Rivendell Appaloosa Updates with Ultraromance. Dynamo, Crust Ortho Bars and rapid rise derailer.

[@ultraromance]

Hello Eric. I am glad my 'script was approved at your local CVS and you were able to improve your orthopedic health whilst mitigating the pain of your realignment with a cocktail a deanodizer and mineral spirits.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Ron. I was able to pop thru CVS and grab a series of bars: granola, handle and chocolate. They've got it all. I much appreciate the personal touch and attention. I'll be sure to leave Five Stars on Bing.

[@Jasonzakaras]

@ultraromance looking forward to getting a Rx for this soon too, my bones are beggin

[@ericmarth]

@@Jasonzakaras I just did a rough 60-mile overnight loop with about 7,500 feet of climbing and we got nice high temps of 31º and plenty of rain on the return this morning. I must say the orthos did me well climbing and descending rocky fire roads. It's not the Doctor's fault my bones are beat. I'm ready for a double dose of the old couch-and-pipe.

[@matmerah7738]

​

[@rustictureen3283]

a masterclass on how to comport oneself at this level

[@ericmarth]

Thank ya!

[@serialpruners]

you might be the pied piper of cycling nirvana with the shenanigans your pulling of it that shed of yours

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks, the shed is a place of possibilities ✨ ✴

[@CL-dh2mf]

Watching your videos you get the impression planet earth is still a fine and healthy place to live - thanks Eric and Ron for this therapy session - so well and beautifully done! Have a blessed life!🙏 Greetings from Germany ✌️

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, CL! I really appreciate it.

[@courtmarker1779]

your rocking your Rivendell HOMERUN

[@ericmarth]

All right! Thank you!

[@034BAL]

Hi Eric, You are a natural at these videos. The Film making on the Intro sections are wonderful to watch, excellent choice of music, it really matches up with the bike the locations and the rider. The time lapse sequences that follow the sun are very nice. Your voice over narration is really smooth. And you really know your way around a bike. Also, nice workshop. Looking forward to more from you. Cheers,

[@ericmarth]

Dang, thanks a lot, Andrew!

[@Joe_from_iowa]

Great video!! Loved the Dr Ron video consultation!!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Joe! And... Hayduke Lives!

[@travelsinbriggio]

there is thinking out of the box but this is an out of the shed home run

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks to you!

[@crustbikes]

Fantastic Eric.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for making rad and wild stuff for all of us to enjoy

[@RodMesa-e2t]

Excellent job. Love the silver componenents. Now I want to do similar with my bike.

[@johncostelloe743]

Just started watching I've been riding my Bicycle for eighteen years I really enjoy you videos thank you best regards from Ireland

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks! Take care

[@JoseHernandez-fv9mk]

Notice how my man doesn't put any ads on his videos (as far as I've noticed)? This guy is all class. Thanks for the inspiration, Eric!

[@ericmarth]

I'm glad you haven't had any ads! Though I must admit I've tried to place ads for some of my vids, to monetize. And for others some of the music I used triggers ads from the copyright owners.

[@brendonoid6133]

The transition to cut-offs was a master stroke. Brilliant video again. I am planning to try those bars in 2025 when they get restocked.

[@ericmarth]

Brendon I have to admit I'm unsure of the cut-offs cut you're referring to... perhaps I made it subconsciously. Thanks as always for the nice feedback! Hopefully when these bars come back you'll have a chance to nab some. I do wonder how they'd compare with the 650 Toscos but I don't so much like the idea of the 31.8 clamp diameter for some reason. Which reminds me that I wish the Ortho bars had a 25.4 clamp diameter, it just makes more sense to me for a swept back bar to have the same clamp size as every other set of swept back bars.

[@blackstrapelectrikco.8565]

I figured the cut-offs were part of Ron's treatment plan

[@paulpiegsa6747]

liked the relaxed tone of your videos, also great slow camera movements. best from Germany.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for saying so! Cheers to you

[@tyler.london]

Your exquisite attention to detail is what sets your builds apart from the 99%. Thank you

[@ericmarth]

Much appreciated, Tyler!

[@DavidBrown-dd9hh]

Love your videos and would love a video tour of your shop (inside and outside). It looks like a great spot to work as well as relax.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, David. I do enjoy the shop, maybe I'll do a short shop tour video sometime.

[@90041hood]

Awesome video! Hilarious and informative Ronnie cameo ! I just installed Ortho bars on my 1988 XL Stumpjumper with reverse Deore XT thumb shifters in friction mode. Oh boy! Such a sweet setup! Please keep making these excellent videos!!!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Dean! I'm glad you enjoyed. The Stumpy is rad (I spied it)! Thanks for watching.

[@mpt12345]

Your videos are therapeutic. Thanks for recording and sharing! All the best and safe cycling!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you've enjoyed them.

[@10100001000100011000]

This video is de-stress therapy as well as informative. Love those ortho bars!

[@ericmarth]

Oh, that's very nice to hear! Cheers

[@lenkomsa1399]

Very enjoyable video! Birds chirping are surprisingly soothing.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Len!

[@oliverlambsoff4153]

solid gold

[@ericmarth]

Thank you very much!

[@thedrinksomechoir7918]

the joy contained within that heart and sou of your sl brightens the universe with rapture

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, much appreciated

[@ovash1]

Great video. I'm glad I found this channel. This is my first video, and I loved the bike and the components that went on it. It reminds me of the my old Peugeot and the way things used to be. The only thing that I had a little problem with was that bird chirping was, at times, louder than the voice. Other than that, thanks for the video.

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks!

[@johnhickman2033]

You surely can't complain about a bird doing its wonderful thing. I enjoyed the video and the bird, absolutely no problem for me. Seems like some folks just ain't satisfied!

[@MelvinHughesatp]

The Doctor is in the house! Great video again, Eric!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Melvin!

[@tracerxrider]

Such a great looking bike.

[@MEMORYPALACE21]

Telehealth has come a long way. Great video!

[@ericmarth]

Modern medical miracles, I'll tell ya. Thanks for stopping by, Alexander.

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

What a video! Great upgrades and changes to the bike! And a cameo from Ultraromance himself!? Awesome! Keep the videos coming! Love em!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Michael ✨

[@DavidPulsipher]

wonderful work Eric. It's really a joy to watch your videos. Thank you.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you so much for sharing, David, I'm glad you enjoy!

[@PoserBallin]

I also run a nexave (sans sticker), found in the parts bin at the bike co-op. Best $5 I've spent.

[@egorrotneck5022]

I find that hairspray is excellent for putting grips on! It provides lube, although you have to work fast as it evaporates quickly.

[@ericmarth]

Great tip!

[@cameronbracken6223]

Nice work Eric, on both the bike and the video. And don't you just love that Randi-Jo? I have a Jones Bar bag she made and it's great to have. Also congratulations on getting Doctore' Reynaldo to emerge from his cave to do a virtual house call! He's usually so camera shy I'm surprised you got him hah. Anyway thanks for the update

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks Cameron! Randi Jo bags and caps, gotta say I like mine.

[@markholm7050]

Great looking bike. I expect it rides as well as it looks.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Mark! It is a sweeeeet ride

[@LLOPEZJF]

THIS VIDEO WAS A PIECE OF ART

[@ericmarth]

Dang, thanks Juan!

[@TheVintagesteal]

Gorgeous bike. My hybrid is weeping here in the corner of my room,sigh. Really, this bike can go almost anywhere and I wouldn't put off a build like this because of location. I'm certain just a trip to the grocery store would be a blast, weaving through cars maybe kicking a basket or two. Dig this bike. Thanks for the great video.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much! I ride it a bunch, trails, overnighters, errands and use it as a grocery cart inside the grocery store.

[@TheVintagesteal]

@@ericmarth Your welcome. And thank you for that reply ,best laugh I've had in a while! Grocery store would make a grrreat video......

[@waldorfvonmuppet7399]

Great upgrade and result - I like the vibe of your Vid, the birds, the swing, the shiny old school looking things and bits. More content like this would be great, not only in the shop, a bit commuting, driving around, talking about biking, nature, the good things whatever Thanks for your work and content and greetings from Germany🍻

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Waldorf 🌞

[@charlesblithfield6182]

Absolutely stunning bike! An inspiration for me for sure.

[@ericmarth]

Cheers, Charles!

[@knife1406]

lol I was just thinking about this build the other day, I ended up getting those sandles if you remember me asking about them, theyve been fantastic too! Great build upgrades.

[@ericmarth]

I'm glad you enjoyed and also nice to hear the sandals are working out for ya!

[@adhunt1]

A great rebuild! Nothing but respect for taking the aesthetics of the rear mech seriously. I hate how we are made to succumb to ugly industry norms

[@ericmarth]

I hear that! Modern mechs are an ugly lot, I must say. I'm glad there are plenty of nice old ones out in the world. Thanks for the nice feedback :)

[@mcfartle9450]

The nexave r. derailleur is a brilliant choice for the curated bike, the one thing that’s “off”that pulls it all together so well.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch! I was happy to move over a bunch of parts, blending in silver stuff of varying vintage. Much happier with this bastard group than the modern black & gray Deore stuff! The rapid rise is certainly unusual but doesn't look too funky our out of place, I've enjoyed it.

[@glennpettersson9002]

Very nicely done.

[@ericmarth]

🙏Thank you Glenn

[@inxlee]

Will be needing an appointment with Dr Romance soon too.

[@ericmarth]

I hope he takes your insurance. He didn't accept mine!

[@kimxsuico]

Love this man! Another great video! ✨

[@ericmarth]

Heck yeah! Thank you.

[@antoniocorigliano68]

Bravo Eric good job end shimano 600 amazing

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Antonio! I forgot to mention in the video the 600 was a gift from frame builder Rob Gassie. I do like the details of the Arabesque series.

[@MrYugo6969]

How do you like Ron’s Ortho bars? I’ve been waiting for them to come back in stock for a while. I have an Atlantis and want to do the same swap out from Billie bars. Taking Ron’s advice I will also need to swap out the bar end shifters to thumb version. Looks like a great set up!

[@ericmarth]

The bars are good, enjoying them more and more. I wouldn't mind having stuck with the Billie bars with switching to thumb shifters. I think I'd also like the Blue Lug Losco and the Riv Toscos. I really switched the bars because I tend to leave things the same and wanted to force myself to experience some change!

[@brianbarnhart5704]

Great looking bike, and workshop. Dig the background bird noises as well. Love my Appaloosa, just swapped stem to a Nitto Periscopa from a Kalloy 7 shaped one. Did not make a video of the process. Got the bars up a higher, but think I really want a Riv Faceplanter 4 bolt.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much, Brian. There was a periscopa installed on my Hillborne when I bought it. I like the Riv x Nitto face-plater, they're just impossible to get right now. Soma makes one that's similar, I believe Velo Orange does, as well. Not sure what their availability is like. Happy riding!

[@MelvinHughesatp]

The only problem I've had with the Riv Faceplater and their Jim Stem is that the extension is angled rather than straight ahead. So you loose some extension. I had to go to a Nitto Tallus to get an actual 130mm of forward extension as well as the height I needed. Even using smaller bars like the Nitto Albatross, I needed all of that to get the bars far enough forward to reap the benefits the good Doctor describes above.

[@brianbarnhart5704]

@@MelvinHughesatp I like that the extension is angled up a tiny bit on the faceplater, I prefer the looks on bikes with a sloping top tube like the Appaloosa. 85mm maybe lands around 70mm which I think would work for me with my Sim Works Little Nick flat bars. I tried Billie Bars and wasn't that into them, prefer the flats...for now. The periscopa stem gets bars in a good place, just not in love with the look of the heavy upward angle. Maybe I'll find a faceplater some day.

[@watts391]

Glorious

[@ericmarth]

Namaste

[@grillface101]

Your build is an inspiration for me! I'm building up an Appaloosa and very strongly considering Ron's Ortho bars as they look both comfy and shreddy. Have you experienced any slipping of the bars at all? My only concern is finding a stem that will grip them!

[@ericmarth]

I haven't had any slippage, I'm using a Nitto Technomic stem.

[@grillface101]

@@ericmarthGreat thanks! I ended up ordering the bars anyway so that’s good to hear. They just look so good.

[@berrywithtenfeet2869]

may you ride off into the rising sun of all creation with your hands tingling forever and ever🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ericmarth]

Namaste

[@saltemann3581]

Hello! Lovely vid, and bike setup! What tires are those slicks?

[@andrewash9318]

I really like the brown color Brooks saddle. The grips on the original bar look great with it: what are they? Brooks also? Plump? And what kind of bar tape are you using to cover the rest of the bar?

[@ericmarth]

Thanks! The original grips were a layer of felted wool wrapped in maroon Newbaum's cotton tape with one coat of clear shellac and one coat of amber shellac. The color was great but I have not been able to replicate it. The gray tape in the hooks section is also Newbaum's cotton tape.

[@danmozy]

wasnt ron saying you should have the stem lower?

[@mistermatsuda]

Sounds like you need a Crust Romanceur as well.

[@ericmarth]

Sure, why not!

[@bigpimpinbig1]

Great video and build. What bottle cages are those? Looking for something similar myself 😊

[@ericmarth]

Thanks! The big one is a Widefoot Liter Cage, made in USA. The smaller one is from King Cage in Colorado. Great cages, both.

[@88woodbikes4]

Interesting video, though I found myself wishing for more birdsong

[@danielillingworth4303]

Hey Eric , love your videos, wondering where you found the marks rack, I have been hunting to no avail. I'm yanks

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Daniel. I got mine at Riv but I see they're sold out everywhere. Hopefully Nitto will have some in production soon.

[@thisishowiedewitt76]

Great video. I have the little Blue Lug tail lights too, but I have a hell of a time trying to charge them. The female charge socket is so recessed that I almost can get any cables to fit it. What do you do?

[@ericmarth]

I have a bunch of USB cables, some of the heads are smaller than others. Some work, others don't! For the most part it hasn't been a problem for me.

[@thisishowiedewitt76]

@@ericmarth Does it light up to indicate it’s charging?

[@ericmarth]

@@thisishowiedewitt76 Yes, it will light up as it charges

[@dharmapunk777]

are those Wiha Allen Keys? I remember Adam Savage talking about those and have wanted some since.

[@ericmarth]

Wera stainless steel!

[@kccauldron6411]

Thank you for another great video! Please do keep them coming. I notice that you removed the cloth tape on the chain stay. This may be a silly question, but does the rapid-rise derailleur reduce the incidence of chain slap?

[@ericmarth]

Good eye, there! I decided to remove the chainstay wrap because I didn't like the way it looked. I figured addressing that in the video would be confusing and/or tedious. I've heard that chain slapping plenty with the Nexave installed. Thanks for watching, KC.

[@sardisco13]

Hello Eric,, great video.. I already have the Billie bars on my 90’s stumpjumper. Are the Ron’s bars that different? Thinking of trying them . Thanks

[@ericmarth]

Hell yes on the Billies!!1 The Ron's are a bit different and I notice it in a few ways, one is they flex more, and they're significantly wider. That's a problem for door clearances and it had me straight up SWEATING when I recently took the bike on a trip with Amtrak. Almost didn't fit on the train, real pain. Also I much prefer the "hooks" position on the Billies. Kinda thinking about putting them back on but I am lazy. The Orthos are worthwhile if you're curious and you can get a pair, I'd say go for it.

[@sardisco13]

@@ericmarth Awesome!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.. I totally appreciate it. Btw love your videos, keep it up.👍🏼

[@ericmarth]

@@sardisco13 Hell yes

[@adri6634]

Hello Eric, Thanks for the peaceful and inspiring videos. So inspiring that I also got that Nexave rear derailleur for a future build. Do you have any feedback after 1 year of riding? And does it work great with your cassette (I have counted 36 teeth for the bigger one, is that correct?). Cheers from France :)

[@ericmarth]

Hello, thanks for the nice feedback. Yes, that Nexave derailer has been great. Yes, I'm running a 36 tooth big ring on the cassette and the Nexave shifts it fine :)

[@nianonreyes7088]

Hello Eric you got a awesome ride.. love every thing about your bike . where can I buy the Ron ortho handlebars ? Thanks

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much. The Ortho bars are out of stock indefinitely, Ron and Crust made a small batch, they sold out real quick and it's going to be a while until they can get another batch made. Long lead times at the factory and they have to ship from Asia to North America. That's about all I know!

[@simonburrows1467]

Hello Eric, this is the first video I have seen of yours, I really enjoyed it. I was able to reflect on how I live my life, calmly, slowly, methodically and conscious of my doing, being and actions. I love cycling and bumbling around rivers on my Gazelle Populair. I wondered......have you considered fly fishing? I love to stop on the river bank and set up a light fly rod and fish for trout and then slowly cycle home. Just a thought. Greetings from the UK

[@ericmarth]

Simon, thanks for sharing these kind words. Fly fishing has long been on my list of things I'm interested in trying out!

[@escargotomy]

Great update to your build! I used your original video (and a few others) as inspiration when I built up my new Atlantis last month. Those are some beautiful trails you get to ride...what state/general location are they? By appearance I would guess east coast somewhere. Also I am wanting to ask you since you've been riding the Appaloosa for over a year what seat angle or riding position you favor, relaxed 90 degrees or a more moderate slightly bent position (maybe 60 degrees?). I have tried to get used to the Brooks B17 but it is very unforgiving on the rear so I am planning on getting a Selle saddle like on my old bike and they come in relaxed or moderate so am wondering which to get. I was fine with Moderate on my old hybrid but I am wondering if the Riv's geometry really needs a relaxed type of deal. Cheers!

[@ericmarth]

Hi and thank you! Seat angle and riding position are quite personal, saddle, too. I do prefer to lean forward a bit on the bars and ride in the position ahead of the brake levers quite a bit. Maybe varying between 60 and 45 degrees? I've yet to triangulate. The B17 I've found can take some getting used to or tweaking and adjusting. I like tons of setback with my saddles but again everyone's different. And the B17 just doesn't fit some people! I'm not familiar with "Selle saddles" or their firmness so can't make any recommendations there.

[@vincentapa1376]

It looks like you had a little trouble pulling that front wheel out. Was the size and position of the brake pads a factor?

[@ericmarth]

Yeah, sometimes takes some wiggling to clear the pads with the big 2.2" tires. But I can manage without deflating.

[@tmagee27]

How do you keep those white t-shirts so clean when doing Bike Mechanics!

[@ericmarth]

Pfff the stains just don't show on camera :o)

[@mountaincruiser817]

Just an idea, what about de-anodizing the XTR derraileur, have the same xtr and it sure shifts nice and light. Great upgrades sir. (And yes, you still look like a Dutch guy ;-) Oyea, if you want to remove anodizing in the future and your out of that stuff your using now, just use caustic soda. Works exactly the same.

[@ericmarth]

I can't believe I'm still Dutch! Thanks for the nice words and thanks for watching. It did occur to me to de-anodize the XTR, maybe in the future, they are great derailers. I'll keep the caustic soda in mind. I think the de-anodizing stuff I have will last me a very long time!

[@TheRickurb]

LOL, I agree with the eminent physician on going to Thumbies and the bar tilt! Check out Muc Off Dry lube. It keeps things amazingly clean. Awesome psychedelic video effect with the grinder vibration… $17! I hate you… Too much good stuff to talk about here, so I’ll leave it to others. Awesome video

[@ericmarth]

Hey Rick, thank you! The trippy camera effect was a happy surprise from placing my tripod on the wood floor and the resonance of the grinder running. As for the Nexave, well, it was just a lucky auction. I'll check out the Muc Off stuff, I use Boeshield. Great but messy.

[@backtoids]

man i thought you just dropped two immaculate build videos and dipped so this was a surprise are you gonna be uploading regularly?

[@ericmarth]

Didn't mean to leave you hanging! I have a few more videos in the works but keep hitting logjams and other snags that are slowing me down a bit. Can't make any scheduling promises or projections but I will definitely have more... sometime.

[@eph.merelta9664]

Hi, I love the slow pace of your video's. I'm wondering if you miss any springiness of your fork(blades) now that you have mounted the Marc's Rack?

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! I haven't noticed the rack stiffening up the fork too much. I think I might feel the difference with some of the larger Nitto front racks designed to carry panniers or the basket rack (RBW52F).

[@hgcustomerservice7055]

I have chosen my next bike based on this video. Time for a Rivendell. #partypace

[@ericmarth]

Sweet! Enjoy it

[@danielvojtisek2223]

Hey Eric, beautifull build! How are you finding the long Nitto stem with such wide bars? Isn't the cockpit too flexy?

[@ericmarth]

Hi Daniel, haven't had any trouble so far. Bars are very flexy themselves.

[@grantbrennan3287]

Hello. I am thinking about picking up a Joe Appaloosa and was wondering if this bike feels at all sluggish. I am looking for a mix terrain bike that can also carry a little bit of weight. Thanks

[@ericmarth]

I've never felt it's sluggish but ya gotta temper your expectations I guess. It's certainly a stout frame and isn't going to jump up like an Italian racer. It can do it all, haul some weight, handle some trails. I'd recommend maxing out the tires and go big! If you don't need to haul so much stuff I'd consider going with something like the Sam Hillborne, a bit more nimble and a very, very capable bike you can set up a whole bunch of different way (racks, drops, swept back bars, whatever). I had a Long Haul Trucker for about a year and the Appaloosa feels waaaay better all around.

[@turnerburns9857]

This is an amazing build. I’m currently assembling an Appaloosa very similar to yours. I’m trying to decide on a rim and I think I might do cliffhangers as well. Do you have machined or non-machined sidewalls? I know Grant endorses non machined but I’m curious what your experience has been. Thanks!

[@ericmarth]

Oh, thank you Turner. Hell yes, good luck with your build. Cliffs have been good, they might be overkill but I wanted a wide rim to make out the tire clearances. Mine are non-machined, I got them from Rivendell. They're Velocity-built. No problems I can discern but I've never run machined rims or worn out any sidewalls to compare.

[@mynameyeff6093]

How do you like the orthos since doing the swap? I have an Appaloosa with billies and am considering the swap.

[@ericmarth]

I like the Orthos! Loved the Billies as well. If you can get some Orthos prob fun and worthwhile to try 'em out.

[@djkenny1202]

Just picked up an MB-1 and trying to figure out the changes.. it needs bars, pedals, etc… I am 5’8.. so maybe narrower bars? Stem short with rise?

[@ericmarth]

An MB-1 sounds nice. How's it set up currently? Is it stock? And do you know which year? Stem will also depend on your bars and how the frame fits you.

[@djkenny1202]

@@ericmarth its an 89, I believe. White and grey. Believe a 19”. I’m 5’8. The bike came with a very aggressive stem, flat bar.. I was over the front wheel. XT thumbies are nice. Normally I opt fr Boscos or Albatross. But whilst I desire a much more comfortable set up, I am interested in an occasional pop a wheelie :) Found riser bars and a basic shorter stem. Questioning options since still a bit rough on neck…

[@philippemartel1825]

hello j'aime beaucoup le pédalier c'est un axe carré ? quel marque modèle ? le guidon donne une position moins allonger ? position pour un vélo de ville mais pour le vtt ? merci

[@ericmarth]

Hi Phillipe - It's a Silver brand crankset called the "wide/low." Silver is Rivendell's house brand. The double crank is a 38/24. Yes, it's square taper. The handlebars are off-road bars and yes, they can be set up for city riding but I have them installed quite a fair bit below the saddle for a more forward, off-road position. But I ride this bike mostly in the city

[@MrPhotodoc]

WD40/PB Blaster works to slide standard vinyl hand grips onto bars. Not sure about the ones used here.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Chuck. I'm hesitant to use solvents or lubricants there, with the sanitizer I figure the alcohol will evaporate pretty quickly. Someone also suggested using Boeshield T9 lube!

[@knife1406]

How have those ortho bars been going? You still digging them?

[@ericmarth]

They're good! Still got 'em on there. No complaints, also enjoyed the Billie bars, would be into trying the Riv 65cm Toscos as well.

[@knife1406]

@@ericmarth I got the ortho bars in just now, put them on the bike then my bike wouldn't fit through the door frame haha. I like them though, my favorite thing about alt bars is the multi hand positions. Chill in the back and party in the front when you choke up on them.

[@tomnyein]

Any thoughts on running front light on left side?

[@ericmarth]

I think running on the left side would be a great idea as it's on the side where cars and traffic are if you're riding to the right like me in the US or other right-side-driving countries. The prime motivator for my right-side mount was that I wanted to to be visible in drive-side photographs!

[@devoidbmx1]

What is the total cost of the bike, including all iterations of components?

[@ericmarth]

Phew, it was plenty! Check out the Riv site to get an idea... their bare frames start around $1,500. You can build up a complete for around $3,000 if you're patient on the used market acquiring components.

[@holgaholic]

what is the purpose of the nickel inside the grips?

[@ericmarth]

It adds a little protection from the ends of the bars puncturing the grips during general wear or in the event of dropping the bike.

[@holgaholic]

@@ericmarth got it thank you

[@kevind4012]

protecting grip ends is practical - but always good to have a couple nickels anyway - if you get a flat you can make a phone call in 1965

[@ericmarth]

@@kevind4012 Yeah a couple of nickels could really get you out of a few jams

[@charlesblithfield6182]

What tires are you running?

[@ericmarth]

Rene Herse Antelope Hill, 700x55 in the endurance casing.

[@causewayeffects7425]

Noah's ark 0f bits and bobs that will sing and sing again cobblers stew

[@ericmarth]

I saved all the best for my cobbler's stew, I just hope I made enough for everybody.

[@garagemslzv8465]

Tops

[@ericmarth]

Cheers!

[@jban277]

Bro... cut-offs??? You're just as retro as your bike. Love that bike though. Maybe get some bermuda shorts? Try camo print. Thanks for the video.

[@cchampa17]

love this shit mr eric

[@markslawinski6948]

Great video! Clearly we Europeans have a lot to learn from US healthcare...oh and yes yes yes those shifters are GOAT! 😀

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Mark! LOL the fluid healthcare in EU countries is only the stuff of dreams for those of us Stateside. Are these shifters a secret? I feel like they should be so that I can fill a shoebox with them.

[@markslawinski6948]

We live in hope that our dear old NHS will survive the BrexCovTory era of gloom we find ourselves in! Shifters; I just bought a third set, I snag them at every available opp for the builds box. As long as we don’t tell anyone Eric we’ll be fine lol

[@bobwilliamson5574]

Eric, I'm not sure if you realise this but there is a cat in your bedroom.

[@ericmarth]

Oh no! 🙀

[@tinntuncarelessly6619]

🚴🚴‍♂🚴‍♀🔴✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

[@ericmarth]

That's right!

[@davidross8233]

If Rivendell ever makes a disc brake Appaloosa, it will sell out in 30 seconds.

[@lucretiuscaro]

Normal alcohol works just fine.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for the tip :0)

[@lucretiuscaro]

@@ericmarth No worries, and please keep posting those videos.

[@ericmarth]

@@lucretiuscaro Might have something new soon :0)

[@Klunker1]

I love the look and this style of bike but have no roads or trails where they make sense. My steel hardtail is more practical for the rural mountainous place I live.

[@ericmarth]

Sounds rad ;)

[@smarkasmc]

🌳🌳🌲🌲🍀🍀😉👍🌻

[@jamesvaliensi7706]

FYI - You don't have a respirator, but a dust mask. Utterly useless for chemical fumes

[@ericmarth]

😎I should have worn my 3M respirator with OV/AG/P100 cartridges. It's on my truck.

[@jamesvaliensi7706]

@@ericmarth Much better. I do love your JA Build. Mine is not as fancy, but its a favorite!

[@ericmarth]

@@jamesvaliensi7706 Thanks, James. They're great bikes :)

[@zap...]

Drop the grody oil and start waxing that chain.

[@ericmarth]

Oh yeah, I've been wanting to give that a go

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

All this stuff look bourgeois expensive

[@ericmarth]

Very cool, much appreciated, thanks for sharing this keen observation and great discourse. Thank you.

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

Is this sarcasm?

[@ericmarth]

Yes. Absolutely. Totally. Entirely!