Rivendell Bicycle Works Joe Appaloosa Assembly

RIVENDELL APPALOOSASSEMBLY!
I bought a new Appaloosa from Rivendell in June 2021 and had them build it up for me. It's a 54cm frame in mermaid green. In this video I unpack and assemble the bike with a few additions, mostly brass bits. Parts from Nitto, Shimano, Paul Component Engineering, Blue Lug, Brooks, MKS, Silver, Rene Herse, Velocity, Newbaums, King Cage, Crane and Widefoot. SR-Sakae Ringyo MTE-100 vintage seatpost. Bags from Outer Shell and Rivendell.
Backing track recorded by me: Rappahannock River rapids.
Intro and outro music: Sidney Bechet and His New Orleans Feetwarmers, "I Want You Tonight," Bluebird, 1932.
Brass socket head screws from McMaster-Carr
www.mcmaster.c...
Brass cup/finishing/countersink washers, size #12
www.mcmaster.c...

[@1haterinamerica705]

This dude’s like the friggin bob ross of internet bike builds keep these comin bruh

[@hoozleup]

Also, look up Peter Draws channel.

[@bluelugbikeshop]

Very nice video and good looking bike with beautiful views. Arigato!

[@ericmarth]

Hey thanks for stopping by! Riding this autumn has been great. I love your shop :)

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great vid. Got to try that additional corrolplast on my Sackville.

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks Russ! It helps the bag keep its shape, I don't like that deflated look. Coroplast abounds this time of year following local elections, scan the roadsides for signs.

[@colourheists5587]

will one day be the most valuable Rivendell in the universe of pretty slow

[@ericmarth]

Namaste

[@girliedog]

This video is so cool I had to put on a sweater just to watch it.

[@ericmarth]

One hundred percent of the finest merino, I hope!

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

You sir are a connoisseur! Absolutely lovely build, lovely attention to detail and a beautifully done film! 👌😊

[@ericmarth]

Why thank you, sir! I appreciate it!

[@minkbadger4835]

stellar mind altering build that will last till the end of time as we know it on planet earth BRAVOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@ericmarth]

Namaste :o)

[@worleyfamily]

Less a bike video than a wonderful meditation session, love the kickstand wrap. Thank you!

[@ericmarth]

Oh, thank you Donald! I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@scottatkins8381]

I swear I watch this video and the Sam Hillborne video at least once a week. Can't wait to get my own Riv. Love this!

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thanks so much for sharing Scott! I'm glad you enjoy the vids. I hope you can get a Riv!

[@magicalsticker]

Dang I need to get a creek running through my shop! Great build! I really love those brass bits! I recently picked up a Tan Joe Appaloosa off the used market, and absolutely love it as well.

[@ericmarth]

All right, congrats on your Appaloosa! Such a sweet ride :) Is it the kinda mustard color from a few years back? Thanks for watching and sharing the kind words.

[@canica99]

what an amazing build and I bet it rides like a dream...beautiful, elegant and practical...meets all my boxes of the perfect bike. Cheers.

[@ericmarth]

Dang, thanks a bunch!

[@bob-o9865]

Beautiful bike! I can see the quality craftsmanship and art it took to make the final product!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks much!

[@mervyngoh2389]

Hello fellow owner of a mermaid Appaloosa! :) Love what you've done with the brass details, such a nice touch. The whole bike is curated and built so beautifully!~

[@ericmarth]

Hey, Mervyn! Congrats on your matching Appaloosa :) And thanks for the kind words about my bike, I appreciate it.

[@bleachlectures3973]

Catalogue raisonné is built to astonish

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much

[@toesinbakedclay1228]

rolling out of the gate on creative fire speachless

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch!

[@eph.merelta9664]

What a nice experience this morning, watching your relaxed and informative video! Love it. Props to your eye for detail and no nonsense voice over.

[@ericmarth]

Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for saying so.

[@reehren]

Well done -- the bike build and the documentation! Love the brass bits that really personalize your machine.

[@ericmarth]

Well thanks, Robert!

[@monkeyking847]

I just bought an appaloosa frameset, and this video has somehow made me even more excited than i already was. Thank you!

[@ericmarth]

Hey, congrats on your frame! Enjoy the build and the ride. Thanks for stopping by :)

[@brendonoid6133]

I have watched this video so many times since you posted it. Thank you for your hard work making it and for sharing it with us. Many happy trails on your perfect bicycle!

[@ericmarth]

Damn, Brendon! Thank you! Maybe one day we can rip together, looks like you have some great trails out your way :)

[@brendonoid6133]

Would love to go for a ride with you and all the other wonderful Riv people in the USA! One day!

[@sleepycatsqueeze]

Pretty bike , classy vid.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch, Adam

[@cameronbracken6223]

Congratulations Eric, on another well done "mood piece" on the joys of a bicycle. Inspired choice of music in the background; that just might be the soundtrack to the Rivendell Experience, hah Check with Grant on that? Also have to thank you for introducing me to Rob at Bing through your last video. I'm hoping he will be able to make a custom frame for me before too long. Not going to do a video about it, but I'm sure I'll be hearing Sydney Bechet in my head the whole time! Cheers

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Cameron! I'm glad you're in touch with Rob, that sounds like a great project. Enjoy that sweeping Bechet clarinet!

[@jbirdperez4105]

My brother ...greetings from east Los Angeles. Thumbs up Beautiful

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks Jbird! Take is easy in LA

[@itsacorporatething]

Love the color! Mine (2023) is olive, which is nice, but I think I like the blue better.

[@ericmarth]

I like that olive! I like my paint, too :0)

[@MarkFairbank-d9l]

Wow! My only disappointment was that the four headset bolts were not upgraded to brass. A work of art.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much. I left the stainless steel bolts on the stem faceplate because I think brass is too soft to get adequate torque. I use the brass bolts in areas with low or no stress!

[@luftnerjan7881]

Nice build! Nice bike! Nice video! Fan from Czech Republic.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you so much for watching and letting me know. I just got some Wera stainless hex drivers that were made in the Czech Republic, I love them!

[@youtubeperson1856]

Beautiful bicycle and a wonderful video. You struck me as the type of fellow who doesn’t let the worries of the world get to him. A calming watch. Enjoy riding your joe 😁

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for your kind comment! I'm glad you enjoyed watching.

[@Shanecoffeyoutdoors]

Such a work of art on two wheels.

[@bjmihovk]

So enjoyable to watch! It makes me wish I’d documented my Atlantis unboxing/assembly last year. Love the brass accents you’ve added, too. Nice pop of personality on the bike.

[@ericmarth]

Oh, I'd love to see an Atlantis vid. Thank you, Ben!

[@witofthestaircase1]

More nice work Eric. You’re in a lovely part of the world. Coincidentally I live directly across a narrow street to Sydney Bechet’s London home.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much and WOW, very cool to live near Bechet's home. I would listen to music from that era when he lived there and walk around the neighborhood sharing the mood and inspiration.

[@witofthestaircase1]

Take a virtual walk on Google Eric. The house with a blue plaque is 27 Conway Street. Head a few feet south from there for Fitzroy Square and the homes of Virginia Woolf, George Bernard Shaw and the Bloomsbury Group’s Omega Workshops. All at around that time. The buildings are from either side of the Napoleonic war.

[@ericmarth]

@@witofthestaircase1 Wow, extremely cool and thank you for the suggestion. I took a bit of a stroll around, also looked into Omega. I've long admired Vanessa Bell's Charleston home, used to have a book about it.

[@machjuan]

Vermont or NH I reckon. Best place to Riv the dream.

[@ericmarth]

It's Virginia :)

[@rivbikedotcom]

Thanks again Eric!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you my friends!

[@greghenderson6011]

Beautiful seat post... enjoyed the video. Great shop.

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks Greg! The post is an SR MTE-100 with a bunch of setback, if you're curious.

[@greghenderson6011]

Thanks.. it is a work of art on the road..

[@SurpriseMeJT]

This is the ideal bicycle for appreciating the simple joy of bicycle riding. People really should ride bikes more like this one.

[@ericmarth]

It is certainly comfortable and quite a lot of fun. Definitely helps keep it light out there :o)

[@gregwolf1361]

Great video. Almost couldn’t watch with the music but got past that. Thanks for sharing.

[@ericmarth]

LOL 🎭 No 30s clarinet jazz for Greg!

[@irondistance4313]

Beautiful bike, I love the personal finishing touches. What is your primary use for her, long randouneering rides, commuting, or hopping around town?

[@kitchencarvings4621]

Man, I love watching your videos. I love your attention to detail. The music at the beginning is excellent. That is what cycling is all about. Also, I love the bird sounds. Are those natural or do you add them in?

[@thomasstewart7578]

Feel better about being a human just watching this guy! Thx

[@ericmarth]

Dang, thanks Thomas :)

[@patrickb840]

Looking forward to more videos man, love em!

[@ericmarth]

I'm workin' on it! Thanks, Patrik

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Those little brass touches finish the bike off beautifully. Love these new old bikes.

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks so much!

[@Queenmom313]

I just found your channel tonight and I love it! It's peaceful watching you build and then ride the bikes when they are complete. Love the music and your beautiful community!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much!

[@the_derpler]

Love these. Remind me of Harley Davidson in some weird way lol.

[@ericmarth]

Never thought I'd hear that one! Thanks :)

[@ronwhite8503]

Bet this is faster and handles better than a Harley.

[@mortlow6688]

super nice...

[@nicolasjan1584]

Ouais the fork as caps ? Is it holding bushing ?

[@DoctorSalazar84]

A+ video. Thank you

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thanks Jesse!

[@noelbrown6771]

Nice bike! McMaster-Carr 👍 lifesavers

[@ericmarth]

Sometimes their shipments arrive 12 hours later!

[@decleafs4]

Hey...I got one from that batch too! Same color. I still cannot get over just how incredible this bike is. Grant is right...it is impossible to not love this bike. Boy did they sell out quick! I was in front row Allman Brothers tix mode! Enjoy the ride. Great video!

[@ericmarth]

Congrats on your bike! They sure are great. Front Row Allmans Mode training surely played a hand in your success. Thanks for the nice note :)

[@watts391]

Jeesum this man knows how to live. 🚲

[@ericmarth]

Ha! Just trying to enjoy da ride :)

[@noelsmith1852]

This frameset/build is pure class.

[@ericmarth]

Much appreciated

[@ajealfonso3599]

Congrats on the new bike! The lug work is stunning

[@ericmarth]

Thanks! They don't mess around when it comes to lugs, I love how the different bikes have different shapes, details and windows.

[@tyanmutter]

Great bike😊

[@ericmarth]

Oh thank you!

[@locofoto75]

That's a gorgeous bike, really enjoyed this video

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much!

[@brianmaldonado3723]

I have a 1985 Bridgestone MB-3 that is very nice. 23 inch frame size! Your build is super cool.

[@ericmarth]

Oh, that's rad. And thanks! What color is yr bike? I just picked up an '85 MB-3 in a slate blue-gray. It has painted bullmoose handlebars that match the frame.

[@brianmaldonado3723]

@@ericmarth Dark matallic blue. Had a bmx stem 60mm. We now have normal quill stem and bar.

[@jdiaza31]

Verdadera preciosidad. La bicicleta es deliciosa y sobre todo el cuidadoso detalle con el que montas cada una de las partes. He disfrutado mucho este video. Gracias!!!

[@ericmarth]

Muchas gracias por su amabilidad, Jairo

[@872521]

NICE, very nice, "work" zone in the backyard garage... Seconded, Eph.vdZee, reg'd "watching the video".

[@FabiusPyromanus]

Lovely build. But must say as a dane I find bikes without mud guards pretentious..

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Falbian. When I built up the Hillborne I had another bike with fenders, but I have since sold it! I have lately been thinking of getting some for this bike.

[@smokeycanuck8058]

I feel like a need a cold shower now.

[@yansenmacho]

Excellent video ! Love your relaxed style 👍🏻

[@ericmarth]

Thanks Yansen!

[@auringerr1]

Very Nice!!

[@ericmarth]

I appreciate it, Raymond

[@edcatt9196]

Could a drop bar be used on this bike? (Beautiful video, by the way! Very classy.) Thanks.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! Yes, I've seen drops on Appaloosa and Atlantis frames and they look pretty sweet. I'd do that if I was perhaps considering a long tour. I have another bike with drops and like the variety of switching between swept-back and drop bars!

[@garagemslzv8465]

Tops

[@ericmarth]

Cheers!

[@glenzigdan]

Wow, what a place to ride. Sweet build. I can't wait to be a riv owner!

[@ericmarth]

It's not bad! Thanks so much and best of luck in yr quest for a Riv :)

[@philipsmith7662]

What a beautiful bike. I like your personal touches with the brass bolts and washers. I wish you many happy miles. Philip

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Philip! Who knew copper and zinc could be so good together.

[@aadmonk]

Beautiful ! The seat post is very cool. I will have to keep my eye out for one.

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks! There are some on eBay from time to time.

[@patrickkwhite]

Your voice is so soothing. Especially with the running water sound in the background. You should do meditation or relaxation narration. Or maybe audiobooks.

[@ericmarth]

Hi Patrick, that is really nice of you to say! I'm so glad. Especially because I've always wanted to do some voiceover stuff. I'm not sure I have the endurance for audiobooks. Maybe I can do a sleepytime podcast where I read Shimano derailer instructions...

[@patrickkwhite]

@@ericmarth 😆

[@chuckrodgers4780]

Great video and bike ! What size did you choose? How tall are you and your inseam. Not sure how to size this style bike , never been a fan of the pubic bone method thanks Chuck

[@ericmarth]

Thanks! It's a 54cm frame. I did go by PBH and I called Rivendell before I ordered. I think the frame fits really well!

[@kimxsuico]

Very nice bike! ✨

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for saying so! I do dig it myself :)

[@beastman487]

Did you keep the Hillborne too? I have a Sam, and just curious why you built the Joe so soon after.

[@ericmarth]

Yep, still have and ride both bikes.

[@EvilShinsaitho]

This gentleman Is very asmr on his videos 😁

[@ericmarth]

Namaste

[@terrycrowley8933]

Absolutely gorgeous thank you sharing

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Terry! I appreciate it :)

[@viperocco]

Nice build, chill video. B17 is a winner. Love mine

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, vipe. It took me a while to get the feel for my Brooks saddles, I thought I had a rare set of incompatible sit bones. All good, now!

[@viperocco]

@@ericmarth yeah they do require a bit of patience. Again nice job on the video, just watched it again with the wife

[@minhlehoang35]

Perfect in every detail

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much!

[@jamessher6956]

Why the very tall stems on Rivendell bikes, does their geometry require it ?

[@ericmarth]

A lot of Riv riders like to get their bars way up but it's not always necessary. The tall headtubes and slightly sloping top tube allow you to get the bars nice and high. Many bikes are designed in a way that makes this difficult. Riv believes in high bars so the frame design certainly encourages it. I like to run my swept back bars just below the saddle, these days.

[@desert.mantis]

Nice rig, Eric! Have fun!

[@ericmarth]

✨✌️Will do!

[@MulksBikes]

Whats the tape on the bar, on the inside, past the grips??

[@ericmarth]

It's dark gray Newbaum's cotton bar tape :o)

[@Conversationpace87]

$6 a piece for those bolts?! Talk about top brass! Haha

[@ericmarth]

LOL, I know! I imagine the price has gone up since I bought them, too. The button-head version is much cheaper but they have a 3mm drive instead of a 4mm.

[@aq7705]

a beauty. needs so silver (or brass?) fenders!

[@ericmarth]

Yeah, could use a fendered bike this winter!

[@beemrdon52]

Those handlebars got to go...

[@ericmarth]

:0)

[@aq7705]

send the packing material back so they can reuse it. Alot of waste there

[@ericmarth]

They do what they can to get things safely from coast to coast

[@aq7705]

@@ericmarth no complaints about that.

[@markholter5687]

Hi Eric, I've been spending more time than I want to admit publicly (this isn't public, right?) about handlebar tape color, after shellac. So help a brother out--what color did that green tape start out as and was it clear or amber shellacked?

[@markholter5687]

I take it back--you of course answered this later on...

[@ericmarth]

Don't worry, your bar tape fretting is strictly confidential. The tape on the grips area is Newbaum's maroon with one coat of clear shellac followed by one coat of amber shellac. The tape on the hooks section (between the brake lever clamp to the stem) is Newbaum's light gray with one coat of clear shellac. I hope this is helpful!

[@markholter5687]

@@ericmarth Soooper helpful! Thanks again for your videos; they're informative and the vibe is pretty much ASMR for bike appreciators. LOL

[@ronstuff6330]

My god, that's beautiful! What kind of grips/bar tape is that? Such attention to textures/details. Wow!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Ron! The grips are a layer of felted wool applied directly to the bars then wrapped with one layer of Newbaum's cotton bar tape in maroon. Finished with two coats of clear shellac, then one coat of amber shellac. Thanks for watchin'!

[@tdgdbs1]

Bar end shifters make no sense here.

[@ericmarth]

Delightful insight, thank you

[@HITABikes]

I wish marin or somebody would make something like a $999 version of this bike.

[@ericmarth]

Yeah, I think the closest you can get is a Riv Clem complete, seems they've been going hard with the mixte or "L" (low) version lately though they used to do one with a slightly-sloping top tube called the Clem H (high). A lot of people will say "Get an old steel MTB!" but in my experience they don't handle anywhere near as well as a big long Riv

[@HITABikes]

@@ericmarth as someone who has been riding old steel MTB a for years I agree. There's a few moments in your video where it's really noticable how much longer the chain stays are on the riv than on my bikes. Perhaps one day I'll bit the bullet and roll into the 21st century.

[@ericmarth]

@@HITABikes They're just pretty sweet bikes is all

[@elliotaxx6277]

great your video! I was wondering I love your idea of ​​fixing the bar tape with string rather than tape but I don't quite understand how you fix it because I imagine that without glue it doesn't hold?

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks! I've finished bars like this a few times and haven't had the twine come undone or untied even after a year of use. Rivendell has instructions, do a search for "Handlebar Wrap and Twine Finish" and look for the PDF link beneath the embedded video.

[@elliotaxx6277]

@@ericmarth thanks for your answer and congratulation for your job

[@ericmarth]

@@elliotaxx6277 Of course! Thanks again and be well.

[@ramonibarlucea1155]

More!!

[@ericmarth]

I'm tryin I'm tryin!

[@JimLBon]

Gorgeous bike. I’m just too big a fan of modern conveniences like hydraulic disc brakes, lightweight aluminum frames and factory mounting points to pull the trigger on one of these beauties.

[@ericmarth]

I hear ya! Cheers

[@ericredinger2690]

I'm awaiting the next run of frames....Seems like forever....Great build. I'm 5'7" and looking at a 54...that seem like the right size?

[@ericmarth]

Hard to say, what's your PBH? I have a 54cm, my PBH is 87, I'm 5'10". Almost went with a 57cm but called Riv and Grant said go 54. He was right! Any doubts, call them! Heck, call them anyway.

[@mountaincruiser817]

I would hand polish the Paul components. The flat grey just doesn't work with this build. Just my opinion. Love the video btw. And the bike for sure. I'm in the Netherlands, sadly shipping and taxes make these frames out of my budget.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for the nice words! Ah, polishing by hand, now that's a nice idea. Any recommendations on how to get this done? Really, truly, honestly the dull silver doesn't bother me in the least. I'd love love love to ride in the Netherlands sometime! Especially a nice day ride like from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. Yeah, freighting a bike must be quite costly.

[@adhunt1]

It really is too bad how inconsistent Brooks has become. I’ve had some fabulous saddles from them, others that were misshapen after just a few hundred miles. Anyway, gorgeous build!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for stopping by! I wish I knew more about Brooks and how they're doing. At least their customer support seems willing to fix and replace things when they aren't quite right. I had a different saddle arrive with a loose tension bolt and the binding clamp was free. Had to bend the metal and finesse it back into place. All good now, honestly couldn't believe I fixed it!

[@DirectorLJ]

Eric I'm curious about the bars. I assumed I would do road/drop bars on the roadini, wanting a road/gravel bike. Do you ride off pavement with these bars and how does that go if you do?? Thanks again.

[@ericmarth]

These are the Nitto Billie bars, designed by Rivendell. I haven't ridden them much off road but have ridden plenty of unpaved roads, where they are great. They're similar to the Albatross bars which I had on another bike which I rode for about a year, but longer with more sweep back. I really like the extra area ahead of the brake levers (where there's gray bar tape). Great for spirited riding and climbing. Despite the huge tires and kinda trail setup of this bike, I'm mostly on roads. I ride at a pretty mellow pace, I'm not out there cranking miles, clocking wattage or even trying to set personal records. If you're looking to ride a Rivendell on unpaved roads I'd suggest checking out the A. Homer Hilsen and Sam Hillborne, they're great road bikes and have larger tire clearances than the Roadeo or Roadini, might be better for the gravel portions if you're planning to do a fair bit of riding on those surfaces.

[@DirectorLJ]

Eric, thank you for another great video! I saw Will this past weekend at the Philly Bike Expo. It was so nice to speak with him. Awaiting Rodini restock after the new year. Hey, what Shimano components are on the bike? Cheers, Lou

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Lou! Your Roadini sounds exciting. I forgot to mention the mechs: They're both Deore. For the front I spec'd "mechanic's choice" in the build because finding FDs was really trick at the time. It might be a FD-M618-H. The rear is a Deore M591. There's also a Shimano 12-36 cassette.

[@knife1406]

could I ask what sandles those are? lol they look comfy

[@ericmarth]

Yeah, sure! They're Bedrock sandals, Cairn model without a molded footbed.

[@knife1406]

@@ericmarth thanks man

[@thomasstewart7578]

Just order today my Joe Appaloosa inspired by this video. I wish I had your skills at assembly! 🥴

[@ericmarth]

Sweet! Enjoy that new bike, nice to hear it encouraged you to try one of your own. It just takes some time, you'll get there!

[@paulchristiansen7014]

sweet vintage style bike..wow 😎 your seat post is something I have been looking for..

[@ericmarth]

They're out there! I like a lot of setback. Mine is an SR MTE-100 with a 26.8 diameter. Thanks for watching, Paul 🌞

[@davetbassbos]

I can't really picture Elves riding a bike like this, seems something more likely to be found in Esgaroth

[@ericmarth]

I'm not up on my Tolkien but I'd assume Esgaroth is a nice place with rolling hills spotted with cafes every 25 miles serving up perfect macchiatos.

[@davetbassbos]

@@ericmarth Well it was a town of Men, traders so it they had bikes they would be practical like this one and if they had coffee it probably wouldn't be foamy, lol! If you think about horses these would be rugged work horses, but Elves would have sleek race horses. Assuming carbon fiber would only be forged in the evil land of Mordor, Elves from Rivendell would probably favor titanium single speeds with no brakes. Cheers!

[@ericmarth]

@@davetbassbos Well, I think that settles it, then!

[@davetbassbos]

@@ericmarth ha ha, glad I could help, I do really like Rivendell's views on components though, the mainstream road bike world has gotten a little nuts, that's for sure!

[@brv002]

Great build! I'm very interested in your homemade service stand. Can you share some insight on how you made It?

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks a lot! I'm planning a repair stand build video. Keep an eye out for it 👀

[@daisychained]

beautiful

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bagussaputro170]

Great 😍

[@ericmarth]

Thanks!

[@devoidbmx1]

Why brass? How does brass hold up to corrosion over the decades?

[@ericmarth]

I love the way brass wears and ages. I suspect it will hold up just fine and if it fails it's cable and housing ferrules that are easy to replace. Same for the washers over the shifters, they cost something like a few cents apiece.

[@devinbartley5768]

@@ericmarth It does look nice. I was hoping you'd say that brass bolts and washers provide increased ride compliance and lateral stiffness resulting in the ability to crush the biggest jibs, and to boost the garliest drops.

[@ericmarth]

@@devinbartley5768 Oh, uh, yeah... YEAH! I DID mean to say that!

[@RyanAguiar3]

hello! love the build. what size frame and how tall are you? also what state is this? looks like new England

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Ryan! The frame is a 54, I was between sizes with my 87 PBH. I called and Grant recommended I go with the 54. I'm glad I did, I was ready to order a 57. Would have ended up with a slammed seatpost, not my bag! This footage is in Virginia :)

[@MelvinHughesatp]

Great build! Will is so good to deal with!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Melvin! Yeah, Will is great :)

[@MelvinHughesatp]

Eric, I'd love to see/hear a compare and contrast with your Sam Hillborne! I bought an A. Homer Hilsen ten years ago which is my main bike. It's been through a lot of changes, currently with wide, flared drops and a 1 x 11 very low, wide range drive train. But this year I was able to find a used Roadini and have built it up as a 2 x 10 with an old Deore rapid rise rear derailleur and and ancient Campy front, driven by Riv Silver II bar-cons. Both on a rotation of 38-44mm tires. I love the ride of both...

[@ericmarth]

@@MelvinHughesatp Oh, very cool bikes, Melvin! I love both of my bikes and a lot of days I end up riding both. The Hillborne is definitely more spritely, much lighter. I did mount a vintage Nitto F15 and Baggins Boxy bag but it's still lighter overall than the Appaloosa. Today was a typical day for me, rode the Appaloosa for some errands (bank, jobsite, coffee, park, grocery store). In the evening I did a quick 13 miles around town on the Hillborne. I've also ridden the Hillborne on local trails and had quite a lot of fun, they're pretty mild. I do like having one drop bar bike and one with swept back bars. They're both very comfortable! How's the difference between the Roadini and the Homer? Seems they are more similar to one another than my two bikes are to each other. Thanks for watchin'!

[@MelvinHughesatp]

@@ericmarth Thanks for the comparison! I've wondered about the longer wheelbased Rivendells. Back when I bought my Hilsen, it was very difficult choosing between it and the Hillborne. In the end, I can't really recall why I chose one over the other. Either would certainly have been great. You are right about the similarities in the Hilsen and the Roadini. But they are subtly different. My Hilsen is a 59 cm. I was on the border between a 57 and a 59 and Riv suggested the larger frame. So stand-over on it is minimal. Also, I run shorter stems as a result. The ride is probably very similar to your Hillborne. I find it extremely collected, calm, and somewhat silky. The Roadini Medium frame is somewhat lighter I suspect. I don't have a proper bike scale but my sense of it is that without all the lugwork the Hilsen has, it has to be a lighter frame. The chainstay lengths are identical. But I think the trail is a bit less on the Roadini. It feels a bit quicker in steering. I haven't ridden them enough side by side to make a great comparison. But on the Hilsen, I somehow feel as if I am up on the bike, not really floating but well suspended. On the Roadini, I feel as if I am somehow lower on the bike - Even though the setups for both are identical on seat height, seat-to-handlebar distance, and handlebar height. The Roadini does not feel as smooth as the Hilsen. But both are infinitely more comfortable to ride than the old 1995 Litespeed Natchez I finally sold. Both handle much better as well in corners, descents, and just in general. I need to put more miles on the Roadini to get a deeper sense of it. Here is an album of the Hilsen with a few shots of the Roadini at the end. Both are still a work in progress. www.flickr.com/photos/mlhughes/albums/72157626614960202/with/51575404909/

[@MelvinHughesatp]

@@ericmarth Hey Eric, I was just revisiting your Appaloosa video. After several months of having my two Rivendell bikes, I can say more clearly now that your observation was very accurate. The geometry of the 54 CM Roadini is so close to the geometry of my now 11 year old, 59 CM Hilsen that there is very little difference in the handling of the two. But whether it is because the Hilsen is a tad heavier or just a little bit different in tubing and geometry, I really do prefer the Hilsen. I feel as if I have become a total retro-grouch though. I finally went back to a 3 x 9 on the Hilsen, using one of the Rapid Rise Shimano rear derailleurs on an 11-40 rear cassette. So I'm really thinking about trying to get an Appaloosa or Atlantis frame to build up. I'll have to sell the Roadini frame first...