I have an old Homer, an Atlantis, and lately a Suzie Longbolts. They all ride spectacular in their own way, the Atlantis I bought second hand and it's a little small, but I run it with Rene Herse 29x2.2 slicks which I ride off-road, and it's very capable. The PBH sizing surprised me, I'm 5'10" but have long legs in proportion. I ended up on 61 on the Homer, and I have the same feeling you described of getting in, not on my Homer. Grant was making "country bikes", well before gravel became a thing, I've used my Homer on long paved roads to single track trail, comfort and stability is the overriding feeling when riding it.
I bought an Atlantis in '03 & within a few minutes of riding feeling that "yes, this is the way a bike is meant to ride". About 10 years ago, a 47cm Atlantis became for sale locally. I pestered my wife into looking at it, but she kept saying she was perfectly happy with her current bike & we'd be wasting our time. Just to humor me, she eventually agreed to check it out. After 5 minutes of riding around a parking lot, she said "I've got to have this bike, today." She was utterly amazed at how it fit her & rode. We still have & love our Atlantis's. 3 or 4 years ago, I had the chance to ride the new long stay version. I was not expecting much difference, but was amazed at how comfortable it was. Not amazed enough to give up my '03, but were I buying a bike today, it would probably be a long stay model. The experience that Grant has & his willingness to explore new ideas has given us some the nicest riding bikes around. And Rivendell is staffed by nice people.
I have also ridden many bikes, albeit more on the bargain side of things. I was a bike messenger for many years (also many years ago) and this has shaped my taste in equipment. For me, the golden era 80's and 90's steel road bikes strike a nice balance of ride, durability, and versatility. My current ride is an 89' Bridgestone RB-2 frame with the fork from the top tier Radac in aluminum. Compared to modern bikes the tubes are strikingly narrow. Its not stiff which takes some getting used to initially, but makes up for it with amazing vertical compliance. I've "modified" the chainstays slightly to be able to fit 26" mountain bike wheels and 1.75" Michelin Country Rock tires. To reach the rims I installed some Tektro 559 long reach calipers activated by the wonderfully designed TRP RRB levers. All that retro goodness aside, and much to my surprise, the bike is an excellent offroad performer. So much so that I don't ever ride my dedicated gravel bike ever. The handling is quick but there must be something about the smaller wheels effectively lowering the bottom bracket that really inspires a playful confidence. Its like the little engine that could except with ADD. Always surprises me with the things it can do. I might try to put together a video - maybe start a new trend. Sorry for the long post - to much coffee.
I have a Rivendell Hunqapillar and my wife has a Cheviot. In their "category" none finer. My Hunq is the original grey and kidney bean red (cranberry) it has a dirt drop stem with NITTO Noodle bars, bar ends, Brooks saddle, Schwalbe 52s....it's a brute, go anywhere, anytime. I ride the same size as Grant so easy for me to order. I live about 6 hrs to the store, visit about 5 times a year; always a treat. I have other bikes such as a 1981 MIYATA Aero Pro with mostly Suntour.. and a 1983 SOMEC all Campy.. both of these bought new. Enjoyed the video. Thanks from So Oregon.
I “found out “ about Riv about 10 years ago. My kids got older, went off to school and I wanted to go on long rides. I found Lovely Bicycle blog, and saw she, Velouria, rode a Sam. I was in love ( with the bike). After I saw the price tag, and with quality components it was a little out of my reach. So, I bought a LHT. A size 52/26. I have never toured but have taken many long rides. Very comfortable ergonomics. I also own a 83’ XO-2 all original that I just couldn’t pass up. Also a 52. I call it my “fast” bike. Closest to a Riv. as I’m gonna get! Lovely Bicycle was the first I had ever heard the terms 650B, and randonneuring, audux , and lots more cycling terms. Cheers!
I bought my AHH eleven years ago. No matter what style or type of handlebar, stem, drive train, or wheels I put on this frame, it always pleases me and rides better than anything else I've ever had. Sad to see that Paul has pulled out of the long-reach, rim brake business. I guess that officially makes me a retro-grouch now. Those Tektros work great with good pads. Anyhow, I couldn't agree with you more about the Hilsen. Mine currently has 44mm Rene Herse 700C tires. Plenty of cush on old roads and old bones. Also I've been playing with a Redshift stem and Kitchen Sink handlebar with a 1 x 11 SRAM setup. It's such a versatile, changeable frame.
Kismet. I am, as we speak, emailing back and forth with Will, putting together the build for my AHH! This is personal, of course, but I'm heading toward the alabstache bars vs. drops. Have you spent much time on the stache bar? Any wisdom on what to expect vs a traditional drop? I've never spent much time in the drops anyway, and coming back from severe biceps tendon reconstruction. So comfort over speed...which at this point is mostly in my head anyway. Any thoughts on bars? Thanks for great discussions!
The Albastache never really did it for me. I've never really found anything that was as comfortable (to me) as the Albatross. At one point I think I had 3 bikes with that bar. Hope you love your Homer. I know you will.
❤️❤️❤️ I’m a big Riv fan boy. I stumbled upon a Romulus last Spring in a remote LBS. It changed my life, literally. I ride so much more now that I own it. I would like a more robust Riv to complement the Romulus. Probably a Gus, as I’m about to hit 60 years, and the idea of a comfy step through appeals to me.
Frame angles and materials make the bike? I am not an expert. But when I ride a great one I know it almost immediately. Will you buy another Homer ???? Thanks again, Be well.
My latest Riv is a 45 Clem L with 650b wheels, (the most recent iteration). I had other Clems both H and L and this one beats them hands down. I just love this thing! I ride it on single track that I normally ride my bouncy bikes on and the Clem handles them with ease, albeit not as lightning fast and that’s not a bad thing. Originally bought it for my wife because she appreciates the low top tube but also wanted it for the mountain bikey aspect. I may have to build her something else. For a road bike from Riv I was considering a Sam. Mostly due to the canti brake mounts. What is your opinion of the Sam vs Homer? Thanks for the content!
I would love a lime olive Appaloosa. Or that cool yellowish color App that Vince? From Riv has. I do like the yellow on the new AHH though. Cheers, Shane
spoken like a true believer🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀
This channel feels like home . I have found my people . Top 10 bike related channel on YT easily
Thank to for the kind words.
I have an old Homer, an Atlantis, and lately a Suzie Longbolts. They all ride spectacular in their own way, the Atlantis I bought second hand and it's a little small, but I run it with Rene Herse 29x2.2 slicks which I ride off-road, and it's very capable. The PBH sizing surprised me, I'm 5'10" but have long legs in proportion. I ended up on 61 on the Homer, and I have the same feeling you described of getting in, not on my Homer. Grant was making "country bikes", well before gravel became a thing, I've used my Homer on long paved roads to single track trail, comfort and stability is the overriding feeling when riding it.
I bought an Atlantis in '03 & within a few minutes of riding feeling that "yes, this is the way a bike is meant to ride". About 10 years ago, a 47cm Atlantis became for sale locally. I pestered my wife into looking at it, but she kept saying she was perfectly happy with her current bike & we'd be wasting our time. Just to humor me, she eventually agreed to check it out. After 5 minutes of riding around a parking lot, she said "I've got to have this bike, today." She was utterly amazed at how it fit her & rode. We still have & love our Atlantis's.
3 or 4 years ago, I had the chance to ride the new long stay version. I was not expecting much difference, but was amazed at how comfortable it was. Not amazed enough to give up my '03, but were I buying a bike today, it would probably be a long stay model. The experience that Grant has & his willingness to explore new ideas has given us some the nicest riding bikes around. And Rivendell is staffed by nice people.
" I got to have this bike, today" hilarious...I love it.
I have also ridden many bikes, albeit more on the bargain side of things. I was a bike messenger for many years (also many years ago) and this has shaped my taste in equipment. For me, the golden era 80's and 90's steel road bikes strike a nice balance of ride, durability, and versatility. My current ride is an 89' Bridgestone RB-2 frame with the fork from the top tier Radac in aluminum. Compared to modern bikes the tubes are strikingly narrow. Its not stiff which takes some getting used to initially, but makes up for it with amazing vertical compliance. I've "modified" the chainstays slightly to be able to fit 26" mountain bike wheels and 1.75" Michelin Country Rock tires. To reach the rims I installed some Tektro 559 long reach calipers activated by the wonderfully designed TRP RRB levers. All that retro goodness aside, and much to my surprise, the bike is an excellent offroad performer. So much so that I don't ever ride my dedicated gravel bike ever. The handling is quick but there must be something about the smaller wheels effectively lowering the bottom bracket that really inspires a playful confidence. Its like the little engine that could except with ADD. Always surprises me with the things it can do. I might try to put together a video - maybe start a new trend. Sorry for the long post - to much coffee.
Ha! No worries. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve got one of those also! Rides great. Would love a little more fatness in the tires. Might have to look into that type of mod.
I have a Rivendell Hunqapillar and my wife has a Cheviot. In their "category" none finer.
My Hunq is the original grey and kidney bean red (cranberry) it has a dirt drop stem with NITTO Noodle bars, bar ends, Brooks saddle, Schwalbe 52s....it's a brute, go anywhere, anytime. I ride the same size as Grant so easy for me to order. I live about 6 hrs to the store, visit about 5 times a year; always a treat.
I have other bikes such as a 1981 MIYATA Aero Pro with mostly Suntour.. and a 1983 SOMEC all Campy.. both of these bought new.
Enjoyed the video. Thanks from So Oregon.
I “found out “ about Riv about 10 years ago. My kids got older, went off to school and I wanted to go on long rides. I found Lovely Bicycle blog, and saw she, Velouria, rode a Sam. I was in love ( with the bike). After I saw the price tag, and with quality components it was a little out of my reach. So, I bought a LHT. A size 52/26. I have never toured but have taken many long rides. Very comfortable ergonomics. I also own a 83’ XO-2 all original that I just couldn’t pass up. Also a 52. I call it my “fast” bike. Closest to a Riv. as I’m gonna get! Lovely Bicycle was the first I had ever heard the terms 650B, and randonneuring, audux , and lots more cycling terms. Cheers!
I remember her blog. It was quite nice.
I bought my AHH eleven years ago. No matter what style or type of handlebar, stem, drive train, or wheels I put on this frame, it always pleases me and rides better than anything else I've ever had. Sad to see that Paul has pulled out of the long-reach, rim brake business. I guess that officially makes me a retro-grouch now. Those Tektros work great with good pads. Anyhow, I couldn't agree with you more about the Hilsen. Mine currently has 44mm Rene Herse 700C tires. Plenty of cush on old roads and old bones. Also I've been playing with a Redshift stem and Kitchen Sink handlebar with a 1 x 11 SRAM setup. It's such a versatile, changeable frame.
I so enjoy my Atlantis. Such a lovely ride.
Kismet. I am, as we speak, emailing back and forth with Will, putting together the build for my AHH! This is personal, of course, but I'm heading toward the alabstache bars vs. drops. Have you spent much time on the stache bar? Any wisdom on what to expect vs a traditional drop? I've never spent much time in the drops anyway, and coming back from severe biceps tendon reconstruction. So comfort over speed...which at this point is mostly in my head anyway. Any thoughts on bars? Thanks for great discussions!
The Albastache never really did it for me. I've never really found anything that was as comfortable (to me) as the Albatross. At one point I think I had 3 bikes with that bar. Hope you love your Homer. I know you will.
❤️❤️❤️ I’m a big Riv fan boy.
I stumbled upon a Romulus last Spring in a remote LBS. It changed my life, literally. I ride so much more now that I own it.
I would like a more robust Riv to complement the Romulus. Probably a Gus, as I’m about to hit 60 years, and the idea of a comfy step through appeals to me.
Not in the same class but we do have a Surly Crosscheck , hubby loves it, Stay Safe!! xx
Isn't that the feeling people have of the Dutch Gazelle bicycles?
Sounds a bit like an RB-1
Wow! You bookended the week with videos!! THANKS! The”Riv”…I’m intrigued!!
Wouldn't it be nice if Rivendell made a frame to accommodate a pinion gearbox.
Don’t really know that much about those, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say it’ll never happen.
Nice bike, if you can find one!
Got two right here!
Frame angles and materials make the bike? I am not an expert. But when I ride a great one I know it almost immediately. Will you buy another Homer ???? Thanks again, Be well.
I would never say never, but I think at this point it would more likely be an Appaloosa. I’m in a big tire mode.
My latest Riv is a 45 Clem L with 650b wheels, (the most recent iteration). I had other Clems both H and L and this one beats them hands down. I just love this thing! I ride it on single track that I normally ride my bouncy bikes on and the Clem handles them with ease, albeit not as lightning fast and that’s not a bad thing. Originally bought it for my wife because she appreciates the low top tube but also wanted it for the mountain bikey aspect. I may have to build her something else. For a road bike from Riv I was considering a Sam. Mostly due to the canti brake mounts. What is your opinion of the Sam vs Homer? Thanks for the content!
Paul. Both great. Sam is going to give you some more options with regards to brakes. Other than that, it would be a coin flip.
I would love a lime olive Appaloosa. Or that cool yellowish color App that Vince? From Riv has. I do like the yellow on the new AHH though.
Cheers, Shane
Stop asking for money, business not good sale it!