Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Rivendell Clementine - First Impressions


When the Clementine box arrived in mid August, I was at work. My son texted me the photo above, assuring me that the box was in top shape.

I was pleased that the Clementine arrived with every piece padded and well packed. This image is
more representative of the actual frame color. 
In spite of the overall excitement, I was still riddled with some anxiety - would this really turn out to be my dream bike? My plan was to wait until until the weather cooled off and slowly put the bike together, and lovingly get to know the Clementine piece by piece. Except my family wouldn't have it and decided to assemble the bicycle for me. I was especially tickled to watch my 14 year old dive in, with confidence gained from his bike mechanics' summer class.

The frame color is much darker than I expected. I was picturing a lighter, Celeste-type aqua color, but in reality it is a rich teal. There are some sweet touches, like the uniquely colored spoke nipples, each a different color, and "Clem" written on the hubs. Rivendell also included a bell and black handle bar grips, and while not top-notch quality, they are welcome items.


I jumped aboard the bike around dusk and rode it for five minutes in our neighborhood. I was a little beside myself because I had expected to immediately fall in love with the Clementine - pumped and assured by other Rivendell owners that I wouldn't regret the purchase - but unfortunately the upright stance reminded me of a cruiser. Over the next couple of days I moved the seat back and pushed the shift and brake levers forward, trying to buy a few inches of reach, which only minimally helped. The handle bars were pretty foreign, however I like the sideways thumbshifters, as I expected I would, which suit the stock handlebars.

Trying to decided which rack from out parts stash would fit the best - both would require a retrofit
because of the Clementine's longer wheel base.
Coming from more aggressive position on mountain bikes, I had quite a bit to absorb so I set the riding issue aside for a while and concentrated on other tasks. I transferred the lovely bird bottle cage from the little used Peugeot UO 14; I attached a mirror, and ordered nice SKS fenders. While I might skimp on some accessories I never buy cheap fenders.

I also had to figure out the rack problem. I'm very tired of black in general, especially because my commuter bike is all black, so this was my opportunity to decorate with chrome or aluminum. And while steel racks look nice, I'm not sold on their weight or hefty price. Blackburn racks have been our household standard for thirty years. Sadly the company no longer makes silver lightweight racks. I'd also like to use a lowrider front rack again, but with much internet searching, I cannot locate the simple style, low cost alternative. The front rack solution will have to come in time.

I used pieces of pipe insulation to protect the frame.
I waited an entire week before putting a rack on the Clementine, because Local Motion gave me the wonderful - and what would eventually become fortuitous - opportunity to try one of their cargo bikes, on loan for two weeks. I loved the metallic green Yuba Boda Boda, nicknamed  "Kermit" by Local Motion fans.  (There will be a separate post on the cargo bike.) It's low stepover height, it's easy handling, even with weight, and the bike's ride quality - as best as I can describe - floats over bumps, yet the handling of the elongated bike is spry and maneuvers with ease. I also adapted well to the Boda Boda's handle bars, I believe a type of Albatross bar.

Back to the Clementine. I installed an aluminum rear rack, but needed to add on an extra metal bracket to lengthen the rack over the rear wheel. Fortunately, the Clementine has braze-ons up the wazoo (one of the truly nice features that sold me on this model) and I had attachment options, depending upon rack size. With a way to carry items, I now considered the bicycle ride worthy, so I took the Clementine out for it's second spin, this time for 6 miles over the same terrain as the cargo bike.

And dang, it was really amazing to me that the Clementine rolled and floated and felt similar to the Boda Boda! I wondered how that could be until I lined up both bikes side by side. Both the Boda Boda and the 52cm Clementine are 72" long, exactly. One is aluminum frame, one is steel. One has a larger cockpit, one is smaller. Wheel size is different. So I presume the wheel base length is somewhat responsible for the floaty effect.

Excited and inspired, I painstakingly installed the fenders. My husband patiently sawzalled (if that isn't a word, it should be!) the fender supports to the proper length. I mentioned to my husband that I'd forgotten how difficult, and often exasperating, it can be to start from scratch and set up a new bike.

The Clementine is done for now. I can't say I love the feel of the bosco bars and I've lowered the bar as far as it will go. They are not as intuitive and comfortable as the Boda Bodas, which was a nice and worthwhile experiment. I also had to remind myself that the stock bar was the one thing about the Clementine that I visually disliked, even when I had ordered the bike, Handlebars can always be replaced. For now, I just need to get to know my Clementine. I am confident she has potential.

23 comments:

  1. Rather then lowering the bars I suggest raising them as much as possible! From your comments I am sure it sounds rather counter intuitive, But the 'tine begs for a more upright position. Can't hurt right? you can always lower them again! - masmojo

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  2. Fenders are a major PIA to install, love the shot of your "pit crew" assembling the bike! I noticed that Veloria did Clementine post a few days ago on http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/ and her bars appear different than your bosco's ? Anyway as you say bars can be changed and I hope that everything gets dialed in for you so Potential can become realized, hope you get miles of Smiles out of Miss Clementine.

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    1. I also read Velouria's blog post. Bosco handle bars are stock with the build - that's what I have. Velouria mentioned that she custom ordered the Clementine and specified different bars because she couldn't do the bosco experience! Aesthetically, I love what she has and is what I most likely used on the cargo bike.

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  3. I have to admit that I as hoping you would fall head over heels for this bike the first time you turned the crank (not literally, of course). For me, most bikes take time feel right to me. Test rides can only tell me if I hate the way a bike feels. Having that sense that "this is my bike, the one for me" requires several hundred miles and numerous little tweaks. I hope Clementine becomes the perfect bike for you.

    By the way, I agree about the handlebars. Aesthetically, they aren't the bike's best feature.

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    1. Oh Kendra, that's why I had so much anxiety about this whole project - I just never knew if I'd like the bike or not...I'll roll with the flow and figure things out as I go...(hey, I rhymed!)

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  4. And I forgot to Mention - I love that blue! it reminds me of one they had on the Sam Hillborne but bluer (less gray) and those lugs certainly are luscious - especially the shot of the fork crown. I hope the Ross is't too put out by the arrival of the pretty new girl ;-)

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  5. flip the bars over?!

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    1. Never thought of flipping the bars upside down. Something to consider!

      For what its worth, I've had a double whammy, which is why I have to digest this setup for while: sitting more upright AND adjusting to a bar that's foreign to me.

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  6. As someone who has owned 4 Riv's at various points (& who still owns 1), I will say that each of them have taken some getting used to. Not one of them did I get on and immediately think, "This is the best bike ever!!" It's a dreadful feeling to spend a good chunk of money on a bike and then have the fear that it's not going to work out.

    The Betty Foy/Yves/Cheviot was harder for me to enjoy because it sat more upright. At one point, I found a short quill stem (no easy task since Nitto seems to make a lot of the super long ones, but they do exist) so that I could lower the handlebars, and I put upside down Albatross bars (as those are on the Hillborne and work well for me) and that definitely made it feel more right for me (a little less of that cruiser-like feeling you've described and more a stance that allows some power). I think some people really love that it's so upright, but I've grown used to a more aggressive (not super aggressive, just more so than what the standard step-through offers from Riv) sitting position.

    I have contemplated many a night purchasing one of the Clementine frames and building from scratch, but I always seem to stop myself. I think secretly, I keep hoping Velo Orange is going to come out with a mixte frame again, but I still prefer the lower step over height of a loop frame. Having lower back/pelvis/hip issues, there are just days when my body protests swinging a leg over the frame.

    Despite all of the changes that I went through on each of the Rivendell's, I do enjoy them once I find the right set up. The Hillborne took awhile to get right (probably close to a year, and it was still being tweaked after that point). The bikes from Riv just seem to have a more relaxed set up, but it's possible to get it feeling much more like a mountain bike than a cruiser bike. I believe in time you will like the Clementine... it's so frustrating to not have that instant love though, so I understand.

    As stated above, I also love seeing the family putting your bike together! :)

    I hope that in time you find this to be a bike you love. They really do grow on you - or at least that's what happened in my case. You'll find the right set up and hopefully that will give you more of the feeling/positioning you were hoping for. It's easy for me to forget all of the troubles I went through initially, but when I think back and read your words, I'm reminded that finding my happy place wasn't an instant sort of happening.

    Looking forward to reading about your progression with the 'tine!

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    1. GE, thank you for your assurance that with adjustment I can create a more aggressive posture. And yes, it's the power output that I'm mostly seeking: the ability to use my arms, rock back and forth, using my whole body to climb hills, etc. I sit a bit upright on my Ross commuter bike but not nearly like with the Clementine! It's also kind of funny, but I love the arm workout that a mountain bike posture provides, especially because I'm not a regular swimmer anymore.

      I didn't know you were considering a step through frame...but I have similar health issues, so even though it's a bit premature, I'm embracing the step through frame style now. And yes, the Clementine's step over height is good and low, as low as my Ross, one of the many positive features of the new bicycle.

      Lots of folks say to give the bosco bars a chance - and I will - but now that I think about it, those suggestions have been all made by men. I'm not sure what that says, but since I'm not ready for an alternative bar quite yet, you can bet I'll be studying every handle bar I see!

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    2. I think often times (and this is a completely generalized statement, so forgive me in advance) men tend to ride in more aggressive positions on bicycles, so that upright feeling is more remarkable, different, and a welcomed switch. However, when the positioning is such that one has a nearly completely upright feeling, it also causes the rider to lose some of the power (or sometimes a lot of power). I know that feeling you're describing so well because I've experienced it too many times when trying to figure out why something more upright just didn't feel "right" to me.

      I think the bosco bars on a very aggressive geometry might be a great way to feel less racy, but when on a bike that's already designed to be more relaxed, I can see how it causes the too-upright sensation.

      Certainly, we are all different, but I didn't want you to think that there was something wrong because of your experience. I'd definitely recommend playing with the set up as you move forward and trying to get those handlebars (well, different handlebars) lower and I think you may find that you will enjoy it much more.

      As for me... ugh. I always seem to be looking for something (even when I don't need it). I am fascinated by the Clementine, and like the idea of a step through for reasons described earlier. I think I'm just a bit more hesitant with pulling the trigger these days, and I tend to over-think everything anyway.

      Hang in there... I have faith that this can be the bicycle you dreamed of finding. It may just be a little more work to get there than you anticipated, but I'm sure it will be worth it when you get it right.

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    3. Just to be clear, the bosco bars are too close to my body - it has nothing to do with raising or lowering the bars. I want to lean more forward, creating more aggressive geometry.

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    4. Right. I do understand what you're saying. I think I was rambling about my experience with raising, lowering and switching bars (& perhaps transferring a bit of my own experience where I shouldn't, so I apologize), but I definitely remember when I used certain handlebars (similar to the Bosco - I cannot recall the exact model at the moment) they definitely gave a more cruiser-like feel. When I switched just the handlebars, all seemed right again. Who knows though - maybe you'll end up loving the Bosco?

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    5. The Bosco bars are, relatively speaking, pretty huge. And with the SUPER long grip area, I imagine that your hands are probably positioned right by your body rather than out in front of you, causing that unsatisfactory feeling w/ steering, control, position, etc.

      Two ideas come to me that I'm sure you've considered as well: cut a bit of the bars so that your hands aren't so far back/ close to your body. Looks like you could easily cut about 2-3 inches off the ends, which shifts you forward. Of course this impacts resale on a set of pretty expensive bars, if that matters to you.
      Other idea is to buy a set of Wald handlbars in a similar shape, but with a narrower span/ shorter grip area.

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    6. I have thought about cutting a bit off the bars, but could only trim 1.5", at least with existing hand grip. Shifter and brake lever take up bar real estate.

      Very nice to know about the Wald option (Sunlite also) as these bars are inexpensive. I'll spend some time with current boscos, but keep in mind that I could play around with much shorter bars...that also appear to have flat areas near the middle for gripping alternative.

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  7. Hey Annie. Saw your review linked on the owner's bunch list, and after reading it just wanted to leave some thoughts on my own Bosco/Clem experiences. I built mine originally with more aggressive bars (albastaches, actually) because I too didn't fancy the Boscos and found them visually weird and cruisery. After a few months of being unable to get the 'staches (formerly very comfy for me on a different bike, my fav handlebars to that point) adjusted right, I was actually having so much problems that I was developing some really killer wrist pain. So, debating between the recommended Albatrosses or Boscos, I eventually spent a couple evenings just forcing myself to terms with the idea of the Boscos (for the extra hand positions) and being less aggressive and ordered some. The first few weeks I really struggled with them, and eventually I figured out I was trying to make them ride like a more like the aggressive bike I wanted in my head, and started trying to relearn how to ride around them. Now, a couple thousand miles later, I think they've ruined me. It still feels weird being so upright, but it's really nice when I'm just putting around or really tired. And oddly, I never seem to be appreciably slower. But beyond that, I learned how to use the three other positions Boscos offer (at the bend [better with some stoker knobs, very similar to hoods on a drop bar with them], down on the flats, and with my elbows on the long grips). And, that's a surprising range of positions and aggression. From full dutch upright, to a relaxed roadster stance, to a pretty aggressive flat bar stance. Pic reference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zedmartinez/27846447655/in/dateposted-public/ Once I got the hang of that, things went from OK to wonderful. And, I know this might sound counter-intuitive, since your problem is you feel the bars are in too close, but if the other hand positions don't feel right you might try a shorter stem. The Clem has such a massively long top tube so you don't have to use a wildly long reach stem, and when you shorten that down it helps bring the reach to the bend and the flats into more normal positions. Well, at least for me. On my 52cm I use a 10cm stem, for reference. Sure, the upright gets more upright, but it opens up all those other grips so you can rotate through them depending on your mood. If you max the length out, I feel it locks you more into just using the one grip as the ends of the bars and that does leave things feeling solely cruisery.

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    1. Thank you for your valuable info. I will stick it out for a hwile as is, just to give the bars a chance.

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  8. Hi Annie, I am one of those crazy bike nuts who spends a lot of time studying various bike components so here are a few observations. As you have already experienced the Bosco bars eat up a lot of real estate which is why the Clem has such a long virtual top tube. The albas also sweep back but not as much and of course there's a huge difference in the rise. Since you are used to older mountain bike riser bars that you might want to look at the Velo Orange Tourist handlebar, they appear to be very similar to the albas but they have a smidge more rise and a bit less sweep. For even less sweep and rise there's the Velo Orange Milan bar. They are both only $25. Check out the specs at VO's site.

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  9. Here's a link to a picture that shows the sweep and rise of the VO Tourist bars
    https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/tag/vo-tourist/ and a link that shows the sweep and rise of the Nitto Albatrous bars http://www.ironweedbp.com/ironweed-blog/category/porteur. One last thing Soma Oxford bars are pretty much the same as the Nitto Albas. The finish isn't as nice but there less expensive. You can always sell the Bosco's to someone from the Rivendell owners bunch.

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    1. I'm happy to know about the Soma Oxford alternative to the Albatross bar. I will give the boscos a chance for a while, considering the bar does provide alternative hand positions, something that's important as I want to tour on the Clementine. I have a 3-day trip planned this month so I figure I will know soon what road I will go down.

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  10. Such a pretty bike. Hope you get it fine tuned to your liking.

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    1. Ah yes, I'll eventually sort it out, I'm sure. Plan to wrap existing bars with inexpensive bar tape just so I'll have multiple usable/padded hand positions for an upcoming trip.

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