Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[PineTarSoap]

Just a follow-up. I contacted Riv HQ and they no longer sell this frame and 
said that even if were to get one from Soma they could not build it up due 
to changes they made to the frame (different sizes and some wheel size 
changes).



On Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 7:44:54 AM UTC-7, Alex Wirth- Owner, Yellow 
Haus Bicycles wrote:
>
> What Reed said x1000we are rather fortunate to have someone in the 
> industry that has his or her integrity fully intact.
>
> It's a rarity to say the least.
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Alex Wirth- Owner, Yellow Haus Bicycles]

What Reed said x1000we are rather fortunate to have someone in the industry 
that has his or her integrity fully intact.

It's a rarity to say the least.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Evan Baird]

I don't really know if that's true anymore. The cost of labor in China 
isn't much lower than Taiwan. In some cases (Colossi for instance) it's 
actually quite a bit more because there is more competition for skilled 
welders. It's more about materials and supply chain.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Joe Bernard]

Riv could do a truly ridiculous-low-cost bike made in China. Thankfully there's 
NO chance of this happening. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Reed Kennedy]

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 
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  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.
>>
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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Chris Birkenmaier]

I have the older frame with the fork that gets disparaged but I love it and 
that is what matters. Oh and I'm a girl but don't agree with it it being a 
girly bike. That thought never crossed my mind

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Tim Butterfield]

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  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.
>
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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Tim Butterfield]

On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 12:46 PM, Joe Bernard  wrote:

> Tim: look to Brooklyn Bicycle for a Bikes Direct-priced Grant design. I
> doubt he did the whole line, but I know he was involved at some point.
> There's a 3-speed double-tuber with flipped bars that looks like a budget
> Pashley Guv'nor..very cool.


Those forks don't remind me of Riv.  Any bends are too high; doesn't look
as elegant to me.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Evan Baird]

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.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Joe Bernard]

Girly looking. That's funny!

Tim: look to Brooklyn Bicycle for a Bikes Direct-priced Grant design. I doubt 
he did the whole line, but I know he was involved at some point. There's a 
3-speed double-tuber with flipped bars that looks like a budget Pashley 
Guv'nor..very cool.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Chris Birkenmaier]

Hey Evan tell us how you really feel about the bike!  

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Evan Baird]

I suspect it had somthing to do with the butt ugly forks they originally 
came with. And not having front rack mounts. And not having decent tire 
clearance. And not being low trail or planing. And generally being overly 
"girly" looking.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Reed Kennedy]

On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 7:16 AM, Chris Birkenmaier 
wrote:

> I have to echo Sean's comment.  Given the relative price break in the Soma
> for something designed by Riv and with Riv quality ride, I too am puzzled
> by the lack of sales for this model.  The bike clearly exceeded my
> expectations!
>

I suspect the San Marcos suffered from not having much of anybody to
promote it.

   - I don't remember Rivendell extolling its virtues as much as they have
   bikes that are more fully theirs. Grant has said that Riv only got $6 per
   frame sold elsewhere. It also represented a direction (speedy) that Riv has
   moved away from a bit since then. I get the impression Riv hoped it would
   be an inexpensive Rivvy bike, but it ended up costing almost as much as a
   "real" Riv. They seem to have accomplished this goal better with the Clem
   and the Sam complete, which tend to come in at (or below) the cost of a
   built San Marcos, and both of which (I hope) make more money for Riv.
   - LBSes were never (as far as I know) offered the San Marcos as a
   complete bike. Its a rare LBS that is going to build up a bare frame
   without a customer directing the build. It's a lot more work, and a
   significant financial risk.
   - SOMA didn't seem to push it much either. I don't know why they didn't
   offer it as a complete as they have other bikes, or do anything else to
   actually get them out into the retail channel.

It almost seems like the San Marcos was somebody's pet project that kind of
lost steam. I'd love to know more about how the San Marcos project went at
SOMA / Merry Sales and how many were sold, but for now I'll just keep
wondering.

Whatever happened, it sure did result in a lovely bicycle!


Reed



> On Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 9:57:33 AM UTC-4, se...@austin.utexas.edu
> wrote:
>>
>> I recently acquired a San Marcos and absolutely love it. It has all the
>> Riv ride characteristics at a more manageable price point. Got mine through
>> my local shop directly from SOMA, but I remember at the time they had only
>> a couple of 51cms left. The size is perfect. I am 5'6" with a pbh of 78cm.
>> Soma makes a nice quill stem too that can get the bars up real high
>> (similar neck problems as well). I am running the Soma stem with some
>> flipped Albas and loading on the front (Carradice Barley and Sackville
>> trunksack mounted to a Mark's rack) and it handles perfectly fine.
>> Definitely reminds me of my old 2nd generation Rambouillet as far as ride
>> quality is concerned. But being designed for 650b tires and allowing for
>> wider rubber certainly make it a nicer ride. Running Soma new express and
>> they soak up the Texas chip seal no problem. The newer fork is beautiful
>> too with a very elegant bend. I can't believe this frame wasn't more of a
>> top seller for Soma (and Riv). If you can score one from Riv (maybe hidden
>> in the depths of Riv's stockroom) or a shop (American Cyclery?), by all
>> means do it.
>>
>> Sean
>> ATX
>>
>>
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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Tim Butterfield]

On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 7:51 AM, Evan Baird  wrote:

> The SM costs about twice what it should because it's sold through IBDs. If
> it was made by a company that only sold to consumers it would have been a
> home run I'm certain.


So, a Bikes Direct bike designed by Grant?  That might be interesting.

Tim

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Evan Baird]

The SM costs about twice what it should because it's sold through IBDs. If it 
was made by a company that only sold to consumers it would have been a home run 
I'm certain.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Philip Kim]

Same, the geometry is similar to the Hillborne, but much lighter and 
heat-treated tubing. I was particularly surprised that even the seat 
stay/chain stays joint was lugged as well.  I don't think other Riv's are 
even lugged at that point (at least I know that the Cheviot and Hillborne 
aren't). But it does have a slightly less clearance than the Hillborne or 
AAH - Chainstays are 130, and the fork crown is slightly smaller. But it's 
such a stellar deal, I definitely like it over the Chev and Hillborne (love 
my Hunq the most though).

I assume it's because a lot of people don't really view it as a Rivendell.

On Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 10:16:20 AM UTC-4, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:
>
> I have to echo Sean's comment.  Given the relative price break in the Soma 
> for something designed by Riv and with Riv quality ride, I too am puzzled 
> by the lack of sales for this model.  The bike clearly exceeded my 
> expectations!
>
> On Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 9:57:33 AM UTC-4, se...@austin.utexas.edu 
> wrote:
>>
>> I recently acquired a San Marcos and absolutely love it. It has all the 
>> Riv ride characteristics at a more manageable price point. Got mine through 
>> my local shop directly from SOMA, but I remember at the time they had only 
>> a couple of 51cms left. The size is perfect. I am 5'6" with a pbh of 78cm. 
>> Soma makes a nice quill stem too that can get the bars up real high 
>> (similar neck problems as well). I am running the Soma stem with some 
>> flipped Albas and loading on the front (Carradice Barley and Sackville 
>> trunksack mounted to a Mark's rack) and it handles perfectly fine. 
>> Definitely reminds me of my old 2nd generation Rambouillet as far as ride 
>> quality is concerned. But being designed for 650b tires and allowing for 
>> wider rubber certainly make it a nicer ride. Running Soma new express and 
>> they soak up the Texas chip seal no problem. The newer fork is beautiful 
>> too with a very elegant bend. I can't believe this frame wasn't more of a 
>> top seller for Soma (and Riv). If you can score one from Riv (maybe hidden 
>> in the depths of Riv's stockroom) or a shop (American Cyclery?), by all 
>> means do it.
>>
>> Sean
>> ATX
>>
>>
>>>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Chris Birkenmaier]

I have to echo Sean's comment.  Given the relative price break in the Soma 
for something designed by Riv and with Riv quality ride, I too am puzzled 
by the lack of sales for this model.  The bike clearly exceeded my 
expectations!

On Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 9:57:33 AM UTC-4, se...@austin.utexas.edu 
wrote:
>
> I recently acquired a San Marcos and absolutely love it. It has all the 
> Riv ride characteristics at a more manageable price point. Got mine through 
> my local shop directly from SOMA, but I remember at the time they had only 
> a couple of 51cms left. The size is perfect. I am 5'6" with a pbh of 78cm. 
> Soma makes a nice quill stem too that can get the bars up real high 
> (similar neck problems as well). I am running the Soma stem with some 
> flipped Albas and loading on the front (Carradice Barley and Sackville 
> trunksack mounted to a Mark's rack) and it handles perfectly fine. 
> Definitely reminds me of my old 2nd generation Rambouillet as far as ride 
> quality is concerned. But being designed for 650b tires and allowing for 
> wider rubber certainly make it a nicer ride. Running Soma new express and 
> they soak up the Texas chip seal no problem. The newer fork is beautiful 
> too with a very elegant bend. I can't believe this frame wasn't more of a 
> top seller for Soma (and Riv). If you can score one from Riv (maybe hidden 
> in the depths of Riv's stockroom) or a shop (American Cyclery?), by all 
> means do it.
>
> Sean
> ATX
>
>
>>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[s...@austin.utexas.edu]

I recently acquired a San Marcos and absolutely love it. It has all the Riv 
ride characteristics at a more manageable price point. Got mine through my 
local shop directly from SOMA, but I remember at the time they had only a 
couple of 51cms left. The size is perfect. I am 5'6" with a pbh of 78cm. 
Soma makes a nice quill stem too that can get the bars up real high 
(similar neck problems as well). I am running the Soma stem with some 
flipped Albas and loading on the front (Carradice Barley and Sackville 
trunksack mounted to a Mark's rack) and it handles perfectly fine. 
Definitely reminds me of my old 2nd generation Rambouillet as far as ride 
quality is concerned. But being designed for 650b tires and allowing for 
wider rubber certainly make it a nicer ride. Running Soma new express and 
they soak up the Texas chip seal no problem. The newer fork is beautiful 
too with a very elegant bend. I can't believe this frame wasn't more of a 
top seller for Soma (and Riv). If you can score one from Riv (maybe hidden 
in the depths of Riv's stockroom) or a shop (American Cyclery?), by all 
means do it.

Sean
ATX


>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Joe Bernard]

I dig your SM, Reed. There was a guy at the RBW Book Talk Ride who had a blue 
Appaloosa with an IGH hub (can't remember what bars). It was gorgeous! 

Speaking of such matters, it's too bad Riv isn't continuing the light blue on 
those Joes. It looks WAY better live in color than it does on the internets. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Chris Birkenmaier]

THanks Reed!  I really do like my bike and yours is set up very cool.  I 
approve!  I had a 1974 Raleigh super course redone with urban bars and a 3 
speed. Tons of fun to ride

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Eric Karnes]

Sounds like the San Marcos might be a good choice for you. One thing that's 
nice about all Rivendells is how versatile they are...even the 
'road-specific' models. I have a Roadeo and with Jack Browns or 35mm knobby 
cross tires, it handles non-singletrack dirt and gravel trails great. 

Eric

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:00:22 AM UTC-4, PineTarSoap wrote:
>
> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>
> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>
> Questions:
> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page is 
> the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however the 
> 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd to 
> me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Evan Baird]

There are a few frames left, except no 51cm

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Chris Birkenmaier]

Hi.  I am 5'8" with a pbh of 77.8 so I am right there with you on that.  I 
have a 51 and I feel it is a good fit for me.  Although there isn't a lot 
of clearance I only ride it on the paved road and I've had no problems with 
the higher top tube.  And I'm quite sure I now own the bike that was being 
referred to.  I bought it off Craig's List but it was a new-old-stock frame 
built up by Bicycle Odyssey in Sausalito.  (Nice guys there by the way).  I 
had an albatross handlebar put on instead of the drops.  I really like the 
ride of the San Marcos and would highly recommend the bike.  It does "ride 
big" or perhaps I should say I feel like I am on a large bike when I ride 
it but not in a negative way at all.

To address your other point about availability, I also heard on the 
internet that they would stop producing the San Marcos so I set out to find 
a bike/frame before they all sold out.  There were newer frames with the 
Tiburon blue color but I preferred the Pearl blue of the previous edition.  
As mentioned, I lucked out at finding the CL bike and at a reasonable price 
from the shop.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Chris

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 3:43:06 PM UTC-4, Rob H. wrote:

> I've got a "700c" 54 SM (first generation) and like it a lot. It's a 
> little bit odd because I bought it used off CL from some guy and it 
> actually has the shorter fork (650b for the 51cm SM) on it. So my solution, 
> ultimately, after getting tired of only being able to run super narrow 
> tires on it so it would rub up against the underside of the fork and front 
> brakes, was to put a 650b wheel up front. Now i've got 35mm wide tires on 
> it and looks like room for fenders still. 
>
> Also don't know if you're in the SF Bay Area but there was someone trying 
> to sell a built up 51cm SM on CL. I think they were in the South Bay 
> possibly a bike shop. At any rate, the listing expired (not deleted) so it 
> might pop up again and if you've got the cajones you could go give it a 
> test ride / kick the tires so to speak.
>
>
> On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 7:00:22 AM UTC-7, PineTarSoap wrote:
>>
>> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
>> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
>> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
>> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
>> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
>> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>>
>> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
>> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
>> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
>> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
>> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>>
>> Questions:
>> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
>> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page 
>> is the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
>> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however 
>> the 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd 
>> to me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Reed Kennedy]

On Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 12:43 PM, Rob H.  wrote:

> 
> Also don't know if you're in the SF Bay Area but there was someone trying
> to sell a built up 51cm SM on CL. I think they were in the South Bay
> possibly a bike shop. At any rate, the listing expired (not deleted) so it
> might pop up again and if you've got the cajones you could go give it a
> test ride / kick the tires so to speak.
>

It was A Bicycle Odyssey up in Sausalito. No idea if they still have it,
but it's probably worth a phone call!

I remember the build looking pretty solid.


Best,
Reed


> On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 7:00:22 AM UTC-7, PineTarSoap wrote:
>>
>> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this
>> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a
>> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires
>> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like
>> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I
>> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>>
>> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I
>> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a
>> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well
>> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a
>> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>>
>> Questions:
>> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
>> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page
>> is the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
>> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however
>> the 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd
>> to me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>>
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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Rob H.]

I've got a "700c" 54 SM (first generation) and like it a lot. It's a little 
bit odd because I bought it used off CL from some guy and it actually has 
the shorter fork (650b for the 51cm SM) on it. So my solution, ultimately, 
after getting tired of only being able to run super narrow tires on it so 
it would rub up against the underside of the fork and front brakes, was to 
put a 650b wheel up front. Now i've got 35mm wide tires on it and looks 
like room for fenders still. 

Also don't know if you're in the SF Bay Area but there was someone trying 
to sell a built up 51cm SM on CL. I think they were in the South Bay 
possibly a bike shop. At any rate, the listing expired (not deleted) so it 
might pop up again and if you've got the cajones you could go give it a 
test ride / kick the tires so to speak.


On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 7:00:22 AM UTC-7, PineTarSoap wrote:
>
> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>
> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>
> Questions:
> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page is 
> the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however the 
> 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd to 
> me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Scott McLain]

I think the San Marcos is going to be a great bike for you.  I also believe 
it takes a quill stem which if you go with the Tallux will let you put the 
bars nice so you can keep your drop bars if you like.

Scott

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 8:00:22 AM UTC-6, PineTarSoap wrote:
>
> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>
> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>
> Questions:
> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page is 
> the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however the 
> 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd to 
> me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Philip Kim]

For reference, I'm 5'6", 78cm PBH, and 150lb.

I don't think Rivendell carries it anymore. I ordered my frame through a 
Soma dealer, make sure you ask for the nice bend fork, instead of the 
banana fork if those things matter to you.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:00:22 AM UTC-4, PineTarSoap wrote:
>
> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>
> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>
> Questions:
> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page is 
> the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however the 
> 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd to 
> me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Philip Kim]

for reference my PBH is 78cm, I'm 5'6", and abuot 145-150lb.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:24:45 AM UTC-4, Philip Kim wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I've rode/owned all those bikes you've mentioned at one time or another. 
> IMO, the San Marcos is just the ticket. It handles the same as the Sam, but 
> made of heat treated, and lighter tubing. So it's just as stable, but a 
> more "spirited" ride. Still can carry a good load (I've hauled about 15lb 
> on a basket up front no problems), and has brazeons for a rear rack. At the 
> end of the day though, the San Marcos is more of a road bike, and I think 
> it would be perfect for your commute. I used it commute from DC to VA and 
> it's mostly uphill for about a mile into Virginia. Climbs better than the 
> Sam Hillborne and Cheviot, IMO.
>
> I have the same PBH and the 51cm is perfect size. Don't size down, if 
> you're using it for road use, no need for too much standover. The sloping 
> top tube will get your handlebars up nice and high. The 47cm will be too 
> small, and the reach to the handlebars will be a bit cramped because of the 
> slacker headtube angle and sloping top tube. The way the top tube and 
> angles all work, it can easily be changed from drop to upright cockpit. 
> I've found 70-80mm stem with drops are nice, and 110mm with Albatross 
> handlebars work well for me.  If you're planning on using Albatross bars, 
> definitely don't size down.
>
> Mine is outfitted with Hetres, which are a dream to ride. Though for more 
> pure pavement use, the Compass 650bx38's feel a bit faster (i'm sure it's 
> just in my head as commute times were the same), and will work better under 
> fenders.
>
> I used to have a Sam, sold it for a Chev out of curiosity. Eventually sold 
> it for a San Marcos because I put an order in for a Hunqapillar and seemed 
> like too much overlap. Hunqapillar is now my only bike, but gave the Soma 
> to my girlfriend, so it's easily accessible for me to ride.
>
> Hope that helps.
>
> On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:00:22 AM UTC-4, PineTarSoap wrote:
>>
>> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
>> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
>> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
>> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
>> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
>> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>>
>> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
>> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
>> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
>> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
>> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>>
>> Questions:
>> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
>> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page 
>> is the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
>> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however 
>> the 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd 
>> to me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>>
>

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[RBW] Re: Soma San Marcos questions....

[Philip Kim]

Hi,

I've rode/owned all those bikes you've mentioned at one time or another. 
IMO, the San Marcos is just the ticket. It handles the same as the Sam, but 
made of heat treated, and lighter tubing. So it's just as stable, but a 
more "spirited" ride. Still can carry a good load (I've hauled about 15lb 
on a basket up front no problems), and has brazeons for a rear rack. At the 
end of the day though, the San Marcos is more of a road bike, and I think 
it would be perfect for your commute. I used it commute from DC to VA and 
it's mostly uphill for about a mile into Virginia. Climbs better than the 
Sam Hillborne and Cheviot, IMO.

I have the same PBH and the 51cm is perfect size. Don't size down, if 
you're using it for road use, no need for too much standover. The sloping 
top tube will get your handlebars up nice and high. The 47cm will be too 
small, and the reach to the handlebars will be a bit cramped because of the 
slacker headtube angle and sloping top tube. The way the top tube and 
angles all work, it can easily be changed from drop to upright cockpit. 
I've found 70-80mm stem with drops are nice, and 110mm with Albatross 
handlebars work well for me.  If you're planning on using Albatross bars, 
definitely don't size down.

Mine is outfitted with Hetres, which are a dream to ride. Though for more 
pure pavement use, the Compass 650bx38's feel a bit faster (i'm sure it's 
just in my head as commute times were the same), and will work better under 
fenders.

I used to have a Sam, sold it for a Chev out of curiosity. Eventually sold 
it for a San Marcos because I put an order in for a Hunqapillar and seemed 
like too much overlap. Hunqapillar is now my only bike, but gave the Soma 
to my girlfriend, so it's easily accessible for me to ride.

Hope that helps.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:00:22 AM UTC-4, PineTarSoap wrote:
>
> I would like to get my first Riv bike. I mainly plan to commute with this 
> bike (17 mi roundtrip, hills) and do the occasional road ride. I have a 
> neck pain issue and I am hoping a more upright position and fatter tires 
> will help. I have a nice carbon road bike for fast rides, but I would like 
> to mix in a bike with a different position to take stress off my neck. I 
> don't plan right now on doing any off-road riding or touring.
>
> I have tested ridden the Hunq, Cheviot, and Sam. They were all fun, but I 
> thought the Sam probably seemed the most appropriate. But I didn't get a 
> chance to ride a Soma SM. The Riv description is that is like a more well 
> rounded Rodeo, which seems to fit what I would use it for. I suppose a 
> Rodeo would as well but at more cost.
>
> Questions:
> 1) Does the Soma sound like the right choice for me?
> 2) Do they still sell this frame? If you google search it, the Riv page is 
> the first listed, but you can't find it on their frames page.
> 3) My PBH is 78 (just) and so I guess I am in the 51 cm range, however the 
> 51 cm Sam didn't leave much crotch room. Would a 47 cm work? Seems odd to 
> me that the size down from 51 is a big jump to 47.
>

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