Hey Randy, Short answer -- any of RBW's offerings would be great for brevets. All the current models are easily fender-able and rack-able and comfy tire-able, and, of course, offer the famously svelte Riv ride, which, as Jim notes, is whatcha want for the long miles of a brevet.
And David makes a great point about considering where else you'll be riding this new investment. How will your new Riv complement you current bike stable? Or will it be the only bike you own, and thus be the one you ride everywhere? Tire size is another thing to consider. I'm plenty comfy on my fendered Rambouillet with 27mm Roly Poly tires for daylight rides of most any distance. But, I've discovered that that for long day rides that turn into long night rides over unknown terrain, my body really wants for some fatter tires (like those Jack Browns that just wont fit under my fenders) to even out rough roads and lessen the impact of unseen potholes, etc i may run over at night. Also, depending on your size, you may or may not have a choice of 26", 650b, or 700c wheels. There's some overlap of sizes in the AHH, so if you already have a garage full of 700c wheels, tires, and tubes it makes sense to stick with 700c. Think about gearing, too. The chain stays of the Atlantis (at least my 26" wheeled version) limit the size of your outer ring to a 48t. So, if you like to push a 50 or 52 up front, the Atlantis might not be for you. I have no idea what chain ring capacity any of the newer models can take. If this is a concern, I'd give Riv a call. Do you prefer canti brakes (Atlantis, Sam H.) or sidepulls (AHH, Betty, Glorius/Wilbury)? Will your choice of tire fit under sidepulls with fenders? Of course, your choice of frame is only one of many, many decisions you have to make about this brevet bike build. I'd encourage you to get some hand built wheels from a reputable wheel builder like Rich at RBW or Peter White. There's a fella who owns/operates Longleaf Bicycles down in Wilmington who I would buy wheels from if I hadn't just started building my own. For brevet riding, I would NOT get caught up on the (very small) differences in frame weight among the models. Likewise, the differences in tubing gauges. You could always just go on color. In my eye, that Betty Foy is one looker I'd like to pedal a few miles. Maybe after this Great Depression... Hope to see you on a ride! -Jay Asheville, NC On Mar 11, 2:24 pm, Randy Hardwick <safeman...@aol.com> wrote: > Jay and Glenn, > > I am about ready to order my first Rivendell. But I am having a tough > time deciding which model will be best for bevet riding. I am working > up my mileage and plan to ride my first brevet later this year. Which > model do you recommend as the best option for brevets? I currently > ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker. > > I appreciate any advice you can offer. > > Randy --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
