Choosing a bike, part 2

[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.

[indysteel]

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.

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......

[emily_in_nc]

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......

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.

[LovelyGirl]

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.

[Owlie]

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.

[Crankin]

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.

[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!