Rivendell Sam Hillborne Bicycle Build

[@causewayeffects7425]

once i laid eyes on your creation bliss inducing waves that i world be able to ride for all eternity rose just over the horizon

[@ericmarth]

This is a feeling we all need riding at the end of a long day with that last climb coming into view!

[@courtmarker1779]

i bow before your eternal greatness bliss inducing nirvana has taken hold

[@ericmarth]

I am merely mortal but I am trying to make some nice content, here. Namaste!

[@sonigo]

Thanks you for this wonderful soothing bike video. I love the crickets and your attention to detail. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Paul!

[@feliksisaksen]

I just placed an order for a Sam with Rivendell, and now I'm watching and watching again the few videos available on KZbin. Thankfully, yours is a beautiful watch.

[@edwintam2349]

Just beautiful. I have a Sam as well, but this is just special.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you so much, Edwin! Enjoy your Sam

[@sohowsoon6652]

a seminal work of incredible significance and will increase in value over TIME GOAT

[@ericmarth]

Cheers to you for your kindness!

[@benjaminkaretnick3731]

Dude! This is like a Riv Zen Meditation 🙂. Love it! Oh, and beautiful bike.

[@ericmarth]

Some people have said ASMR, but I like RZM ☺️ Thanks for watching!

[@davefaller1907]

The most enjoyable KZbin video in a long time! Beautiful build.

[@ericmarth]

Dang, thanks Dave!

[@Intensecure]

That was just lovely to watch. And a gorgeous end product. Editing on point!

[@ericmarth]

I appreciate the kind note and I'm glad you enjoyed watchin'. Thanks!

[@canica99]

I keep coming back and watching this masterpiece of restoration as I am working on getting me a A. Homer Nilsen 58 cm frame after measuring my PBH at 90cm..this is just great...you didi a great job with the filming and editing and the music is wonderful. I am certain I will be back to watch this video again, it is so relaxing. Cheers.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you so much! Enjoy your Homer build!

[@dylanbenedetto1203]

so good Eric! Your monologue was just so good as well! Make more!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Nicely done!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Russ!

[@Fivetimesthree]

I really like your videos. They’re so relaxing and aesthetically pleasing. Just makes me happy.

[@ericmarth]

I'm very glad to hear it, thanks for saying so.

[@P--O]

Such a beautiful bike after your fantastic restoration! Well made and super inspirational video! Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Sweden

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks!

[@julian-w5h]

Beautiful build and such a calm, relaxing recording - thoroughly enjoyed it. A fun fact: I believe the Crane bell is pronounced ee-neh (as opposed to ee-nee as you said). In Japanese "ee-neh" is like saying "that's nice" or "isn't it nice?"

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Julian, I didn't realize! I will start saying "ee-neh" ;)

[@872521]

COOL brake toe-in hack using a rubber band around the leading edge of the pad. The brake levers are very nice. Likewise with the twine binder on the bartape. Magnifique!

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thanks a bunch!

[@oliverdenford6214]

10/10 video bud! - Love the look of your place and your taste in bikes! Hope for more of your content in the future!

[@ericmarth]

Oliver! Thanks, that's real nice of you to say. I've got more videos planned.

[@wayoutwest7]

Beautiful bike. nice job. You have an enviable shop and home as well. Living the dream!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for that! Cheers

[@bjmihovk]

This video is fantastic. LOVE the build, the bike, the narration, etc... I'm insanely jealous of your workspace, too.

[@ericmarth]

So nice of you to say, Ben. Thank you!

[@jonnyd8603]

Great video, I would love to see more of the shop at some point! Keep up the good work!

[@ryaneck]

Is this the Bob Ross of bike builds?

[@waldorfvonmuppet7399]

Great bike, great build and well presented, thank you! A small sidenote from an old german bike enthusiast: I allways rub new innertubes and inside tires with talcum powder. It’s the perfect care for rubber to stay flexible and „fresh“ for years and years. It’s the same „white stuff“ you notice on nearly every new innertube, talkum. And stubborn new rubber grips slide easy on and off with poring some rubbingalcohol or windex between handlebar and grips. Enjoy your ride!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you so much! I usually rub my tubes down with some fine dirt from the yard, I don't always show it in the videos. And sometimes I forget! I'll try the rubbing alcohol trick. Someone even said to try T9 Boeshield chain lube!

[@waldorfvonmuppet7399]

@@ericmarth ya, give it a try, it works fine. A wooden stick (from BBQ is perfekt and doesnt scratch) between bar and grip and the alcohol does the rest. And to install new grips shake some alcohol in the grip and put it on. In Short time the Fluid is gone and everything is fine. No struggl anymore, 🍻

[@ericmarth]

@@waldorfvonmuppet7399 Excellent, thanks again

[@malachy9400]

you have great taste in bikes and you're very skillful in building them, great camera work too. hello from Ireland.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, malachy! I really appreciate the nice words

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

Subscribed! Beautifully done! More adventures on this lovely machine please!

[@ericmarth]

More to come and thanks for subscribing :)

[@anotterspov]

Beautiful bike and video¡ Makes me appreciate my Sam that much more. And props on the haircut too...

[@humbledtrader760]

I thoroughly enjoyed the build. Your narration was so peaceful. Thank you

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thanks so much!

[@codyjbartz]

This is really great! Thank you very much for sharing. You have a lovely shop setup. I enjoyed the stop frame parts coming out of the boxes. Very clear, informative video and voice over. : ) Enjoy!

[@VincentTamer]

great watch, real cozy man. I always dug the black Hillbornes too, hopefully some day I'll have one.

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks a lot! Take care.

[@darek8408]

Great ASMR video. Love the bike.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for watching!

[@XWomanKnows]

Beautiful build! The paint job is impeccable!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much!

[@TrevorOleniuk]

Very calming. The bike turned out fantastic too.

[@ericmarth]

It's been a fun ride. Thanks!

[@chrisarnold462]

The whole vibe here is beautiful.

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks to you!

[@charlesr.carney6297]

I really enjoyed watching you build this bike!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for watching and for the kind note!

[@longhaulblue]

That was a great watch! And you surprised me with your selection of music to close out the video. Clearly your sense of aesthetics is not limited to bikes.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks Ken!

[@philipbyrne3037]

Top class build. Ditto for video production. Very classy comment section so all my questions were answered earlier in the comments thread.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Philip! The comments have been quite surprising, glad they had you covered.

[@rumenripe]

Beautiful bike and beautifully made video

[@ericmarth]

That's very kind, thank you!

[@desert.mantis]

Enjoyed the show. Thanks for the upload and enjoy your rides on a beautiful rig!

[@smokeycanuck8058]

Awesome build.

[@rickbartley9255]

Very nice build.

[@spacejamgoliath]

She's a beauty. Love the bars and saddle. Hate the pedals lol but it's your bike and I'm still very jealous

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch! Um, so sorry about the pedals. These are based on the classic Suntour bmx pedals from the mid-80s. Is there a pedal you think would look better?

[@spacejamgoliath]

@@ericmarth I don't have a specific pedal in mind. The bear traps just seem a little garish while the bike appears elegant. Hate is strong word lol but hyperbole is fun

[@antoinewilson1026]

You're like the Bob Ross of bike repair

[@ericmarth]

Incredibly kind, thank you Antoine :)

[@AlNikoros]

Great project! Thank you!

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks! It's been a nice ride B)

[@gregwolf1361]

Love your chill videos. Thank you.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch, Greg, I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@nicktellez5924]

Awesome job. Very nice video.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a lot, Nick!

[@pgong]

Beautiful bike and video. Thanks for sharing!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you!

[@themoodyteam]

Nicely understated video, thank you 😊

[@porkchop1343]

Beautiful bicycle 🚲

[@twylaingerson5945]

A work of art. My heart aches for this bike.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Twyla :)

[@bobwilliamson5574]

Beautiful countryside.

[@goodoleme747]

Beautiful build

[@ericmarth]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@wolfram759]

What a beautiful video. Thank you so much. It is absolutely inspirational. Now off to do my own build!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! Enjoy your build and the promised rides B)

[@antoniocorigliano68]

Bravo bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 video, music ,location, bicycle end only frame the is video its amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻ciao da Milano italy 👋🏻👋🏻

[@ericmarth]

Antonio! Grazie mille! Thanks for watching :)

[@backtoids]

this is my comfort video

[@ericmarth]

That is very nice of you to say, thank you!

[@DirectorLJ]

Bravo. This is beautiful work. The video and the bike are one. Love how this is the opposite of most bike videos. Your voice and narration are so welcoming...and oh the crickets! By the way, the bike is stunning. I mean shellacing the bar tape! Anyway...I am planning on buying a Riv. Most likely a Roadini. Been in touch with them to get the frame as soon as available. Your work here is inspiring me. Thank you for this. Cheers.

[@ericmarth]

This is all quite nice of you to share, thanks. And enjoy your next bike!

[@DirectorLJ]

@@ericmarth cheers. I may have questions for you if that's ok! Ironically, I run a bike shop, but we don't sell hardly anything we would use for such a bike, ha! I'll be hitting up my suppliers while feeling like a newbie. Enjoy the ride. Would love to see further videos from you! Cheers

[@ericmarth]

@@DirectorLJ Please let me know if you have questions, I'll do my best to help. And I'm planning some more videos, hoping to have something to share before too long.

[@lowbrown4206]

love your channel man. can't wait for more vids

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch!

[@jond1999]

Wonderful video and great bike! Finding a Riv on craigslist is such a score! Love to see you compare the bikes you have sometime.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you so much Jon! A few months ago I thought I didn't know enough to compare the bikes but I'm getting a better feel. Maybe someday, thanks for the request.

[@XVZam]

Sweet build! Great choice on components and everything aesthetically fits.

[@SeanKeesler]

Can't say anything negative about that build! Looks like a nice bike.

[@ryanpipkin]

Thank you for this video! I love my Homer that I bought during Pandemic Summer 2020!

[@ericmarth]

All right! Homers are so rad, congrats :)

[@seanbell2067]

A nice summer storm rolled in.

[@andreabattagliaphoto]

Super Duper, cheers from Paris !

[@ericmarth]

Merci!

[@TheRickurb]

You got lucky with that final train shot, huh? Very nice!

[@ericmarth]

I really did. Thanks, Rick!

[@jokawood]

Bing did awesome work. Wish he was still in Richmond.

[@ericmarth]

Yeah, no kidding!

[@glenzigdan]

The nicest seatpost ever!

[@ericmarth]

I'm glad the flutes stay outside the seat tube. I've heard flutes on seatposts like this referred to as "raincatchers"!

[@MrSm1lesz]

This is such a beautiful bike! Love it!

[@ericmarth]

I appreciate it, Douglas!

[@fiinpowell]

1983 O's! Sorry, couldn't help but notice the banner on your fridge. Nice build by the way.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, I love that banner.

[@yansenmacho]

Beautiful work ! Love this video !

[@ericmarth]

Thanks again Yansen!

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

When you was trying to remove the old bottom bracket I was thinking to myself, clamp the BB in a vise and turn the entire frame. I seen it done that way and it seems to be pretty easy. I bet you felt like a million bucks riding that bike, it sure looked like it. 👍👍

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch! I think the bottom bracket tool and vise combination but didn't get video footage. Great suggestion!

[@Wubbiner]

Fantastic build! Keep up the great content :)

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Wubbiner! I'm churning... slowly

[@mikbel]

Beautyful biuld and bike

[@scottyh1509]

You've got good taste in bikes bro. They should bring back that black paint!! I have a Trek 750 MultiTrack from 1994 I bought on Craigslist, excellent condition. It's like a Roadeo or Homer, I'm guessing. Steel is the way to go. Thx for the content. I want to take a trip to Walnut Creek soon and ride all the bikes for a couple of days, I can't buy blind for $3500 new.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Scotty! Your MultiTrack sounds sweet, how do you have it set up as far as bars and tires? Having a chance to try out some of the bikes first is definitely the way to go if you can!

[@scottyh1509]

@@ericmarth Hi Eric, bikes are so subjective, but I will say this. I think the Trek Multi Track 750 is still a gem in the used bike market. Trek is my favorite old-school bike brand, and they outfitted the 750 with very solid components, not the best but still damn good. The MultiTrack line was one of the first "hybrid" or "gravel bikes". Adjusted for inflation in the 1990's the bike would cost between $1200-1400 today, so it was an expensive bike-shop bike then and most owners took very good care of them which is why they can still be a good value today. I bought mine last year from the original owner, and he replaced the grip-shifters and handlebar and put on Oury grips when he took delivery in 1994 or 1995. The handlebars are like the Nitto Wavie that Riv sells. I dont think the bike was ever ridden, but it was well-stored and maintained. The tires I've used so far have been Continental Ride Tours (cheap tire, but so far so good) and Soma Shikoros which I bought from Rivendell. I'm not a bike expert or connoisseur, but riding this 750 has been a great experience. It was the first bike I road with 700 wheels. Its the most expensive bike I've ever ridden (in 90's dollars), best quality frame and components. It's fast as hell, it feels so solid. If you see one for sale in your area you might want to check it out, it should be lighter than the Hillborne & Appaloosa. And it will fit a 45 tire. I think their values will continue to rise as well. (I paid $600 for mine in NYC during the bike-craze-shortage in 2021, you can get them for less though. The owner was 3 subway stops away from me so I could not pass it up.) Is it realistic to hope to find a 30 year old bike in good condition that fits you? Maybe not. Rivendell is kind of a custom bike shop, I think they're still worth the money.

[@patrickb840]

On most spindle type BB’s you can use the crank bolt to hold the removal tool on, provided you can rig up some various washers to space it out correctly.

[@ericmarth]

Great suggestion. I got a bottom bracket socket holder made by Pedro's after the video.

[@LLOPEZJF]

YOU ARE AN ARTIST !

[@ericmarth]

Thank you!

[@terrycrowley8933]

Lovely just lovely

[@smarkasmc]

Nice bike 😉👍🌻

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for stopping by :)

[@witofthestaircase1]

A nice vibe.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Bloody wonderful !

[@ericmarth]

THANK you!

[@thomasstewart7578]

Fantastic, may we have another please?

[@ericmarth]

No builds in progress at the moment, some day!

[@aadmonk]

She's a beauty!

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thanks!

[@noelbrown6771]

I'm going to remember the split ring pliers next time. If I can remember where I left them🤔 I'm not as organized as you, lol

[@ericmarth]

They're definitely handy, I got the tip from Russ at Path Less Pedaled, who got it from RJ the Bike Guy. And cheaper than the official handlebar tool from Nitto.

[@frankwilliamson1208]

Beautiful!!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Frank :)

[@cameronbracken6223]

Very well done! The video and bike, both. Appreciate the chill, low key approach. Think maybe bikes can reflect their owners' personality? Wishing you many happy miles at 'PartyPace' hah

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Cameron

[@canica99]

This is so good...great video and great build...I was wondering what is the reason for putting a little dirt on the inner tube during installation. Cheers and got yourself a subscriber.

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks! I put a little dirt or chalk on the tubes to keep them from welding to the tire casing.

[@canica99]

@@ericmarth thank you for the response and this is genius...I will start utilizing this method on my future tire assemblies. Cheers.

[@90041hood]

Love your videos- please do more! Question: at 6:46 you’re installing brake pads and have a rubber band on the back half of the pad. Is that for setting proper towe in? Thanks!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Dean! Yes, the rubber band is to create some toe.

[@90041hood]

@@ericmarth cool trick - thanks!

[@viperocco]

Chill video dude

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Vipe. Peace!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Very well done. Great all rounder. Especially like the Tuxedo color combo; classy. Nice score on yours and an excellent build. What is your opinion of the Herse Tires now that you have some miles on the bike? I have a Rivendell Hunqapillar and my wife has a Cheviot. Great bikes and company. I have wanted a Hillborne for some time, maybe next year. Thanks for the video.. from So Oregon.

[@ericmarth]

Hi Jeff, thanks for writing and I'm glad you enjoyed the video and build. I do like the Herse tires, comfortable, nice traction. And I appreciate the way they look. I run them around 37psi with tubes. I've had two flats over the past year but both followed crashes. I'd love to ride a Hunqapillar sometime, that's very sought-after frame these days!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@ericmarth Hi Eric, I am on the Rene Herse news letter list and frequently get updates about their tires. Their tire accomplishments with long distant riders is impressive. Currently I am using Schwalbe.. I am looking for toughness and grip in a tire as I mostly "explore" which takes me to all kinds of terrain. So Oregon (I am in Jacksonville) has every, and any, kind of road and climate. My Hunqapillar is a 2011 , I believe that is when I got it. It is the original elephant grey and kidney bean red single top tube.. with 700C wheels. .. dirt drop stem with Nitto Noodle bars and of course a Brooks saddle. It still looks like a new bike. My PBH is the same as Grant Petersen's so it makes ordering easy. The SAM may be next. Can't have to many bikes. Crashes, ah yes, crashes. Two kinds of riders.. those who have been down, those who are going down. I've been down so hopefully my future is clear. Looking forward to more of your videos.. Liked and subscribed. Keep the rubber side down. From Southern Oregon AKA The State of Jefferson PS Some of my other bikes are 1981 Miyata Aero Pro much modified...Bought new.. it is my "crash test" bike, hence the occasional remodels . 1983 SOMEC.. somewhat rare.. pearl white over chrome, blue pinstriping, pantographed. All Campy Now putting it back to EROICA specs. 1992 GIANT CFM III their first intro of a Carbon Framed Mt Bike with alloy lugs. Bought new Mint. 1992 Specialized Epic Alley,, also a first in Carbon. I am gifting this to my grandson...too techno for my taste. Another near mint bike with a bit of history. These two bikes are unique so I kept them but they both cured me of Carbon . I much prefer Steel.

[@neilvdo]

Very cool!

[@fehrcarlo2381]

The build probably costed more than the bikes price tag, Right? Don`t get me wrong, it's a beautiful build! I personally would had done way less changes. specially the handlebar, the original looked so cool!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! I definitely went in for some nice components. I decided to set this bike up with drop bars because I have two other bikes with swept-back, upright bars. The bars I removed are Nitto Albatross bars (the first version, at 56cm), which I have one of those other bikes. They're great! I was looking to set up a super comfy bike with drops and, well, that's what I got!

[@FranklinUHyde]

How did the original bottom bracket get removed??

[@TheRickurb]

Great build and video! Can you tell me what you used as a base for your stand? Also, I love how your riding clips are locked down instead of the usual GoPro on the ride type footage. If I ever get back into bike videos I think that's the route I'm going to take also. Gorgeous

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Rick! I might make a video about building a repair stand like mine. The base of the stand is two pieces of 3/4 plywood glued together. I always add a counterweight, usually a big walnut stump or a combo of a bucket of hammers (not kidding) and a 20lb dumbbell. I believe the steel plates that are available from Park are around 70lbs!

[@TheRickurb]

@@ericmarth cool. You definitely got me thinking

[@rileywebb9]

Did you use elastic bands around the brake pads to help toe the cantis properly?? Genius if so, I'd never considered such a simple hack!

[@ericmarth]

Yep, just something I picked up from the Calvin Jones / Park Tool vids, I think.

[@catdogfishcake]

Very nicely done on both the build & the video, may I ask what were the new pedals you put on?

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! The pedals are MKS XC-III "bear trap" pedals. Ocean Air Cycles, Blue Lug and Crust sell them. Probably a few other places, too! Riv has had them in the past.

[@sventhomsen7759]

This bike is so beautiful. I try to built from a Cinelli bike from 2022 a vintage one and I asking you , where do you bought this browned coloured hoods? They will fitt to my honey coloured Brooks B 17 saddle and my leather bar tape.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Sven. The levers with the brown hoods are Tektro TRP RRL SL levers. As of today (27 January 2023) they are in stock at Rivendell and directly from Tektro. Sounds like a nice match to your honey saddle and leather tape!

[@sventhomsen7759]

@@ericmarth Thank you for answering, this was very helpful.👍

[@ericmarth]

@@sventhomsen7759 Good luck with the build!

[@sventhomsen7759]

Thanx!

[@FranklinUHyde]

Yellow bandana... form or function?

[@maxypad15]

How tall are you? Did you use your pbh for the sizing or did you use traditional sizing? I’m 5-9 and I’m considering this 56cm Sam hillborne. I have freakishly long torso, I’m all torso with a 30 inch inseam. So my guess is I could make a 56cm Sam work?

[@ericmarth]

Hi Maxwell. I jumped at the bike mainly because it was a real deal on craigslist and it just happened to work out for me. My PBH is 87cm and on most Riv models that puts me between the 54/55 and the 57/58 sizes depending on the frames. For your kind of situation, given height, torso, inseam, etc. I'd suggest that you call Rivendell and see what they suggest for a size. They are great at answering questions like this and everyone there is fun/easy to talk to over the phone! They won't steer you wrong.

[@PeteChurchill]

This is on the verge of ASMR it's so pleasing. Beautiful build. I've just finished my own, but feel like a lugged seat post would be a finishing touch. Did you find a 26.8 one? Or does your year of Hillborne take a 27.2mm?

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Pete! This bike takes a 27.2, it's before they went to 26.8. As far as I know the Nitto lugged steel stem only comes in 27.2.

[@PeteChurchill]

Damn. Thought that might be the case. Will have to work out what year mine is and see if it's early enough for a 27.2. Thanks anyway!

[@chrislang7146]

@@PeteChurchill mine is a 2009 with a 27.2 post and canti lever frame

[@viperocco]

Legit build

[@keithbasham2413]

wheres the updates dude, great editing man,

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Keith. I have a video pending

[@ghostdog7306]

Why shellac the tape?? That is new to me.

[@guylevan91]

Eric - great video - out of curiosity what spindle length bb did you use with that Sugino triple? Thx.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Guy! Okay, my memory was a little fuzzy so I had to look back into my records. When I got the bike it had the Sugino triple you see in the video and a Tange bottom bracket with a 107mm spindle. This sounds very short to me but that's what was in there, I still have it in my parts bin and I just looked at it to double check. I replaced the bottom bracket when I built the bike back up and my purchase records show I ordered a 107mm and then a few days later I ordered a 113mm. I vaguely recall trying the 107 and it didn't fit - the inner ring bottomed out on the chain stays. I remember grumbling and ordering another almost immediately. I've since removed that Sugino and I'm running a Sun XCD double with 42/26 on the same 113mm bottom bracket and I have about a millimeter of clearance between the chain ring bolts and the chainstay. My Hillborne was manufactured in 2009 and the Sugino is an XD2. I hope this is helpful. Take care!

[@guylevan91]

Thanks so much, Eric!

[@ericmarth]

@@guylevan91 Cheerys, Guy!