I had a 52cm Clementine for several years (sold due to circumstances, not dissatisfaction with the bicycle) and I also helped a friend purchase a Cheviot from Harris Cyclery. I did not find either bike "stout." I'm not even sure I know what that means when used to describe how a bicycle rides.
I know it is fashionable to talk about flex and stiffness and planing and spriteliness, and I will say that a vintage 531 frame definitely gets in synch with my power output. But with a good bike with decent tires, I just like to ride. I was in Chicago for 10 days recently and was quite happy doing 30 miles on the 3-speed Divvy bike. Yeah, Cadillacs are heavy, but the ride is sweet. Both the Cheviot and the Clem L are fun, fun, bikes to ride. I think as some have pointed out, geometry, handlebars, tire width, and brakes will make some bit of difference. I will say that I find myself at least as enamored with the Clem L's appearance as the Chevs, and would have to give it the edge at this point. Not only is that lower low tube useful, that swoop dee doop give the bike a classic, laid back look. The welds are nice, it has some lugwork, the Art Carney decal, the paint is super--it's such an approachable, friendly bicycle! A convivial bicycle! Yes, I am a Clem L fanboy! If anyone has a 52 frame and fork in grilver, I am almost at a point where I could consider reacquiring one--please let me know. On Monday, October 8, 2018 at 6:32:48 PM UTC-4, Tully Lanter wrote: > > There are too many outstanding Riv frame options for my middle-of-the-road > needs. Nice problem to face! > > I've tested a Clem L and liked it. A lot. Silky smooth, 650b (in 52cm), > step-through for those unplanned traffic/trail dismounts, ample tire > clearance... > > However, it felt overly stout for my 150 lbs and minimal cargo. > > Theoretically, the Cheviot seems like it would have a spritelier feel à la > Sam/Homer while keeping the long chainstays and low, stretched-out top > tube. For whoever has ridden some/all of these, is that about right? > > Not sure whether long-wheelbase models would fit in our buses' bike > racks...but that's another matter! > -- 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.
