Hi gang. I'm itching for my first Riv and decision time is upon me. In Brooklyn I'm rather relegated to paved rides, usually laps in the park. I was never fast, but now I'm rather slow. I don't have a computer on my bike and can't remember the last time I did. I'm tired of clipless pedals and lycra shorts. I want to indulge in "the art of taking it slow" and have a bike that expands on that magic sensation I feel when I ride my 1981 Trek 710 with 531 tubing and longer chainstays. Bigger tires for starters and Grant's progressive designs. I built a '93 Rockhopper with Toscos, a B17, and 2.2 tires for riding upstate and it's fun! That frame's position doesn't really work for longer rides and getting distance covered at a reasonable rate. I had the idea that I would go down to just one bike and pick my perfect do-it-all Riv. I don't think that's very realistic, so maybe the Trek will always have a use for strictly road rides. That leaves commuting, leisurely rides, and some gravel and trail riding when I can get to it. Hillborne you say? Not a bad idea, but I don't hear the same glowing reviews of "Cadillac" type ride, and supreme comfort like I do when folks write about Appaloosas, Platypi, and Charlie Gallops. Slack headtube; long chainstays; I'm buying in. The geo for the 61cm Charlie resembles the 57cm Appaloosa more than anything else. (I noticed the headtube of the Joe went from 72 degrees to 70 degrees not too long ago, maybe that started with the Sergio green run). I don't think the Charlie would be ideal for trails under my 200 lbs, so I'm getting interested in the Joe. Antonio at RBW advised me that the Joe might be too long and heavy for my needs and recommended the Sam. I'm not sure if I'm jazzed about the Sam the same way, and no less important for such an investment, the lime olive Joe coming up is a way preferable color to the offerings of the Hillbornes pre-selling next week. I'd buy a used olive Hillborne (57cm) but no one ever sells their Riv! Any feedback from folks riding recent issue Appaloosas and Hillbornes would be very welcome. Thanks!
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