Choosing a bike, part 2

[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!

[Celeste1013]

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!

So, reading this string as I think about a new bike (new rider). I hadn't considered steel until now and I have to ask LovelyGirl - did you get the bike and what do you think?

[LovelyGirl]

So, reading this string as I think about a new bike (new rider). I hadn't considered steel until now and I have to ask LovelyGirl - did you get the bike and what do you think?

I got the Betty Foy today, haven't gotten to ride it yet and won't until Mondsy. But it is going to be perfect. I highly recommend Rivendell!

[LovelyGirl]

Oh! Yes. Jealous!

But which bike? Details!!!!

The guys at the shop heavily favor the Betty Foy, and after telling them my story and needs, that was the recommendation. I am setting up the computer, and just have the Nitto rack left. Kind of nervous because I have to remove the fender to mount it, and I have zero experience with any of it. May have to tuck tail between legs and take Betty in to the Trek guys to ask them to do it.

[Sky King]

Welcome to the world of riding a Rivendell. Sky (my bleriot) is my everything bike. If you bought direct from them I am surprised they didn't put the rack on for you. IMO they should as you just made a major lifetime investment. PHOTOS for sure!

PS. If you get stuck call us, the bike hermit can answer some questions, he puts racks on Rivendell's all the time including Betty

[LovelyGirl]

Welcome to the world of riding a Rivendell. Sky (my bleriot) is my everything bike. If you bought direct from them I am surprised they didn't put the rack on for you. IMO they should as you just made a major lifetime investment. PHOTOS for sure!

PS. If you get stuck call us, the bike hermit can answer some questions, he puts racks on Rivendell's all the time including Betty

Thanks, Sky King! I did buy directly from them. I made the 6 hour drive and went to pick up my bike at Riv's Walnut Creek HQ; when I got there I decided I would indeed spring for the big expensive Nitto rack. The guys didn't know I was going to do it, and my fenders were already on, which was problematic for them. I asked the guys if they would mind installing it (I thought they'd be happy to since it was another $240 sale on top of my bike purchase. Also, I was fully prepared to pay for their labor). They said that they were sales guys, not mechanics but that they would look at it. They decided they couldn't do it. They HAND-DREW me an exploded view of how to do it and wished me luck. Seriously, they could tell me how to do it step by step but they couldn't have actually done it for me? Like I'm better qualified somehow? How can you draw me hand-written instructions and not be capable of installing the rack? Well, that was a total bummer because I really wanted my bike to be totally ready to go. Grant Petersen walked in as I was about to leave, and I was a smidge starstruck. I chatted with him for a few minutes but I couldn't bring myself to ask him to help me with the rack. He's an important guy with a lot on his mind, it was Saturday, and worst of all, my best friend who accompanied me has an 8 month old who was positively screaming in the van at this point. So I just swallowed my disappointment and promised myself I'd get it set up the second I got it home.

Well....I got home Sunday NIGHT, and took it first thing to a bike shop. They told me it'd be ready the next day. I called today and guess what, not ready until tomorrow. Sigh. Those pictures are going to be slow in coming. But I'll get them up here as soon as I can!