It's always nice to think about getting something just-as-good for less money. I believe that's what Grant / Riv were looking to do with the Clem and Clementine. They've been open about what compromises were required to get down to that price point, and now folks can choose between a bike with no compromises, one with some compromises (Appaloosa complete or Hilsen complete), or one with more, though still thoughtful, compromises (Clem and Clementine). Everyone is welcome to decide what is important to them, and what suits their budget.
I don't think anyone will argue that it's not possible to make a somewhat Rivvish bike for less than $1,300-1,500. I don't think anyone would argue that a $500 Rivvish bike wouldn't sell quite well. But I imagine actually doing it would require making compromises that Grant and the other folks at Riv don't want to make. Some of those compromises are doubtless about parts quality, frame materials, and fabrication. But I like to think there are other compromises that Riv chooses not to make regarding arranging fair deals with their suppliers and making sure the folks who make their bikes have fair working conditions and decent lives. When you make something really, truly cheap there are often costs that aren't apparent in the final product. I like that Riv thinks about that. I feel better buying things from them because of it. Best, Reed On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 1:51 PM, Tim Butterfield <timbutterfi...@gmail.com> wrote: > When I think of Bikes Direct, I think of lower cost, though certainly the > higher levels can get up there a bit. Even just the Riv build kits are > more than many BD complete bikes. Imagine a Riv inspired 21-24 speed > triple for under $500. Here's an example of the level I was thinking of: > http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_premio_s.htm > > I don't really have room for a second bike, but if I could get a Riv > inspired bike (that felt like a Riv) at around that level and price, I > might get another just to have a spare or to haul around as a beater. > > Tim > > On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 12:54 PM, Evan Baird <vanster...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Isn't Rivendell technically the Bikes Direct Grant Designs? I know they >> have more dealers now, but it's been mail order since day 1. Don't get me >> wrong, the San Marcos rides great imo, but the Bleriot was like 95% perfect >> and I for one was really disappointed that they didn't just re-relase it >> and just add more fork eyelets. My assumption is that it was intened to >> fill several gaps in the Riv line without cannibalizing any of their other >> models, but what Riv customer is going to want to be stuck running 33mm >> tires with barely any fender clearance. For that matter, why would you use >> "lightweight" tubing just to slap on a second top tube? If it's just for >> looks then fine, but using heavier tubing and just having the one makes a >> lot more sense. >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. >> Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
