I have to be honest, as someone that LOVES Rene Herse tires I am not sure I would bother with that move. The Gravel Kings are great tires and in the classic line are pretty light and supple. Is the RH more so? In the extralight casing I am sure they are but the GK will probably be less prone for flats. If they fit (and they probably will but might be tight I would go with slicks over knobby) I think you will love the tires but I just wanted to throw down some respect for your existing tire choice.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 1:06:45 AM UTC-5 Victor Meng wrote: > To my fellow Ram riders, > > I have a question about tire clearance for my '05 blue Ram. I currently > run 35mm GravelKing SK. I live in the SF Bay Area and ride the Ram around > the East Bay and on some gravel on the Bay Trail, which the GravelKings are > great for. When riding trails in Oakland Hills I usually take my Homer > that has 47mm Terra Trails. But Ben's green Ram with Barlow Pass and > Bryan's orange one with Steilacoom from this thread has piqued my interest > in the two Rene Herse 38mm options. I don't have a caliper but the > GravelKings measure around 35mm with a tape measure on rims with 18mm > internal width. As you can see, there isn't much space left to spare; I > have about 4mm of clearance to the chain stay on either side in the rear (I > can just fit in a 4mm hex wrench). Do you guys think my Ram could safely > fit either RH 38mm tire in the available space? To the extent it's > relevant, I'm light weight at 150lbs. Any thoughts appreciated. > > [image: IMG_0193.jpeg] > [image: IMG_0195.jpeg] > > Best, > Victor > > On Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 8:19:47 PM UTC-7 Cal Patterson wrote: > >> Thanks Ben and Joyce, >> The front bag was made by Jay Ritchey, bagsxbird. Everything I've gotten >> from him has been super well made and lasted a long time for me, I'm a >> believer. Top notch stuff. That bag is/was called the Tailgrab, and I* >> think* it's white, or offwhite ecopack fabric. >> I spaced it off the front brake cable/taillight wire/head tube >> interaction like so (attached picture below): >> Just 2 foam spacer blocks and a strap. It's loose enough to not squeak or >> affect steering. >> >> On Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 1:35:35 PM UTC-7 [email protected] >> wrote: >> >>> Ben - never thought about horizontal spacing, only vertical. If I get it >>> out a little further with a washer that should solve the problem. Thanks so >>> much! >>> >>> On Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM Ben Miller <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> Bryan, thanks for the kind words and sharing a photo of your Ram. >>>> That's a finely curated build right there. Agree that the Steilacoom's >>>> look >>>> great! >>>> >>>> Yeah, that style light mount can be tricky with certain headsets. I >>>> think the Tange caged BB headset that came with the frame has just enough >>>> clearance to play nice with the mount. But I know other headsets that are >>>> a >>>> bit bulkier that I had issues. I think I used a spacer washer on one to >>>> get >>>> the mount to clear the headset. >>>> >>>> On Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 1:04:55 PM UTC-7 [email protected] >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Those Steilacooms look good, Bryan! >>>>> On Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 1:22:53 PM UTC-7 Bryan Dalik wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Ben what a perfect build that is - i'll attach a photo of mine as >>>>>> well as it's been very very fun to make this frame into a true "country >>>>>> bike". Quick question for you - I have the same light mount on the fork >>>>>> crown and it's a matter of millimeters to get the light mount into that >>>>>> position without rubbing the tire or the bottom of the headset. Do you >>>>>> have >>>>>> the same extremely tight clearance? Trying to see if I can get that to >>>>>> be a >>>>>> little more easy of a fit. Seeing your deeper setback seatpost was a >>>>>> lightbulb for me too as I feel I'm a bit tight in terms of reach on >>>>>> mine. >>>>>> Hoping 30mm setback will do the trick. >>>>>> >>>>>> Bryan >>>>>> >>>>>> On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 4:03:46 PM UTC-4 Ben Miller wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Cal, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thank you for sharing such a gorgeous Ram build! Ritchey Logic >>>>>>> cranks, centerpull brakes, front and rear dynamo lights, plump >>>>>>> Ultradynamico tyres, and a big handlebar bag! Build after my own heart. >>>>>>> Do >>>>>>> you have some support to keep the bag off the front brake cable? I >>>>>>> hacked >>>>>>> together something from a Gilles Berthoud decaleur, but it's not >>>>>>> perfect >>>>>>> and still my bag interfers with the front light a bit. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Below is how my Ram looks currently. The drivetrain changed almost >>>>>>> completely. I rode it yesterday after seeing your post. It is such a >>>>>>> great >>>>>>> ride. And I believe I saw a fellow Rabouiletter out on the new SF >>>>>>> Sunset >>>>>>> Dune's park. Almost as cool as that Rivendell St sign ;) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> [image: PXL_20240713_012533835~2.jpg] >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 1:35:32 PM UTC-7 Cal Patterson >>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I see that this is an old thread but I wanted to contribute my Ram >>>>>>>> which is also a 64 and also green. I've got 650b wheels on it and 48 >>>>>>>> tires >>>>>>>> that barely fit (crimped the chainstay a smidge). 2x8 shifting, 44/28 >>>>>>>> in >>>>>>>> the front and an 8 speed XT in the back, 12-28 maybe? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 8:57:25 PM UTC-8 Ben Miller wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> A couple folks commented on my workbench, thanks! I got it >>>>>>>>> partially restored from a friend, but now it's mostly used as a >>>>>>>>> table. >>>>>>>>> Attached is a photo of it in front of the workbench I built and use >>>>>>>>> as >>>>>>>>> such. A modern take on the french Roubo workbench. Makes for a more >>>>>>>>> cluttered photo, but oh well. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> As far as the bike, I wrapped the handlebars in leather sewn wraps >>>>>>>>> I got from Walnut Studiolo. I also put on some MKS/Simworks Bubbly >>>>>>>>> Bronze >>>>>>>>> pedals. Both the wrap and the pedals look super nice to me, really >>>>>>>>> completes the look. The pedals are amazing, so smooth and love the >>>>>>>>> wide >>>>>>>>> platform. The wraps seem good so far, though I normally like a >>>>>>>>> thicker one. >>>>>>>>> I also shortened the brake cables, per Mark's suggestion. And I was >>>>>>>>> having >>>>>>>>> some shifter issues if the Silver DT's (as noted on another recent >>>>>>>>> thread). >>>>>>>>> I removed them and packed them with teflon grease which seems to be a >>>>>>>>> big >>>>>>>>> improvement. Overall I am really loving this build! This bike just >>>>>>>>> disappears under you in the best possible way. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Also including a photo at sunset on Twin Peaks in SF tonight, you >>>>>>>>> can't really see the Ram all that much, but that is okay cause it is >>>>>>>>> a >>>>>>>>> beautiful photo. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 6:11:13 PM UTC-8 Jay LePree >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Thanks very much for the information. I started researching >>>>>>>>>> painters in my area, and was surprised to find how many autobody >>>>>>>>>> shops will >>>>>>>>>> paint bicycles on the side. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Best to you, >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Jay LePree >>>>>>>>>> Demarest, NJ >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 15, 2021 at 7:23:17 PM UTC-5 Fullylugged >>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Jay: I had mine painted in Pelham AL by Nathan Barnes ( >>>>>>>>>>> https://www.instagram.com/nate_barnes81/). He paints cars and >>>>>>>>>>> motorcycles during the week, bicycles (and sometimes plane parts) >>>>>>>>>>> on the >>>>>>>>>>> weekend. I think he does great work and he is very reasonable in >>>>>>>>>>> cost. I >>>>>>>>>>> have a PDF of the decals and had them made by a decal shop in MS. >>>>>>>>>>> It was >>>>>>>>>>> pretty reasonable and there are two clear coats over them on my >>>>>>>>>>> bike. My >>>>>>>>>>> color is actually a past Ford Mustang color called Autumn Gold. I >>>>>>>>>>> didn't >>>>>>>>>>> like it on the cars but I think it's very nice on the bicycle. The >>>>>>>>>>> cream is >>>>>>>>>>> standard RBW same as came on the bike. Msg me if you want more info >>>>>>>>>>> on >>>>>>>>>>> decals. I've helped someone else here on the list as well, but am >>>>>>>>>>> getting >>>>>>>>>>> old and forgetful so I couldn't say who. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> the Old Slow Guy >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Monday, February 15, 2021 at 8:17:23 AM UTC-6 Jay LePree >>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Ben: That is beautiful. I have one of the last orange white >>>>>>>>>>>> 54 cm that we sold. (I purchased it in 2003). I have been >>>>>>>>>>>> looking for a >>>>>>>>>>>> painter. Where did you have your bike painted? How did you get >>>>>>>>>>>> the new >>>>>>>>>>>> decals? >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Jay >>>>>>>>>>>> Demarest, NJ >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Friday, February 12, 2021 at 5:31:58 PM UTC-5 Ben Miller >>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello Fellow RBW Owners, >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Wanted to do a little update on my Rambouillet build in >>>>>>>>>>>>> progress, now that it is actually taking form. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> First, a little bit of background. I've been lucky enough to >>>>>>>>>>>>> have built up four (4!) Riv bikes already, but this is really >>>>>>>>>>>>> shaping up to >>>>>>>>>>>>> be a truly unique one for me. This Ram’s story started (for me) >>>>>>>>>>>>> way back in >>>>>>>>>>>>> late 2017 with me purchasing it off fellow list member Keith as a >>>>>>>>>>>>> F/F/HS. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Unfortunately a number of not so great life events happened >>>>>>>>>>>>> shortly after >>>>>>>>>>>>> that, including fracturing my leg, taking me off the bike for >>>>>>>>>>>>> nearly 6 >>>>>>>>>>>>> months. The frame moved with me down a new path in life, but >>>>>>>>>>>>> mostly >>>>>>>>>>>>> collected dust in my garage. Not forgotten or abandoned, but >>>>>>>>>>>>> definitely a >>>>>>>>>>>>> bit lonely while I worked on 2 more bikes that were more recently >>>>>>>>>>>>> acquired. >>>>>>>>>>>>> During this time I quietly acquired used parts and ideas that >>>>>>>>>>>>> eventually >>>>>>>>>>>>> coalesced into a build for the Rambouillet. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> The Ram frame itself is 64 cm painted with a beautiful sage >>>>>>>>>>>>> green with a bit of pearl iridescent to it. It has a couple of >>>>>>>>>>>>> small paint >>>>>>>>>>>>> chips on the non-drive side seatstay, but otherwise in pristine >>>>>>>>>>>>> condition. >>>>>>>>>>>>> It was included with a Tange headset. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Previous Rivendell builds had mostly involved me purchasing >>>>>>>>>>>>> brand new components (not having a large parts bin to work off >>>>>>>>>>>>> of), I think >>>>>>>>>>>>> these builds were still fun and interesting, but really been >>>>>>>>>>>>> driven by new >>>>>>>>>>>>> or recent bike component technology. My vision for the Ram build >>>>>>>>>>>>> is really >>>>>>>>>>>>> to focus on used/vintage/NOS stock parts as much as possible, but >>>>>>>>>>>>> also fun >>>>>>>>>>>>> and practical to me. I know, not a revolutionary design >>>>>>>>>>>>> principle, but this >>>>>>>>>>>>> is my first time executing it. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> The heart of this began around the idea of setting it up as a >>>>>>>>>>>>> DT friction shifting using a vintage Huret Duopar Eco I got off >>>>>>>>>>>>> eBay. The >>>>>>>>>>>>> Duopar was originally introduced in 1975 with the Eco being >>>>>>>>>>>>> released in >>>>>>>>>>>>> 1981. These 40 year old derailleurs were originally intended for >>>>>>>>>>>>> 6 speed >>>>>>>>>>>>> freewheel, but through the magic of friction shifting and a >>>>>>>>>>>>> little >>>>>>>>>>>>> finessing, seem to work just fine with a 9 speed cassette. The >>>>>>>>>>>>> big thing >>>>>>>>>>>>> about the Duopar is it was one of first (perhaps the first?) >>>>>>>>>>>>> derailluer to >>>>>>>>>>>>> handle up to a 36t cog and 40 teeth of chainwrap. My >>>>>>>>>>>>> understanding is that >>>>>>>>>>>>> these RD’s are slightly controversial in terms of either loving >>>>>>>>>>>>> or hating >>>>>>>>>>>>> them (lots is said about their maintenance issues), but part of >>>>>>>>>>>>> this was >>>>>>>>>>>>> trying to find out for myself. As I am just starting to learn >>>>>>>>>>>>> about these >>>>>>>>>>>>> derailleurs, it’d be nice to hear from others about their >>>>>>>>>>>>> experience! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Over the last couple of days I’ve been able to get the Duopar >>>>>>>>>>>>> dialed in and shift through a Shimano HG 11-36 cassette using >>>>>>>>>>>>> Silver DT >>>>>>>>>>>>> shifters and paired with a Sugino triple that I converted to >>>>>>>>>>>>> 44/30. Today I >>>>>>>>>>>>> finished mounting a pair of Paul Racer centerpulls that I got off >>>>>>>>>>>>> a list >>>>>>>>>>>>> member and got strung together to the NOS Mafac levers I got off >>>>>>>>>>>>> eBay. >>>>>>>>>>>>> These are mounted on the Crust Shaka bars (my new favorite bars), >>>>>>>>>>>>> which is >>>>>>>>>>>>> so far the only brand new part on this build besides the Velo >>>>>>>>>>>>> Orange >>>>>>>>>>>>> seatpost (I did have a vintage seatpost I had been planning on >>>>>>>>>>>>> using, but >>>>>>>>>>>>> the mounting plates have a lot of corrosion that is preventing >>>>>>>>>>>>> them from >>>>>>>>>>>>> providing a tight hold). With brakes on and functional, I was >>>>>>>>>>>>> able to take >>>>>>>>>>>>> it out and test the shifting in real conditions. And I have to >>>>>>>>>>>>> say, it >>>>>>>>>>>>> feels really nice, couldn’t be happier at this point. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> The eventual plan is to swap the 700c wheels for 650b (but the >>>>>>>>>>>>> 650b wheels that I had planned to go on here ended up on my >>>>>>>>>>>>> girlfriends >>>>>>>>>>>>> Rambouillet!) and put on 42mm BSP’s. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I know this is a long write-up, but it’s been a long road to >>>>>>>>>>>>> this build. But it is finally nearing culmination. I have to say, >>>>>>>>>>>>> what a >>>>>>>>>>>>> time to be alive and into bikes, with so many different options >>>>>>>>>>>>> and ways to >>>>>>>>>>>>> approach a bike build. I feel pretty lucky and excited for how >>>>>>>>>>>>> this is >>>>>>>>>>>>> gonna turn out! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the >>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/wlTJZxk8-Oc/unsubscribe >>>> . >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>> [email protected]. >>>> To view this discussion visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/7ad6944c-9145-4df1-a64e-5875ec712c6cn%40googlegroups.com >>>> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/7ad6944c-9145-4df1-a64e-5875ec712c6cn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> . >>>> >>> -- 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 [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/2724c2f2-73fc-4596-923b-f9ee0d865231n%40googlegroups.com.
