Rivendell Sizing...

[Veronica]

My Riv is a 54 and I have discovered that my back problems on LONG rides are caused by stretching out to ride in the hoods. They magically go away when I ride in the drops. I am nearly 5'5", 30 inch inseam.

My new Riv is a 53. I wish it was done NOW!

V.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Carrie,
Might I also suggest that you look over some of Rivendell's other bikes?
They have the Glorius and the Wilbury now, which are great bikes, plus the slightly less expensive Bleriot is now IN STOCK, and the Canti-Rom might be nice too!
They just got the new Hilsen made, but only will come in larger sizes than we average women could ride
http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes.html
You can always just call them and see what's in stock and talk to them about your needs.

[jobob]

{various stuff, but all Riv-related ...}

Riv just launched a website for the A. Homer Hilsen, which is new model basically identical to the Saluki, but instead of 650B wheels as is on the Saluki (and it's lower-priced version, the Bleriot), the Hilsen has 700c wheels. The Hilsen comes in larger sizes (57 and up), the logic being that the 650B wheels can look a bit out of proportion on the larger frames. Although the Hilsen is a larger frame, there's still interesting reading on that site.
http://www.ahomerhilsen.com

For what it's worth, my other Rivendell, a 10 year old pre-owned semi-custom road bike, has about a 54 cm frame (54.5, actually). That might be considered small for me, since I'm 5'7" with a 81-82 cm pbh depending on who measures it, but the top tube on this frame is quite long, proportionately, compared to the more recent stock models. This bike fits me just fine.


So V., do you know when your Legolas will be ready? and did you believe them when they said 3 weeks?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

JoBob,
Yes you are right about the 52cm and smaller Rambouillets coming with 26" wheels, not with 650B wheels as I stated. I guess I just meant that they come with smaller wheels than the 700c's on the 54cm's and larger. Thanks for the correction.

Lisa (glad I can fit the 54's!)

[Petra]

well, you are both correct:
650 cm is 25.6 " (rounded makes 26" ) and the 700 cm is the usual 28" wheel.

[SadieKate]

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

[Blueberry]

I'm not so much concerned about tire size (at least from an availability standpoint) - I just ordered a Bike Friday I just wanted to make sure I would need a size that's still in production (the bike, not the tires).

I really like the Rambouillet - Riv has other beautiful frames, but based on the descriptions I think the Rambouillet best fits my needs. I want something that's comfortable for (eventual) all day rides, yet reasonably performant. And I want to be able to take wider tires/fenders. I don't want to go with the Atlantis (though it is a lovely bike) because it's overkill for me

Thanks for all of the input!!

Carrie Anne

[Veronica]

So V., do you know when your Legolas will be ready? and did you believe them when they said 3 weeks?

I wanted to believe them. But now I think the end of September is more likely.

V.

[Blueberry]

So I talked to Riv. Super nice folks (for anyone who, like me, was looking at them, and lives far away from any dealers). We ascertained that I do ride a 54 which is NOT being discontinued. I actually have a shorter inseam than V - mine is about 29, so hopefully I won't have the problems with the top tube length. Bad news is they're out of them (54's), and they haven't yet placed the next order, so > 6 months for one to come in. Good news: they're still making the 54. They mentioned a TN dealer has one (but it isn't the color I want - it's green and I wanted a blue one...)

Ah well....

[jobob]

The green is very nice if that helps any

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

There might be other dealers who have one in stock, you could try calling various dealers. I got mine last month from Harris (near Boston). I do know they have other blue rambs in stock, but maybe not another 54. No harm in calling them though, maybe they can recommend other dealers to call as well in your search.
The new Rivendell Bleriots are in stock now at Rivendell- slightly less expensive only because of the type of steel used I think (doesn't effect function or looks), but they are very very nice bikes. Blue. And they have your size. Here are some pix:
http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2006/cc...ulton0806.html

I actually would have gotten a Bleriot instead of my Rambouillet, if they had been in stock last month.