[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I might be outing myself and will lose a lot of respect for this, but my OTHER big obsessive hobby is golf. I even work in a golf store during the summers. I only bring this up because this post makes me think about technology in golf. There are people who play golf equipment that's lacking in

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I borrowed my in-laws' hardtail to ride with them. I'd never ridden a "good" hardtail before, and it was fun. But, like Paul, I'm not interested in learning about suspension maintenance, tuning, etc. On the hardtail, it was easier to perform certain maneuvers that I could barely do on my Jones.

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

This is an interesting subject and there have been some good replies. Golf was mentioned. I recall when clubs with fiberglass then later carbon fiber shafts were introduced. They made a big difference in the game for someone with a slow, mild swing. Later, oversized drivers came along. They

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

It's interesting when you reach that point where you have to say "hey, maybe everyone else isn't wrong, maybe I've been brainwashed?" Just kidding, it isn't that bad, but I do think that Grant unfairly criticizes mainstream MTB bikes and riding, though. I've ridden modern full suspension bikes

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I regularly ride my Riv-styled BMC monster cross with a Rapha brevet jersey and Rivendell MUSA pants. I like the look, the jersey is great, and sometimes the pants are a welcome break from the usual lycra, especially in moderate temperatures. As for bikes, I too have been tempted by full-suspe

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

My introduction tow golf was through a third or fourth hand set of irons 'blades" is what my friend's dad called them. I hit some good shots eventually with that set, but my friends with cavity weighting and fibreglass clubs played much better shots. I borrowed a set from my friend when he upgr

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Jay Lonner used the subject line "Heterodoxy -- reconciling RBW with the mainstream" He then explained he rented a wonderbike and did a ride suited for that wonderbike. Jay Lonner explained the experience was a first, and now wants to do it more. My question is: Do you really consider your on

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Jay, Your existential bicycle crisis seems to suggest not so much do whatever floats your boat, but that you need to go out and float your boat more often in the boat of your choice! ;-) I found practical errand biking just added way too much drudgery & stress to my life. I'm not an a

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Jay I just think the Rivendells were not meant for this type of riding. I do not see a need to reconcile their outlook to the bikes you rented. Glad you had a great time, you poised a good question, but I think this is the simple answer. John Hawrylak Woodstown NJ PS, I don't care for this

[RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Jay, My wife and I spent some time this past fall in Colorado, New Mexico and Northern AZ. We drove a car and took our bikes (all rigid, adventure and gravel bikes). Riding some of the singletrack trails in Colorado, we got an abrupt wake-up call - many of the sections were, for us, very tech

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

So upon further reflection I’m starting to realize that the act of riding my bike can get so bound up with political and aesthetic considerations that I forget to have fun. Most of my biking is utilitarian commuting and grocery hauling, and sometimes that can get to be a drag. There are days whe

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

If the fundamental purpose of riding is to have fun, which it is for me, then I'd say that one should modify your Rivs in any way that make them more fun, and of course that is different for each rider. IMO, there's no shame in proselytizing for one's personal technology or equipment preferences, b

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Andy: That's an appealing photo. Do you drive the Fiat fast on empty dirt roads? Or is it slow, scenic drives? While a jr and sr in college I worked as a watchman, mostly weekend nights, for the 20th Century Fox Ranch, now Malibu State Park, which was right across Las Virgines Road from our then-c

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Shoji: Would your Jones take 700C X 76mm/3" (true with) tires and with a ss drivetrain allow a sub 160 mm Q factor? I should investigate Jones as a replacement for the Monocog, on which there is only 2-3 mm of clearance between stays and knobs for tires measuring 72 mm (knob to knob). Thanks. On

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Just read Chris's mention of his fatbike. That's what I'd choose to replace the Monocog if I could get one with a Q lower than 161 mm, but I don't think that's possible even with a ss drivetrain. On Fri, Feb 11, 2022 at 10:51 AM Patrick Moore wrote: > > Shoji: Would your Jones take 700C X 76mm/3"

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Rivendell bikes are boutique bikes, like Prada sells boutique purses. You’re paying a premium for the name. You’re also getting lugs, and a comfortable ride. My forever bike is my 2015 55 Sam. I’ve had people call it a “Classic”. It’s not. It’s new. I’ve had people call it “Retro”. It’s n

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Okay, I'll jump in. We're all on a bike mailing list specializing in once specific brand and type of bikes. Granted, they are more practical bikes than specialist bikes, but we're all still bike nerds here. I have a carbon gravel/road bike, a steel commuter and errand bike, and my Riv as my "z

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I like your idea for a meetup Ben. I tried to get a small group together last summer in Simi Valley, but it didn't happen. David in Thousand Oaks On Friday, February 11, 2022 at 10:13:00 AM UTC-8 bunny...@gmail.com wrote: > Okay, I'll jump in. > > We're all on a bike mailing list specializing

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

The technical term is "anorak." Patrick Moore, who gets a kick out of old fashioned Brit slang. On Fri, Feb 11, 2022 at 11:12 AM Ben Adrian wrote: > ... nerds ... -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this g

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I drove that car on hundreds of miles of Forest Service double track and "roads" as my shuttle for rides in those Ozarks. It's not "drifting" if it's what you have to do to keep the windshield pointing where you want the car to go. "Plowing" was what my SAAB 99EMS before the Fiat did until I le

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I think what you described in your full-sus experience breaks down to "it didn't beat the crap outta me and that was more fun." The conventional wisdom from the "it's too much technology" crowd is it allows one to go too fast on trails, but I contend there's a strong argument for not going too

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

It didn't take long for the attack on the OP and the defense of Grant. I doubt Grant feels the need to be defended though. Doug On Friday, February 11, 2022 at 4:12:22 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard wrote: > I think what you described in your full-sus experience breaks down to "it > didn't beat the crap

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I concur! Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 11, 2022, at 5:12 PM, Doug H. wrote: > > It didn't take long for the attack on the OP and the defense of Grant. I > doubt Grant feels the need to be defended though. > Doug > >> On Friday, February 11, 2022 at 4:12:22 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard wrote: >> I

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Hans Rey, the legendary trials rider and lifetime GT salesman has a charity that donates bicycles to people in various poor areas. The sort of place where having a practical bicycle means you can hold down a stable job because you can commute 18kms now whereas you used

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

More specifically, "bloody bike anorak"; BBA for short. Peter "the backdoor invasion of CR nomenclature" Adler Berkeley, CA/USA On Friday, February 11, 2022 at 10:37:20 AM UTC-8 Patrick Moore wrote: > The technical term is "anorak." > > Patrick Moore, who gets a kick out of old fashioned Brit sl

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

This is a great conversation and reminds me of a maxim in my industry; "some people buy equipment so they can make music, others make music so they can buy equipment." Neither are wrong, both achieve satisfaction from their chosen path but the approaches are polar opposites. What does worry me

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I just finished building an Appaloosa-my first Riv and my first build. I took my time and really enjoyed the project. I have only ridden once, below zero windchills and icey roads now, but found it very rewarding to ride a bike I put together and understand how it works. I find the beauty in the

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

And I always thought an "anorak" was a piece of clothing. The things one can learn here:-))) Best, Rich in ATL On Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 9:44:44 AM UTC-5 larson@gmail.com wrote: > I just finished building an Appaloosa-my first Riv and my first build. I > took my time and really en

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

It is; it's the British term for a windbreaker, especially the old fashioned type with only a half-zipper. The name is borrowed from that of an Inuit garment of similar design, I believe. I think the extension of the meaning came about because fanatical steam train or steam waggon viewers (steam t

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Jay, I have a Sam Hillborne that I built up in 2015 (Tektro 559s with Yokozuna Salmon pads, Nitto Choco bars, RH double crankset, Shimano XT hub laced to Velocity Quill rims, RH Snowqualmie Pass tires). And this past August I built up a new Surly Disc Trucker with many of the same components b

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

On Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 12:12:40 PM UTC-6 Patrick Moore wrote: > It is; it's the British term for a windbreaker, especially the old > fashioned type with only a half-zipper. The name is borrowed from that of > an Inuit garment of similar design, I believe. > > I think the extension o

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

This is a good discussion. Riding mostly steel bikes with steel forks, I often count myself among the anoraks here, but like the OP, I've tried some new bike technology that enhances my cycling experiences. Once you know, you know. Tubeless tires, brifters, and even carbon rims can be great for

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I understand the Riv philosophy and generally agree with it, and it's what they do and sell. Rivendell has no reason to like everything and build everything so they don't, there's no business case for it. On the consumer end it's a free for all (if you have the money), we can buy and enjoy what

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

It is easy to do--there are so many different bike tribes and ways to signify which tribe you belong to. Maybe being a little transgressive and trying new things with different tribes is healthy for cycling people. Whatever kind of bike and cycling connects you to other people, nature, and plac

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I rode my '95 Rivendell Road today on the club group ride. 38mm Pari-motos, leather saddle, high handlebars. Platform pedals. I kept up with the group easily, enjoyed a great morning on a superior and comfortable road bike. Nothing hurt after the ride. Some of my carbon company is starting to

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

I've been *that* guy more times than I'd care to count. If you are keeping up with the group, someone always manages to say something like, "just think how fast you'd be on kind of bike." Still, sometimes is nice just to fit in and not have to explain yourself or answer the inevitable "he

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Bruce I agree with your observations about pre-2010. Personally, I do not care for the 6deg upsloped TT. I think he did it to minimize the number of different sizes for each model (inventory control) vs some inherent superior design attribute. The AHH went from what 8 or 9 frame sizes when

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

'Subvert the dominant paradigm'... in whoever's paradigm you happen to be trapped. On Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 6:06:03 AM UTC+9 John Hawrylak wrote: > Bruce > > I agree with your observations about pre-2010. Personally, I do not care > for the 6deg upsloped TT. I think he did it to mi

Re: [RBW] Re: Heterodoxy — reconciling RBW with the mainstream

Love this stuff and think it is a good reminder to us that we don’t need to obsess over gear (although it is OK to do that as well!). I bought the second Rough Stuff Fellowship book and am enjoying it very much. Reminds me of riding around the farm as a kid - old single speed bike that I would