Rivendell vs Waterford

[uforgot]

I've decided to get a good bike that combines all that I want to do with it. Looking at the Rivendell website, the Rambouillet seems to be perfect. I don't want to race, mostly road but Katy trail and touring if I feel like it. My question is...are there any other bikes comparable to the Rambouillet? I'd like to take my time and compare and ride many bikes. The Waterford st bikes seem to be fairly close also. Any others I should take a look at? What I want is drop bars, relaxed geometry, tires that can go fairly large like the ruffy tuffys, but that I can also install fenders and racks.

[northstar]

How about a Salsa Casseroll?

[Veronica]

I love my Rambouillet. I don't ride it as much since I got my Legolas. But if I could only have one bike it would be the Rambouillet. I have done a three week self supported tour with it, towing a trailer, a little off road riding - nothing gnarly though and my first three double centuries were done on it. It really is a bike that you can configure to do whatever you want.

V.

[Thorn]

Depending upon your budget, you might also want to look at Surly.

I've ordered a custom Waterford for my summer steed. High-end steel, light weight. So far, the experience has been outstanding.

I'm also seriously contemplating building up a "slush-kicker" for winter riding. It won't need to do snow, but it should be able to handle really rough, gravelly roads with coatings of melt. I plan on using it for gravel bike trails in the summer. It will be full fender, wider tires. My needs are similar, but my budget is much smaller than yours. Bikes in the market include the Salsa mentioned previously, the Surly bikes (Cross check or Pacer--you might want to check out the Long Haul Trucker) and Bianchi Volpe.

Pay attention to fit. If you're shorter in the torso, all of those bikes, including the stock Waterford/Gunnar's have long top tubes. If you also short you may not find a perfect fit frame.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Claudia, how tall are you?

[uforgot]

Claudia, how tall are you?

5'4", but I have a long inseam so I'd like some idea before I take any trips anywhere to look at bikes. You guys are telling me what I want to hear. I'm getting some idea and like I said, I'm not in a hurry. If this takes months, it takes month.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

5'4", but I have a long inseam so I'd like some idea before I take any trips anywhere to look at bikes. You guys are telling me what I want to hear. I'm getting some idea and like I said, I'm not in a hurry. If this takes months, it takes month.

Ok, so for your info- I am 5' 5" 1/2 and have a fairly long inseam too. My 54cm Rivendell fits me, but only just barely, and a 52cm Rivendell might even fit me better.
So if you are an inch shorter than me I would say you need a 52cm frame in a Rivendell. A 54 would likely be too big for you, reach wise. I have some issues with too long reach as it is on my 54 and I'm an inch and a half taller than you.

There are still a few 52cm Rambouillets around for sale new, but they are going fast and Rivendell has stopped making Rambouillets for now (big mistake in my book). One thing you should know though is that a 52 Ramb would have 26" tires, not 700 tires.
A Rivendell Saluki would fit your needs well too, and Riv still makes those. It also would have 650B tires in your size frame.
Look to see if there are any Jamis dealers near you- the Jamis Aurora is a fine touring bike and much cheaper than Rivs or Waterfords.

You have not given any clues as to your price range. And are you considering waiting for a custom bike made just for you?

[Trek420]

What I want is drop bars, relaxed geometry, tires that can go fairly large like the ruffy tuffys, but that I can also install fenders and racks.

I love my Mondonico, great ride, beautiful and with plenty of zip and pep but yet all day comfort. But I don't think you could equip it with racks, fenders or ruffy tuffys.

Mimi's Davidson is a beaut and what I'd get for touring (if I won the Lotto and could get another bike )