The Pilgramage to Waterford

[rij73]

Ooh! It sounds very exciting! How long will the process take?

[Thorn]

Thanks Lisa--he even showed me a couple of Rivendells (am I correct that you're a Rivendell owner or am I matching to another name?).

rij...looks like about 6 weeks for the frame. I guess that means around Christmas time or a little later for the full bike...won't be able to get it on the road, though, until April/May when the salt comes off the roads. But, I figure looking at the beauty (and she will be beautiful, of course ) will be my incentive to keep up the riding through the winter--after all, I wouldn't want to let her down on her first ride!

[DebW]

Oooo. Congrats. Which of their models did you go with?

[indysteel]

How exciting, not only that you're going to get a pretty steel bike out of the deal, but most importantly, one that fits. I'm green with envy. The bike shop that did my fitting for my Bianchi sells Waterfords. I'm leaning toward Ti, but if I go steel, they're definitely an option.

Have you thought about color, lugs, decals and the like?

[Thorn]

The model will be the RS-33. I wanted a bike that is light, has a good snap and yet is comfy after 100 miles. I left it up to them to choose the model that fit those requirements. So, it will be the oversized, oval steel S3 tubing, TIG welded, no lugs; the sport road model, not the racing model so that handling should be softer.

As for color, I had been leaning towards a fade scheme from a dark cranberry into a dark orange, but then I saw the Harlequin magenta/gold. Depending upon the light angle, the color can be some shade between magenta and gold. On a round surface, it has a nice effect with the colors that the paint can appear were all within my chosen colors. Figured I couldn't lose and it should be fun.

I'm putting over it their new stylized decals. I really like the script font--gives an elegance to the bike. I saw it today on several bikes. It looked good.

In the TMI side...the bike is being funded by stock options from a former job. I had worked for a small company. It was a good job. We got bought by a big multinational. The job went downhill, but I ended up with some "blood money"--I so liked my job that it was like taking payment to take away a good friend. Anyway...I decided that I would use the money to increase quality of life. I figure splurging on a custom bike fits into that definition so it will be bittersweet...but it also means I can justify frivilous things like harlequin paint and Campy Chorus. I've never splurged like this on myself before...feels wierd (but I better not get too used to it )

[mimitabby]

Thorn
the bike sounds absolutely awesome. I've seen the paint job that Waterford can do! (I like your color combo better than the one I saw though)

I really look forward to following your story...

[DebW]

Are you going for a steel or carbon fork?

My recent custom bike was also funded by a stock option windfall, though I'm still with the company.

[jobob]

Thanks Lisa--he even showed me a couple of Rivendells

Waterford actually used to make Rivendells about 10-12 years ago. My Dusty, a Rivendell road bike that I bought second hand, was made in 1996 at the Waterford factory and it's got the decal to prove it.

Ed: to emphasize the "used to"

[elk]

Waterford actually used to make Rivendells about 10-12 years ago. My Dusty, a Rivendell road bike that I bought second hand, was made in 1996 at the Waterford factory and it's got the decal to prove it.

Rivendell doesn't make their own bikes? Do they put components together?
Confused!

I saw a shiny black Waterford that I thought was beeeeyooootiful!

[KnottedYet]

Riv's bikes are made in Japan, their cheaper bike is made in Taiwan. They have this awesome double-garage behind a little strip-mall thing in Walnut Creek where they complete the bikes.

Trek and I hung out there nearly all day once...

[jobob]

Not quite.

Rivendell's production frames are built by companies other than Rivendell. The Bleriot is made in Taiwan, and most of the other frames (such as Rambouillet, Atlantis, etc.) are made by Toyo in Japan. The A. Homer Hilsen is currenly made by Waterford (altho I think some are also made in Japan).

Rivendell's custom frames - the ones that are actually called "Rivendell" (as opposed to Saluki, Rambouillet, Atlantis, etc) - are made by Rivendell's framebuilders, Curt Goodrich and some other guy whose name escapes me.

[elk]

I see.

Right now, given my knowledge base, and pretty much based on looks and reputation...I'd HAPPILY take a SAluki OR a Waterford...;-)

Not that I don't love my own little Morgan horse of a bike...