Lisa, I have a couple of questions about the Rambouillet for you.

On the Rivendell web site at http://www.rivbike.com/bikes/rambouillet it says "The Rambouillet’s stock gearing is 48×36×26 in front, and 11×32 in back."

On the Harris Cyclery web site at http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/rambouillet.html it says "The Rambouillet comes stock with a 12x27 9-speed cassette..."

I assume the Rivendell folks are right, since they should know what they build. Can you confirm? (My 50 year old overweight legs really need more low gears than I've got, so if I'm going to dream about a new bike I might as well make it one that will take me up hills more easily.)

Also, what do you think of the bar end shifters? I think I fall into the camp of people mentioned on the Rivendell web site who shift too often because the STI shifters are just too handy.

And can you get the Rambouillet in any of their colors? I've decided I'm never going to have another bike that isn't red.

Thanks in advance...