betty in to the Trek guys to ask them to do it. :(

Welcome to the world of riding a Rivendell. Sky (my bleriot) is my everything bike. If you bought direct from them I am surprised they didn't put the rack on for you. IMO they should as you just made a major lifetime investment. PHOTOS for sure!

PS. If you get stuck call us, the bike hermit can answer some questions, he puts racks on Rivendell's all the time including Betty

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Originally Posted by Sky King

Welcome to the world of riding a Rivendell. Sky (my bleriot) is my everything bike. If you bought direct from them I am surprised they didn't put the rack on for you. IMO they should as you just made a major lifetime investment. PHOTOS for sure!

PS. If you get stuck call us, the bike hermit can answer some questions, he puts racks on Rivendell's all the time including Betty

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Thanks, Sky King! I did buy directly from them. I made the 6 hour drive and went to pick up my bike at Riv's Walnut Creek HQ; when I got there I decided I would indeed spring for the big expensive Nitto rack. The guys didn't know I was going to do it, and my fenders were already on, which was problematic for them. I asked the guys if they would mind installing it (I thought they'd be happy to since it was another $240 sale on top of my bike purchase. Also, I was fully prepared to pay for their labor). They said that they were sales guys, not mechanics but that they would look at it. They decided they couldn't do it. They HAND-DREW me an exploded view of how to do it and wished me luck. Seriously, they could tell me how to do it step by step but they couldn't have actually done it for me? Like I'm better qualified somehow? How can you draw me hand-written instructions and not be capable of installing the rack? Well, that was a total bummer because I really wanted my bike to be totally ready to go. Grant Petersen walked in as I was about to leave, and I was a smidge starstruck. I chatted with him for a few minutes but I couldn't bring myself to ask him to help me with the rack. He's an important guy with a lot on his mind, it was Saturday, and worst of all, my best friend who accompanied me has an 8 month old who was positively screaming in the van at this point. So I just swallowed my disappointment and promised myself I'd get it set up the second I got it home.

Well....I got home Sunday NIGHT, and took it first thing to a bike shop. They told me it'd be ready the next day. I called today and guess what, not ready until tomorrow. Sigh. Those pictures are going to be slow in coming. But I'll get them up here as soon as I can! :)

Wow! They should have put the rack on for you, though. Glad you got your local bike shop to do it. I want a Betty Foy!!

Well I suppose you can now sell your hand drawn map on one of the Rivendell fan websites :):D to cover the cost of having your rack installed. We have had Grant out to Idaho a few times, he is a character for sure. the bike hermit was astounded though as he puts racks and fenders on, for no cost, for our customers.

Never the less, Can't wait to see the bike. Nitto racks are worth every penny, love mine. I have a Nitto M18 on the front and a 26 " Campee on the back.

I got her all set up finally! I think it will all be worth it! On the back is my 4 year old. My older one is in school and my little guy goes everywhere with me. He's a great companion. My other companion is an 8 year old American Eskimo Dog - Dayton Dogg, as he's known around these parts! Nobody worry, we are abiding by the weight restrictions on the rack :)
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Very, very nice. Congrats. It's a wonderful to figure out what you want, and get it!

Beautiful bike! Congrats!

Congratulations! I wish I had been a little more patient when I decided this fall to get a new bike. I rode several (all aluminum) and I listened to people here who suggested I try steel. There weren't any in my size in the local shops, and, as I said, I got impatient and wanted a new bike. NOW :D I bought a nice one, but with winter approaching I haven't had a chance to take it out much, and of course I'm telling myself I should have waited. So I'm already shopping (researching?) for n+1. Enjoy your new ride in Sunny CA!

Gorgeous bike and nice pic of you and family!

Thanks, all! I finally got all the kinks worked out (saddle position, a fender issue, friction shifter that was loose) and I think it is perfect. I rode her with DH and my two DSs to church this morning. We put in almost 7 miles, and the feel of the road is just so plush. I love being more upright so I can look around at the leaves changing colors (yes, CA is just getting around to that now). I don't have the neck pain I used to have. I can actually bring STUFF with me in my new basket on my front rack. I do feel a bit slower, and the weight of the rack in front is an adjustment, but that gets better with each ride. Im working different muscles than I did on my Trek, which took me by surprise. Nice to not worry over skinny tires and terrain anymore. I took some gravel and felt totally secure. So much versatility, and I love it for that. I can't believe how quickly my preferences for bikes changed in just a few months. I went from a flat-bar road bike, to thinking I needed a carbon road bike, to choosing basically a bike that is the antithesis or either of those. But I know I've arrived at the right bike, finally. Practical+quality+beauty+can pull my kid and haul my dog = perfect for me.

What bike do you wish you had waited for? Hope you get it!

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Originally Posted by LovelyGirl

What bike do you wish you had waited for? Hope you get it!

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Was this directed at me? I just think I should have waited and really evaluated my needs. Like you, I don't really need the speed (my current flat bar road bike is fine). I just ended up with another road bike. It was almost an impulse purchase. And then, after I took her home, I realized there were some features that I preferred on a different bike. I get torn between having that one all-around bike, or a small collection of unique bikes.

But this isn't about me, it's about YOU and your beautiful new bike, and that sunny CA fall foliage weather! Enjoy!

Yes, it was for you, sorry I messed up the format... I know just how you feel; went through exact same. When you go from a junky bike to a much nicer bike like the flat bar road bike, you think it's perfect because it is such an improvement. Then you start realizing there is so much more to be considered, and the next thing you know you spend big $ on a Rivendell and your husband is scratching his head wondering what exactly was wrong with the other 'new' bike!

I wanted the all-around bike in the end. I tend to show favoritism to things, so I know one would always get chosen over the other and the other would grow rust. My Trek is now listed on Craigslist since the Rivendell is the new favorite.

Your new Betty Foy is gorgeous! Now you get to update your signature so you can be proud of her. It is fantastic to find just the right bike.

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Originally Posted by Kerry1976

Your new Betty Foy is gorgeous! Now you get to update your signature so you can be proud of her. It is fantastic to find just the right bike.

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You know, I've been trying so hard! There doesn't seem to be an option for me to do it. I can edit pretty much everything else. Who knows the answer?