[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Jason Fuller]

Thanks for posting the in-progress update Joe!  Looks very nice.  Can't 
wait to see it with paint.

If I were looking at a custom, I think it would be designed around 26 x 2.1 
with 65mm fenders, and I'd alternate presently between Naches Pass and 
Gravel Kings.  I'd push for medium trail, and geometry and tubing somewhere 
between an AHH and a Sam.  Canti mounts.  Basically a 26" version of a 
Hillborne but with some additional tire clearance.  Not different enough 
from a Hillborne to be worth going custom :) 

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Joe Bernard]

Speaking of such matters, here's mine at Joe Bell's awaiting paint. 

On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 12:07:09 PM UTC-7, Joe Bernard wrote:
> I've banged this drum elsewhere and I figure since I'm about to accept 
> delivery on one myself, I should ask and answer the question myself and see 
> what others have to say. 
> 
> I had a few things involved: 1. The basal arthritis (so far predominantly in 
> my right hand) has become enough of an issue that I can only ride bolt 
> upright. I even tried recumbents again but I just can't stick with them. 2. I 
> saw a custom on the Rivbike site that wasn't quite a diamond frame but not 
> quite a mixte, the toptube was somewhere in-between. I liked that look for a 
> low-stepover frame. 3. I'm not getting any younger (57) and my hand is 
> telling me my "ride a bike every day" years are numbered, so it was time to 
> jump if I was ever going to get that Rivendell Custom I've always dreamed of. 
> I asked Grant to design one that would get them Boscos way up there. 
> 
> I'd love to hear other's thoughts, plus this thread will serve as a spot for 
> pics of my new frame when it arrives. Who needs a custom?
> 
> Joe "I do I do!" Bernard 
> Marin County CA.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Mat Grewe]

Swept back bars, yes'ish and no...  I'm running Koga Denham, which are now 
on whatbars if you are curious.  The below pic is just from the internet, 
but pretty similar to what I'm doing.  I have a slightly long torso for my 
height of 6'1", but I like being stretched out with the bars level with the 
saddle.  Top tube is 635mm and I'll use a 100mm stem.  I'll PM you about 
the frame price.

[image: Koga Denham handlebars, Velo Orange stem, Ergon GC1 grips, Shimano 
...]

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Patrick Moore]

The only Scottish genes I have are Scots Irish ones, greatly diluted with
English on the same side, and with Malay/Chinese/Spanish ones on the other,
so the tendencies are much attenuated.

Looking beyond Chauncey, my outside limit would be $5K for f/f/integrated
racks that fit the existing parts plus the newly-ordered ($92 shipped) VO
fenders. As it is, $3K should more than cover it all.

On Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 5:13 PM Bill Lindsay  wrote:

> I'm curious about your budget, mostly just as an extension to your
> narrative.  You've told several times that Chauncey Matthews was really
> slow to build your previous custom, and as a partial apology charged you
> only $1000 for it.  You refused to pay that little and forced him to accept
> $1200, and have repeatedly said it's worth 2x to 3x the price.  Given all
> the special one of a kind fabrication associated with this new frame,
> including a rear spacing that he's likely never done before, it seems to me
> that this new project, with all it's details could be substantially more
> involved than your previous custom Matthews.  If you believe your previous
> Matthews should have cost $2400 to $3600, and if your new Matthews is say
> half-again more involved with details, should your budget be $3600-$5000?
> I was thinking about the numbers when you were asking about giving Bilenky
> the job.  As an urban-location builder, with an international reputation,
> I'd imagine Bilenky could easily cost double Chauncey Matthews, but then
> you'd be looking at a $7200 - $1 frameset, which I just can't imagine
> your Scottish genes allowing you to spend.
>
> What's your budget?
>
> Bill Lindsay
> El Cerrito, CA
>
> On Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 4:01:07 PM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:
>>
>>
>> Chauncey picked up the 2003 Curt this morning to use as the model for the
>> clone. At the last minute, we discussed tubing and I said, why not standard
>> gauge 531? I didn't specify "C", if that is even available nowadays, but I
>> told him, no touring-spec tubing, and Chauncey has a predilection for light
>> frames. He texted me just now and said he'd ordered 531. So we'll see if it
>> makes a difference over, say, oversized, thinwall, heat-treated tubing. I
>> expect it won't, but at least I'll have a new tout-531 frame.
>>
>> FWIW, all the light frames I've owned have been 531: 1989 Falcon; 1973
>> Motobecane G Record; and currently owned but not built 19-*old* Libertas
>> that with steel Campy headset weighs 5 lb 9 oz in a 60 X 56 c-c size. So,
>> 531 won't hurt, at any rate. Me, I don't think I've ever experienced
>> "planing", but it won't hurt to try. And, the '03 never has felt as
>> spritely as the '99.
>>
>> Clone will ride like the '99 and '03 with the 559 X 28 wheels -- that is
>> the foundational design principle -- but accept Naches Passes with fenders,
>> God willing. Built for AM-hub wheel and QR trigger shifting system (OEM SA
>> wingnuts), but the Surly fixed wheel will be the mainstay. Integrated racks
>> and fenders, internal wiring (well, I told him to use exterior loops if
>> absolutely necessary). No dt shifter bosses or stops, no derailleur hangar
>> (hope eventually to build the Libertas up as a tubular derailleur retro
>> road bike).
>>
>> All, God willing ...
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> ---
>> Patrick Moore
>> Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
>>
>> --
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> 
> .
>


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---
Patrick Moore
Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Bill Lindsay]

Ha!  I crassly inquired about your tab while you were crassly inquiring 
about another's.

BL

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 4:05:39 PM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:
>
> Mat: That sounds like a killer design; please keep us posted. If it was 
> good enough for Jobst, it probably is good enough for the rest of us.
>
> I suppose that the longer tt is for sweepback bars?
>
> May I crassly inquire about the tab? I'll confess to mine (Chauncey 
> Matthews): he wants $1,800, I told him, $2K if you swap over all the parts, 
> I anticipate $2.5K ceiling for respacing Surly fixed rear hub and other 
> unexpected incidentals; the result being old wine in new skins, to wit, old 
> parts on new frame. (Old wine in new skins is fine; it's new wine that 
> bursts old skins.)
>
> On Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 4:33 PM Mat Grewe > 
> wrote:
>
>> I've always been a one bike guy and my bike, a Bianchi Super Grizzly from 
>> the early 80's, is needing to get retired.  I had the crack in the 
>> chainstay patched/fixed, the guy did such a great job, I put in an order 
>> for a custom to replace the frame.  It is essentially a fillet brazed 650b 
>> Atlantis with thru-axle disc brakes, longer top tube, slacker seat tube 
>> angle, dynamo routing, threadless headset, and seat stays that join behind 
>> the seat tube rather than the side (big thighs that rub on those 
>> protrusions!).
>>
>> The nice thing about living in southwest Wisconsin, where the cost of 
>> living is pretty darn low, is a custom frame is the same or less than stock 
>> steel frames made in the US.  I tried to avoid going the custom route, but 
>> when I found nothing out there that would quite fit, plus the next best 
>> options were around the same price, oddly enough a custom didn't feel like 
>> such an indulgence.  At 29, I'm looking forward to riding this bike 
>> exclusively for many years to come.  Jobst Brandt got 20+ years out of his 
>> last Peter Johnson frame, so I'm hoping that I can get somewhere in that 
>> ballpark too.
>>
>> Frame should be done and built up in a couple weeks, and if I remember, I 
>> can post a picture here once it is done.
>>
>> Mat
>> Driftless Wisconsin
>>
>> -- 
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
>> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
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>> email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com .
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>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>
>
> -- 
>
> ---
> Patrick Moore
> Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Bill Lindsay]

I'm curious about your budget, mostly just as an extension to your 
narrative.  You've told several times that Chauncey Matthews was really 
slow to build your previous custom, and as a partial apology charged you 
only $1000 for it.  You refused to pay that little and forced him to accept 
$1200, and have repeatedly said it's worth 2x to 3x the price.  Given all 
the special one of a kind fabrication associated with this new frame, 
including a rear spacing that he's likely never done before, it seems to me 
that this new project, with all it's details could be substantially more 
involved than your previous custom Matthews.  If you believe your previous 
Matthews should have cost $2400 to $3600, and if your new Matthews is say 
half-again more involved with details, should your budget be $3600-$5000?  
I was thinking about the numbers when you were asking about giving Bilenky 
the job.  As an urban-location builder, with an international reputation, 
I'd imagine Bilenky could easily cost double Chauncey Matthews, but then 
you'd be looking at a $7200 - $1 frameset, which I just can't imagine 
your Scottish genes allowing you to spend.  

What's your budget?

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito, CA

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 4:01:07 PM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:
>
>
> Chauncey picked up the 2003 Curt this morning to use as the model for the 
> clone. At the last minute, we discussed tubing and I said, why not standard 
> gauge 531? I didn't specify "C", if that is even available nowadays, but I 
> told him, no touring-spec tubing, and Chauncey has a predilection for light 
> frames. He texted me just now and said he'd ordered 531. So we'll see if it 
> makes a difference over, say, oversized, thinwall, heat-treated tubing. I 
> expect it won't, but at least I'll have a new tout-531 frame.
>
> FWIW, all the light frames I've owned have been 531: 1989 Falcon; 1973 
> Motobecane G Record; and currently owned but not built 19-*old* Libertas 
> that with steel Campy headset weighs 5 lb 9 oz in a 60 X 56 c-c size. So, 
> 531 won't hurt, at any rate. Me, I don't think I've ever experienced 
> "planing", but it won't hurt to try. And, the '03 never has felt as 
> spritely as the '99.
>
> Clone will ride like the '99 and '03 with the 559 X 28 wheels -- that is 
> the foundational design principle -- but accept Naches Passes with fenders, 
> God willing. Built for AM-hub wheel and QR trigger shifting system (OEM SA 
> wingnuts), but the Surly fixed wheel will be the mainstay. Integrated racks 
> and fenders, internal wiring (well, I told him to use exterior loops if 
> absolutely necessary). No dt shifter bosses or stops, no derailleur hangar 
> (hope eventually to build the Libertas up as a tubular derailleur retro 
> road bike).
>
> All, God willing ...
>
>
>
> -- 
>
> ---
> Patrick Moore
> Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Patrick Moore]

Mat: That sounds like a killer design; please keep us posted. If it was
good enough for Jobst, it probably is good enough for the rest of us.

I suppose that the longer tt is for sweepback bars?

May I crassly inquire about the tab? I'll confess to mine (Chauncey
Matthews): he wants $1,800, I told him, $2K if you swap over all the parts,
I anticipate $2.5K ceiling for respacing Surly fixed rear hub and other
unexpected incidentals; the result being old wine in new skins, to wit, old
parts on new frame. (Old wine in new skins is fine; it's new wine that
bursts old skins.)

On Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 4:33 PM Mat Grewe  wrote:

> I've always been a one bike guy and my bike, a Bianchi Super Grizzly from
> the early 80's, is needing to get retired.  I had the crack in the
> chainstay patched/fixed, the guy did such a great job, I put in an order
> for a custom to replace the frame.  It is essentially a fillet brazed 650b
> Atlantis with thru-axle disc brakes, longer top tube, slacker seat tube
> angle, dynamo routing, threadless headset, and seat stays that join behind
> the seat tube rather than the side (big thighs that rub on those
> protrusions!).
>
> The nice thing about living in southwest Wisconsin, where the cost of
> living is pretty darn low, is a custom frame is the same or less than stock
> steel frames made in the US.  I tried to avoid going the custom route, but
> when I found nothing out there that would quite fit, plus the next best
> options were around the same price, oddly enough a custom didn't feel like
> such an indulgence.  At 29, I'm looking forward to riding this bike
> exclusively for many years to come.  Jobst Brandt got 20+ years out of his
> last Peter Johnson frame, so I'm hoping that I can get somewhere in that
> ballpark too.
>
> Frame should be done and built up in a couple weeks, and if I remember, I
> can post a picture here once it is done.
>
> Mat
> Driftless Wisconsin
>
> --
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> 
> .
>


-- 

---
Patrick Moore
Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Patrick Moore]

Chauncey picked up the 2003 Curt this morning to use as the model for the
clone. At the last minute, we discussed tubing and I said, why not standard
gauge 531? I didn't specify "C", if that is even available nowadays, but I
told him, no touring-spec tubing, and Chauncey has a predilection for light
frames. He texted me just now and said he'd ordered 531. So we'll see if it
makes a difference over, say, oversized, thinwall, heat-treated tubing. I
expect it won't, but at least I'll have a new tout-531 frame.

FWIW, all the light frames I've owned have been 531: 1989 Falcon; 1973
Motobecane G Record; and currently owned but not built 19-*old* Libertas
that with steel Campy headset weighs 5 lb 9 oz in a 60 X 56 c-c size. So,
531 won't hurt, at any rate. Me, I don't think I've ever experienced
"planing", but it won't hurt to try. And, the '03 never has felt as
spritely as the '99.

Clone will ride like the '99 and '03 with the 559 X 28 wheels -- that is
the foundational design principle -- but accept Naches Passes with fenders,
God willing. Built for AM-hub wheel and QR trigger shifting system (OEM SA
wingnuts), but the Surly fixed wheel will be the mainstay. Integrated racks
and fenders, internal wiring (well, I told him to use exterior loops if
absolutely necessary). No dt shifter bosses or stops, no derailleur hangar
(hope eventually to build the Libertas up as a tubular derailleur retro
road bike).

All, God willing ...



-- 

---
Patrick Moore
Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Mat Grewe]

I've always been a one bike guy and my bike, a Bianchi Super Grizzly from 
the early 80's, is needing to get retired.  I had the crack in the 
chainstay patched/fixed, the guy did such a great job, I put in an order 
for a custom to replace the frame.  It is essentially a fillet brazed 650b 
Atlantis with thru-axle disc brakes, longer top tube, slacker seat tube 
angle, dynamo routing, threadless headset, and seat stays that join behind 
the seat tube rather than the side (big thighs that rub on those 
protrusions!).

The nice thing about living in southwest Wisconsin, where the cost of 
living is pretty darn low, is a custom frame is the same or less than stock 
steel frames made in the US.  I tried to avoid going the custom route, but 
when I found nothing out there that would quite fit, plus the next best 
options were around the same price, oddly enough a custom didn't feel like 
such an indulgence.  At 29, I'm looking forward to riding this bike 
exclusively for many years to come.  Jobst Brandt got 20+ years out of his 
last Peter Johnson frame, so I'm hoping that I can get somewhere in that 
ballpark too.

Frame should be done and built up in a couple weeks, and if I remember, I 
can post a picture here once it is done.

Mat
Driftless Wisconsin

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Joe Bernard]

Phil definitely married up 👍😁

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Roberta]

Hi, Phil.

(I'm sure Phil remembers--I bought his AHH this past summer and am loving 
it.)  I'm so glad you are thrilled with your custom.  And, your wife if 
amazing to want you to have the bike of your dreams.

Roberta

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 12:22:31 PM UTC-4, phil k wrote:
>
> I went the custom route - though not a Rivendell. I never found Rivendells 
> to fit quite how I wanted with drop bars and a previous custom didn't quite 
> fit me as well. I was very close to pursuing a Riv custom, but was on the 
> fence about another custom.
>
> Then my wife told me if I wanted to get a custom that I look into Grand 
> Bois since we were gonna go to Japan for our honeymoon. She knew I followed 
> them, and she liked the idea of a having a bike as a souvenir from our 
> honeymoon, and she wanted me to go in-person for fitting and also wanted to 
> visit Kyoto.
>
> I walked into the shop, and Ikuo measured me up and fit me on the bike. I 
> had a very particular idea of what I wanted - but it was clear Ikuo was was 
> in charge. It was clear he had been doing this for a long time.
>
> Few months later, my bike came in fully assembled. I was wary because I 
> normally have the tops of my drop bars above my saddle. However, this bike 
> didn't even come with a stem high enough to get the tops above the saddle. 
>
> I kept everything how it was and the bike is amazing.
>
> I feel like with all the money I lost buying and selling all my bikes, I 
> should've gotten my custom sooner and saved money.
>
> On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 3:07:09 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:
>>
>> I've banged this drum elsewhere and I figure since I'm about to accept 
>> delivery on one myself, I should ask and answer the question myself and see 
>> what others have to say. 
>>
>> I had a few things involved: 1. The basal arthritis (so far predominantly 
>> in my right hand) has become enough of an issue that I can only ride bolt 
>> upright. I even tried recumbents again but I just can't stick with them. 2. 
>> I saw a custom on the Rivbike site that wasn't quite a diamond frame but 
>> not quite a mixte, the toptube was somewhere in-between. I liked that look 
>> for a low-stepover frame. 3. I'm not getting any younger (57) and my hand 
>> is telling me my "ride a bike every day" years are numbered, so it was time 
>> to jump if I was ever going to get that Rivendell Custom I've always 
>> dreamed of. I asked Grant to design one that would get them Boscos way up 
>> there. 
>>
>> I'd love to hear other's thoughts, plus this thread will serve as a spot 
>> for pics of my new frame when it arrives. Who needs a custom?
>>
>> Joe "I do I do!" Bernard 
>> Marin County CA.  
>>
>>

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[phil k]

I went the custom route - though not a Rivendell. I never found Rivendells 
to fit quite how I wanted with drop bars and a previous custom didn't quite 
fit me as well. I was very close to pursuing a Riv custom, but was on the 
fence about another custom.

Then my wife told me if I wanted to get a custom that I look into Grand 
Bois since we were gonna go to Japan for our honeymoon. She knew I followed 
them, and she liked the idea of a having a bike as a souvenir from our 
honeymoon, and she wanted me to go in-person for fitting and also wanted to 
visit Kyoto.

I walked into the shop, and Ikuo measured me up and fit me on the bike. I 
had a very particular idea of what I wanted - but it was clear Ikuo was was 
in charge. It was clear he had been doing this for a long time.

Few months later, my bike came in fully assembled. I was wary because I 
normally have the tops of my drop bars above my saddle. However, this bike 
didn't even come with a stem high enough to get the tops above the saddle. 

I kept everything how it was and the bike is amazing.

I feel like with all the money I lost buying and selling all my bikes, I 
should've gotten my custom sooner and saved money.

On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 3:07:09 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:
>
> I've banged this drum elsewhere and I figure since I'm about to accept 
> delivery on one myself, I should ask and answer the question myself and see 
> what others have to say. 
>
> I had a few things involved: 1. The basal arthritis (so far predominantly 
> in my right hand) has become enough of an issue that I can only ride bolt 
> upright. I even tried recumbents again but I just can't stick with them. 2. 
> I saw a custom on the Rivbike site that wasn't quite a diamond frame but 
> not quite a mixte, the toptube was somewhere in-between. I liked that look 
> for a low-stepover frame. 3. I'm not getting any younger (57) and my hand 
> is telling me my "ride a bike every day" years are numbered, so it was time 
> to jump if I was ever going to get that Rivendell Custom I've always 
> dreamed of. I asked Grant to design one that would get them Boscos way up 
> there. 
>
> I'd love to hear other's thoughts, plus this thread will serve as a spot 
> for pics of my new frame when it arrives. Who needs a custom?
>
> Joe "I do I do!" Bernard 
> Marin County CA.  
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Brewster Fong]

Agree. I went out this morning and found I had a flat rear tire (slow 
leak!). So I put that bike away and took out my other bike. Assuming you 
have the room, it is nice to have more than one bike. Otherwise, if you 
really only want one bike, make sure you have extra wheels! Good Luck!

On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 2:34:11 PM UTC-7, James Valiensi wrote:
>
> What would you do if you could only have one bicycle? 
>
> I’d just kill myself... 
>
> > On Mar 30, 2020, at 1:26 PM, ted > 
> wrote: 
> > 
> > True, dat 
> > 
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>  
>
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Joe Bernard]

"It is an old joke."

Oh, sorry James, my 'literal brain' tends to pick up things at face value (and 
drives my friends crazy because I can't read between the lines). 

What IS it with Bromptons?? I buy one, I don't end up using it much, I sell it, 
I decide I need another one. I have a new one now and I'm just going to keep it 
no matter what! Someday I'll be One Bike Joe, and also the Brommie 😋

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[James Valiensi]

It is an old joke. I have too many bikes and don’t want to get rid of any of 
them. 
I have my Rivendell Custom, which my wife got for me as a wedding gift.
I have my Colnago from 1986, which was repainted by JB in a color my wife 
picked.
There is my Joe A, which is too pleasant to dump. I have a Yeti SB66 which is 
too expensive to replace and I like it. 
I have a Brompton - how could you dump such a cute bike?
There is a Pedersen that will never go away.
Then there are the frames and bikes from my frame building days. I got to keep 
them, no one else wants them.

Sigh… 

> On Mar 30, 2020, at 2:40 PM, Joe Bernard  wrote:
> 
> To be honest, James, I'm getting closer to that minimalist ideal. I've bought 
> and sold a ton of bikes (they all said WE KNOW, JOE!) and often had four or 
> five around at one time. Even considering at least one was usually a folder 
> packed down into nothing in a closet, that's still a lot of bikes for one 
> fellow to own and store. I'm not quite down to one yet, but I could see the 
> custom getting me there..especially if my hands start giving up on the other 
> bikes. I'm not One Bike Joe yet, but I think that day looms. 
> 
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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Joe Bernard]

To be honest, James, I'm getting closer to that minimalist ideal. I've bought 
and sold a ton of bikes (they all said WE KNOW, JOE!) and often had four or 
five around at one time. Even considering at least one was usually a folder 
packed down into nothing in a closet, that's still a lot of bikes for one 
fellow to own and store. I'm not quite down to one yet, but I could see the 
custom getting me there..especially if my hands start giving up on the other 
bikes. I'm not One Bike Joe yet, but I think that day looms. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[James Valiensi]

What would you do if you could only have one bicycle?

I’d just kill myself...

> On Mar 30, 2020, at 1:26 PM, ted  wrote:
> 
> True, dat 
> 
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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[ted]

True, dat 

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[Joe Bernard]

Hehe, yeah, "need" is probably the wrong word in the thread title. It's more 
like this: If you use your bike every day and would like certain features and a 
certain look and you have the cash, pay up! A Riv Custom may be pricey, but 
it's a heckuva lot cheaper than a new car. 

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[RBW] Re: Who needs a custom?

[ted]

I doubt many folks really "need" a custom. But there are loads of reasons 
to want one, and if you can pay for it why not? There are lots of worse 
ways to spend ones money.
I'd think the main reason to get one is wanting geometry and/or a mix of 
features not available from a production model (as is your case). But hey 
even just wanting those custom lugs, that head badge, and "Rivendell" on 
the down tube could be reason enough.

I look foreword to seeing photos of your new custom soon. 

Ted, my cycling left "need" behind long ago, Kelly
Alameda County CA.

On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 12:07:09 PM UTC-7, Joe Bernard wrote:
>
> I've banged this drum elsewhere and I figure since I'm about to accept 
> delivery on one myself, I should ask and answer the question myself and see 
> what others have to say. 
>
> I had a few things involved: 1. The basal arthritis (so far predominantly 
> in my right hand) has become enough of an issue that I can only ride bolt 
> upright. I even tried recumbents again but I just can't stick with them. 2. 
> I saw a custom on the Rivbike site that wasn't quite a diamond frame but 
> not quite a mixte, the toptube was somewhere in-between. I liked that look 
> for a low-stepover frame. 3. I'm not getting any younger (57) and my hand 
> is telling me my "ride a bike every day" years are numbered, so it was time 
> to jump if I was ever going to get that Rivendell Custom I've always 
> dreamed of. I asked Grant to design one that would get them Boscos way up 
> there. 
>
> I'd love to hear other's thoughts, plus this thread will serve as a spot 
> for pics of my new frame when it arrives. Who needs a custom?
>
> Joe "I do I do!" Bernard 
> Marin County CA.  
>
>

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