Oh, I wish...I had a Rivendell Bicycle

[moderncyclista]

Just dreamin' again. This type of bicycle makes me melt. Lugged steel, gorgeous paint jobs, custom frames (if you choose) *sigh* . I know I'm such a retro-grouch, I don't mean to be - but this type of design sets my heart a flutter.


I would probably have it set up just like this. Maybe a beefier rack - like the Surly nice rack in silver. I like the stock "green" color too. If I could change it I'd go darker green and this is my fantasy.

So Ladies (and occasional Gentlemen) -- What bikes make you drool?

[KnottedYet]

"I know I'm such a retro-grouch, I don't mean to be - "

Nothing wrong with liking that kind of bike. Most of us do, even if only to look at.

I have 3 in that "flavor."

I have one that isn't that flavor at all.

All bikes are wonderful and beautiful. You can like any and all, any and all can make your heart go pitter-pat. There is no rule that a person can only like one kind, or that you have to only like the kind your friends like. Feel the bike love!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My husband and I have three Rivendells. Yes they are beautiful bikes.
My husband's both fit him perfectly, but my Rambouillet definitely does not fit me as comfortably as my tig-welded steel custom Luna bike. Some women have fit/reach issues on 'unisex' Rivendells (I find the term 'unisex' is usually secret code for 'designed for men, but might work for some women too'').

If you have dreams about Rivendells but can't afford them, may I suggest you find another steel lugged bike, either older or new, and accessorize it in a retro manner.
'Full retro nerd mode' usually means fenders, no more than 9 speed setup, full spoke-age, non-clipless (cages or platforms), real leather saddle (as opposed to plastic, foam, and gel), and down tube shifters (or at least bar-end). Depends on your goals and preferences.

[tulip]

I'm looking forward to seeing beautiful bikes at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show next month. I don't know if Riv will be there, but Vanilla will be, and a whole lot of others. I will spend hours admiring them!

[moderncyclista]

Well my 520 is good enough for now. I'm pretty lucky to have it. It's very pretty, durable, has a 9 spd. set up - 36 hole rims rolling on 32's - standard touring pedals (no clips or straps), a Brooks B-17 standard, bar end shifters (which are stock), & fenders - so I guess I'm a full-on "retro-nerd." I don't know what I'd do with another bike anyways. It's just lugged steel, not just Rivs makes me drool. It's always nice to browse.

[Trek420]

If you have dreams about Rivendells but can't afford them, may I suggest you find another steel lugged bike, either older or new, and accessorize it in a retro manner.

I found this for Knott at a thrift store.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=23135

BSG, didn't you find a Bridgestone frame by the side of the road once?

I'd looooooove a Riv but it's lovely to see older bikes brought back from the dead and restored. Hard to explain, sure I know they are just metal but it's like I feel about adopting pets. They are meant to be loved not thrown away. So get out there and find a lugged steel frame.

Or keep checking the Riv site. Sometimes people order one, decide not to buy and they may sell an orphan frame or two for less.

[sundial]

So Ladies (and occasional Gentlemen) -- What bikes make you drool?

This one. It weighs close to 40 lbs and I love every bit of Frank's steel body.

[SadieKate]

(I find the term 'unisex' is usually secret code for 'designed for men, but might work for some women too'').

I've lost my patience with companies who use this term and tell them point blank to their face that it's marketing spin and that they just piss off potential women customers.

Sahalie and Patagonia have been my most recent recipients as they have products in the women's category but when you drill down into the sizing it is only unisex. At least Cervelo is right upfront about why they don't have WSD bikes. That's fine with me.

[moderncyclista]

Nice Bike!! I love Salsa's - never seen one up close but still...
I have browsed their site many a time. I do like your set up. Fenders, Rack, Brooks sprung saddle, looks like a Brooks D-shaped bag, disc brakes, wide tires....fun, fun, fun!
Looks great Sundial, I bet it's alot of fun to ride. The color is great!

Also, where ever that photo is taken looks beautiful!

[sundial]

Thanks Modern. I took the photo in early fall when the crepe myrtles were about to shut down for the season.

[jobob]

... here are my Rivs.


This is Dusty, right after her paint job a couple of years ago:




and this is Pokey, my first road bike, which is now my touring/commuter/funky weather bike. This was taken a few years ago when Pokey and I were about to embark on a tour of the Olympic Peninsula/Vancouver & San Juan Islands, and of course it was pouring rain out that day.

[Tri Girl]

Wow- Pokey is gorgeous!!!! (so is Dusty, but Pokey has beautiful form and function which makes her/him even more beautiful).

[Trek420]

Wow- Pokey is gorgeous!!!! (so is Dusty, but Pokey has beautiful form and function which makes her/him even more beautiful).

Pokey has parts. I bet Dusty's just as beautiful with all his/her bike parts on! More pictures please.

[Biciclista]

Pokey has parts. I bet Dusty's just as beautiful with all his/her bike parts on! More pictures please.

snork. yeah.
and Lisa, show us your Riv.

[Veronica]

Drool at these.

http://tandemhearts.com/coppermine/t...s.php?album=19
or these.

http://tandemhearts.com/coppermine/t...s.php?album=76

Veronica