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| All picture credits: Rivendell on Tumblr |
If there was ever a Rivendell to please me, this would be it. 700.00 frame (if you pre-order) with overall pricing at approximately 1400.00. Complete with classic Riv braze-ons and lugs.
If the barebones frame excites me, can you imagine my response when Rivendell releases the Clementine in late 2015? Not that I've pre-ordered...but it's the closest bike in speck, with quality componentry, and potential to be the ultimate touring machine of my dreams. The Clementine is everything my Ross isn't.
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Update: in April 2016, I ordered the "Clementine" now called a "Clem-L". As of July 2016, I am awaiting the "Clementine's" arrival. First order of business: adding fenders and racks so I can do an autumn bike overnight.
I'm looking longingly at the Clem. The Clementine is also quite darling. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, somebody has to say it, "Oh my darling, Clementine!"
DeleteWhen Riv first put up the "blug" post on the Clem and Clementine, all I could do the entire day was sing, "Oh my darling, Clementine." I'm glad they were able to keep some of the lugs and keep the price somewhat (although some would say it's still not in any way) affordable. Since the average fully built Surly is about the same price though, I'd say they've done a fine job.
ReplyDeleteOne of my personal peeves with the Riv mixte frames was that the top tube is quite high, making "step over" not quite possible unless the rider is significantly taller than the recommended frame size. When I owned mine, I know that I always had to lean it over in order to get my foot through (of course, I have short legs, probably even considering my height). So, I think developing a loop frame solves those issues (not that I'll be purchasing - though I did go into a brief mental story in which I buy and it replaces the need for a "city bike" and could also be used for longer distances).
I would love to be able to test ride one. I'm curious if it rides more like the Betty as a loop frame, or if it rides more like the Sam Hillborne, and I'm additionally wondering if the two (Clem and Clementine) ride the same feel-wise. It's tough to get a loop frame that doesn't feel slow (in my opinion) because of the riding position, so I'm wishing I were close enough to be able to test it for myself.
I've always loved the Betty Foy and the Cheviot from the standpoint that they've included a non-traditional frame. However, I agree that the stepover height has always looked too high. The price point was always out of my reach, and also I really don't need another bike - don't all bike lovers say that?
DeleteBut, for whatever reason Riv has gone so far as to include another step over frame and this time the cost and the style is right up my alley. Obviously they are trying to drum up cash just to make this bike by soliciting investors so I'm wondering what the mass appeal of such a frame will be. And to offer two step over bikes?
Living in VT probably means I will never be able to test ride a Rivendell - heck, I've never seen one on the road here!
I have never spotted another Riv here in Colorado either. I know people own them because occasionally I'll spot one on Craigslist for sale, but I never see them, so I know they aren't horribly common. I've caught a few people eyeing (or touching sometimes) the Hillborne when it's locked up. I scared one poor guy to death because he just figured it was parked there for awhile and was admiring it.
DeleteHe, like many others, assumed it was an older bike, but I think that's more to do with the lugs which are so rarely seen on newer bikes.
I agree with you that the price point is tough on most of Riv's bikes to be able to "try" for most of us. I know that has to be part of the marketing strategy though - to keep so few of them in locations that they can be tested so a potential buyer is forced to simply buy in order to try. When I bought my Hillborne, the closest shop that had one was in Idaho (and they no longer carry them now).
I think what I've learned is that while I love my Hillborne and can't imagine not having it, I think there are bikes that probably would've fit the bill better (and fit me better), but I wanted to believe that it was better than others out there. It is definitely well made, and beautiful to boot, but I get frustrated with their sizing philosophy at times.
It will definitely be interesting to see how the Clem/Clementine work into their models and how they are received by the population of Riv followers. I have relatives living within a few hours of Riv's shop, so who knows? Maybe I'll be able to pay them a visit and take a look for myself, but I'm not counting on it.
I think and Orange Clementine would be gorgeous and Orange is the fastest color...;-)
ReplyDeleteOrange is my color choice. :)
DeleteOne of these days when I hit it big (LOL) I am going to order a original orange Sam Hillborne with creme head tube from Riv. I was fortunate to visit them while on Business to SF back in 2010 and got to ride both a Sam and the then prototype Soma San Marcos. Both were fun but what struck me was how light the Hillborne was, I remarked to Grant that "you guys make this bike sound like a tank and its so light!" he just kind of smiled. I hope you get your Clementine and maybe a trip to Riv HQ to pick it up. Its a great place to visit they made me feel very welcome and plied me with espresso and chocolate between that and the lovely bikes I was sad to leave.
DeleteThey definitely sell a niche product and while I wish they were mass-produced to bring down the cost for most of us, perhaps it's their uniqueness that holds appeal for most of Riv's followers. I too, would've imagined the bikes wouldn't tend towards the light spectrum and they certainly don't advertise their weights at all -- too many variables to do that, I suppose. It's wonderful to know they are gracious hosts.
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