The Future of Rivendell Bikes?

[@jimlogan294]

My favorite part was when asked about the future of Riv, he focused on his workers. Such a classy guy.

[@peterforde9513]

Bought my Rivendell Atlantis in 2001 rode it thousands upon thousands upon thousands of miles around town and around the country and am now passing it down to my granddaughter for the next chapter of its life Thank you Grant

[@courtmarker1779]

carry on

[@jda4949]

I appreciate that Grant wears a huge safety pizza on his butt at all times. Also, I hope he knows that we're watching specifically because we do care about the minutiae of his thoughts on rapid rise derailleurs and millimeter differences in butted tubing.

[@OriginalGabriel]

The RapidRise on my old Fuji Touring is so close to death it breaks my heart; not sure what I'm going to with that bike once it finally gives up the ghost.

[@The4Crawler]

@@OriginalGabriel If you set up a "saved search" on eBay for the p/n of your RD, you may find one pop up from time to time. I scored one a few years back to have as a backup as I have 2 bikes with XT M770-SGS rapid rise RDs. RivBike turned me onto the RapidRise mechs 12 years ago after I installed a set of their barcons on my road bike and didn't like the way the two shifters worked in opposite directions. When I built my monster cross bike, with Retro Shift (Gevenalle) shifter, RapidRise made them work the right way as well, Push either shifter in to the middle of the bike and it's a harder gear. Push them to the outside and it's easier.

[@petesmitt]

@RollinRat preach.. I've got a stash of 7 speed Shimano mtb stuff from the 90's to keep my cromo going for decades.

[@Vam1500]

Grant is awesome. Rivendell used to also have a small retail space in Walnut Creek CA called Book, Bike, and Hatchet. It was filled with sorts of interesting stuff in addition to their bikes. You couldn’t go in that store and not leave with something, even if it was just pine tar soap. I didn’t know who Grant was but he was very friendly and he drew me a map to get to some nearby trails. I still have that map. I also met some of the other people he talks about in the interview. Even his daughter worked at the store and she once me how he would ride her to school every morning on a tandem bike. Great people. They deserve all the success they are having.

[@bunnyadrian]

I love hearing the sound of BART in the background. It makes me miss the Bay Area.

[@robmartin1792]

Absolutely fantastic interview. What a legend. You guys honestly seemed to be just enjoying the moment and talkin' 'bout bikes!!!! Thanks to everyone involved for this terrific episode. ✌🏼

[@taichihead42]

Legend? What the nut job with the face tampon. 😜

[@AndrewWhy]

I found it very touching that the first place Grant went to when thinking about the future of Rivendell is the well-being of the Riv team. That response -- and many other examples -- is a good reminder of how Riv continues to be deeply people-centered. Lovely interview and lovely to see.

[@mrhankbotful]

Really impressed with Grant. Very transparent, open, and thoughtful guy. It's obvious how much character he has. Good luck Grant, I hope you can work as long as you want, and step away knowing you treated your staff and customers well. Keep up the good work.

[@jp93309]

Love the deep dive interview. So many great insights, like how selling out a run in 8 minutes isn’t ideal, custom lugs aren’t rocket science, and generally the casual attitude about keeping bike designs real (ie. for the rest of us non-racers). Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffandersen6233]

Wonderful video. Yes to riding like Europeans. Daily rides for shopping, coffee, fun and serviceable machines to that end. Great to hear Grant tell us he's 67 and loves biking more now, I get that. I'm 71 and rode through this winter on my old 1980 Trek with a rack and panniers. Very liberating. Hoping for a new bike to continue riding for as long as I can. A Rivendell sounds perfect.

[@JimLangley1]

Thanks so much for this wonderful interview with Grant and the behind-the-scenes tour of Rivendell. It's been probably 25 years since I visited Bridgestone to learn about the latest models and ride with Grant in Tilden Park and he's still full of that same energy, ideas and inspiration - plus he's working on a rapid-rise rear derailleur! How cool is that?!

[@davidnewell3741]

This is definitely the most rational bike discourse I have ever heard or read. Thank you for this ride down "Realistic Lane". 🚴‍♀ Now may our bikes set us free!🚴‍♀

[@VincentTamer]

Grant's a good man. I showed up years ago to pick up my Clem Smith Jr. He was thrilled that I just purchased the bike outright online without even coming to test ride one to make sure I liked it (I knew I would love it). The bike wasn't ready but Grant, Vince and Will got it set up and Grant threw in a Pletcher (sp) rack on the house. He was very nice about it. I had been looking at the Riv site since I was 18, wishing I could buy one so it was awesome to be there and treated with kindness.

[@nthonyholden]

I was so glad to see the longer form of this video. It was like a walking, talking Blahg, delightfully rambling and filled with too much detail. When you're this excited about a subject, you can't help but keep going on and on about it!

[@jhoc4212]

Excellent interview. I am a Grant Peterson fan. I stopped by the shop during a West Coast visit and Grant was extremely nice and very approachable. I feel that Grant’s writing is one of his great strengths and suggest folks sample his writing to see what I mean.

[@mackigator]

Thank you Grant for all that you and Rivendell bring to the world, including the world of bikes! Your book "Just Ride" is one of my favorite and I give people a copy whenever I get a chance. It's so good.

[@curtvaughan2836]

Interesting interview - I first heard about and intended to buy a Rivendelle custom back around 2006, but life events at the time kept me from following through. I'd still like to get one now, 16 years later. I'm 69 now, whereas I was only 53 back then, but even at 69 I'm still interested in buying a Rivendelle. Good to know they're still doing well, and hope to possibly acquire one in the near future. Nice to hear words from Grant Peterson himself.

[@greggr1591]

My favorite segment of this interview is the discussion of the design choices surrounding the Charlie Gallop & long chainstays. The first time I rode a long wheelbase Riv I knew there was no going back to the conventional length chainstay frames. Thanks for a tremendous interview!

[@astro61362]

I really enjoyed the interview with Grant. In my opinion, he wrote one of the most honest and entertaining books on bicycling I have ever read. Again, just my opinion, he wrote one of the worst books I have ever read on diet and nutrition.

[@Ray.J]

I've read interviews with Grant and seen a couple and I can say this was the very best, the most wide-ranging and entertaining by far. Rivendell marches to its own drumbeat and has a happy and loyal customer base. Rarely do I ever see one for sale on Craigslist, and that tells me something. I have seen a couple in person and the finish was perfect, the paint superb. All of the shorelines around the lugs were spot on. You get what you pay for.

[@ashiwn]

When a beautiful person makes beautiful bikes. Grant is just amazing!

[@billromano5844]

Thank you! 30+ minutes with Grant? Priceless.

[@stonehog]

I remember discovering Rivendell in 2008 when I was moving back to Seattle and getting into my commuting more. I was an easy sell as my first bikes were steel and lugged, and I had gone through a dissatisfying transition from steel to aluminum and carbon. Grant’s writing was honest and appealing to me as a non-racer who just loved biking. I now have 3 Rivendells and they are my favorite bikes by far. Thanks for the interview - always fun to see Grant and my “local bike shop” on the west coast!

[@jfspurlin1]

Which bikes do you have?

[@stonehog]

@@jfspurlin1 First was a Homer, second was the Hunqapillar, and then got wife an Appaloosa. I probably ride the Hunqapillar most these days. Homer is close second.

[@philtomlinson8220]

What a lovely interview! So refreshing to hear from someone who thinks that the function of a business is to provide people with great jobs! Bicycles designed with beauty, comfort and practicality in mind, rather than the norm of ego, style and speed. Hopefully, I can make a Platypus part of my life one day.

[@karl662]

Grant is a very cool and humble guy. I love that his bikes have found a niche and that business is so successful. Best of luck into the future.

[@MickBization]

super inspiring! Love the shop tours on this channel!! Would say as an avid 'Bridgestoner' myself that i can't imagine Grant as anything other than the legend that he is. Not sure he would ever be 'anonymous' within the historic legacy of Riv bikes either.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Long live practical fun bikes!!!!!

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Grant’s philosophy if you will, is exactly why I started to ride more after the kids went off to school. I discovered Riv on the Lovely Bikes blog. My Long Haul Trucker is my country bike. I own a 93’ XO-2 (53 cm) in purple that is a joy to ride. Always fun to listen to Grant talk about bikes and Rivendell. Just Ride!

[@worleyfamily]

I have never met Grant, but I found a soulmate when I purchased my XO 1 thirty some years ago. It seems that cycling has been good to him and clearly he has been good to cycling. Thanks

[@davidgriffin8717]

Super fun Russ and Laura! I almost felt like like Grant was going to choke up when discussing the future of Riv and his involvement and passing the torch. So cool.

[@mohawkpathology]

You know you’ve gone full GP when you start cutting out the tops of your hats 🤣

[@michaelhotten752]

Thanks for the interview and thank you Grant for doing it. Loved hearing BART in the background. Reminds me of home.

[@MrJonas2255]

What an inspiring guy. I work in the bike industry as a mechanic so I'm exposed to a lot of industry types, sadly you just don't get this kind of thinking all that often. Hopefully as you mentioned things are changing though! Keep ridin' slow

[@monkmchorning]

I'm glad a company like Riv can thrive in this business.

[@chuckrodgers4780]

That was a great interview! Thanks Russ and Laura !!

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Riv's iteration of the rapid rise derailleur sounds interesting. I love my low gears so I would replace all of mine. Great interview.✌

[@jonathanpywell1716]

One of your best interviews ever. What a gem of a human being.

[@ziggypi4813]

incredible wealth of information here. Grant is so practical and unassuming, while being a pioneer of a different style of bike. Def an unsung hero.

[@themindunset]

I loved watching this. A Rivendell is my unicorn. I will have one someday soon. Thanks, Russ

[@eamonnkeenan2533]

Fantastic interview. Great story, well told and really quite inspiring. Really enjoyable to hear Grant Peterson talking so eloquently. Many thanks.

[@paullacotta5645]

Great interview. Surprise to see Grant talk about my watercolor. Thank you😘👍

[@turtlecrawford6468]

This is one of my favorite pieces you've done. It's cool to see people with such a passion for what they do. And now I'm chomping at the bit to get my bike and fly rod out for a weekend here in WV. Thanks for all your great content!

[@user-fl2il4cf2y]

The interview I always wanted from Grant Peterson. Thanx for this

[@timothymatthews4399]

My first “real” mountain bike that I bought with my own paper-route money was a pedersen designed Bridgestone MB-2. I bought it at Eddie’s bike shop in state college, PA in 1989. It cost $830 at that time which was a major investment for me. I LOVE that bike and still have it all these years later.

[@13ericz]

One of the best Grant Petersen interviews ever. Possibly the best actually. I really enjoyed watching this.

[@paulsmarino]

Oh man, this was so fun to watch. Two people with a similar approach to bikes just talking bikes. I've read in his Blahg about that derailleur but loved hearing him talk about it in person. Instant classic!

[@hellowatsupo]

Around 15:30 when the BART sounds come…. Really brings me home :) hope you’re enjoying the Bay!

[@shandke]

I absolutely love this interview! Such a fantastic opportunity to hear about Riv from Grant himself.

[@jeff_aurand]

Awesome! Grant doing the whole thing while wearing a safety triangle on his butt is just a bonus.

[@Tonedefy]

Awesome, Russ! As an owner of a Bridgestone RB1 and MB3, I've always been a fan of Grant's bikes. It's crazy that I haven't visited his Walnut Creek shop yet when I live only 15 min away!

[@dharmapunk777]

Just after college I bought an old Raleigh Sport Cruiser with a 3 speed hub and built in dyno charger lights. Everything was EOM and still worked. It was mint. But I bought it to ride, and man, that thing was a dream. Super luxe comfort. Except on hills or in a headwind. Hills I kinda got used to, but a headwind, forget about it. The super upright position was mad comfy, but it also turned your torso into a topsail in anything more than 12km/h. Most bikes with a drop bar these days, even gravel bikes have you in a super aggressive position. Personally prefer something in between. Leaned over just enough to cut the wind, but not so much that it puts all the weight in your hands.

[@ericmarth]

This was a great talk and tour, Russ. I'm pretty up to speed with Riv stuff and found this totally worthwhile and enriching. Thanks for doing this and sharing it with us!

[@jeffdible8171]

Russ, this was such a gift. Such a master.

[@jaredbeckman7835]

Awesome interview, Thanks so much for this! the depth of care Grant gives to Riv designs and products is so encouraging. I'm so glad there's people out there producing great things in this way.

[@sammyseagull]

I respected him for many years and thanks to your interview I think even more of him now!! what a great guy!!

[@russswanson3820]

Thanks for this, Russ. I’m a happy Appaloosa rider currently in Singapore. Very good interview.

[@ivannachoo]

great to see them still in business after all theses years!!! I still have a bridgestone catalog from the early 90's! it was a great catalog!

[@VeloObscura]

What a pleasure to see Rivendell HQ! These guys were super ahead of the curve.

[@pedxing]

perfectly timed video for me! I just ordered a bar-end shifter from Riv and was talking to a bike tech about it at a local shop and he said something to the effect "I LOVE Rivendell bikes, but aren't they out of business?" Nooooo sir. Thought leaders like Grant are always wonderful conversations to hear. Thanks for the insight!

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Great interview! I have so much respect for that man!

[@fmac1434]

Grant has such a charming and relaxing energy about him. Kudos to you Russ for very much embracing and sharing his philosophy. Super enjoyed this video!

[@simmeringdowns6008]

the LEGEND speaks

[@mplsmark222]

I know Mr Peterson has a fan base and he is entitled to his opinions, but sometimes he seems to me he does thing different just for the sake of being different. Rapid Rise went away long ago because it didn’t work well. Index shifting is the standard because it does work well, though requires a bit more adjusting from time to time. I have a collection of old and newer bikes, I enjoy the old stuff for leisurely riding, but if I’m out for a long ride, modern stuff makes a real difference.

[@bobqzzi]

This is a terrific interview

[@ZensōMusic]

Great video! Alan from EcoVelo here, glad to see you all are doing well so many years later.

[@kitchencarvings4621]

Thanks a lot, Path Less Pedaled. One more thing I have to have one of...or two...😀

[@proqed]

Really enjoyed the look at the frame and the details as well as insights about tubing. Thanks for the great content!

[@eddieallen6401]

The finest mind in cycling (and Grant is not too far behind!) Russ I’ve watched your content since the Camper Longflap video with Devendra Banhart music and this is special. Grant’s values have shaped and validated my life with bikes and evidently yours too. Great interview.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That's old school!

[@brendonpotts4342]

Great video. Always such a treat to get some Grant. Thanks for going out and talking to him!

[@TheOutsidePerks]

Yes! Excellent interview and shop talk. I love seeing all those tall head tubes and comfy looking bikes.

[@BradWadeNL]

This is wonderful! It's so nice to hear this wisdom. It makes me want to put curvy bars back on my bike.

[@ericrobinholt2047]

I work in a bike shop for used and older bikes and rapid rise gets replaced 99 percent of the time because they don't like to shift into the large gear in back after awhile and to get them to u have to over push your low limit and that makes it shoot into your spokes

[@harlanjackson6112]

Yes, as the jockey wheels get more loose. I honestly thought Grant was designing a front derailleur to work this way at first. Hopefully Grant has designed a fix for that common problem.

[@brianfackrell4139]

my rivendale is an mb2 Bridgestone. I changed the front fork put on proper handlebars and tires. It is the best riding bike I've ever been on.

[@raysmith9324]

I used to lust after their quick beam so hard, back in 06 I think. Ended up getting the short lived Redline 925 and Loved it. Was in my budget and came with fenders. Probably better for my reckless commuting back then. But damn….that QuickBeam….

[@boatman222345]

Watching this video was like breathing oxygen! Very uplifting to encounter a bike designer/manufacturer who "thinks for himself" and bases his ideas on what works best rather than"the way things are done." Of the many sports I have been involved in over the past half century I have never encountered as much dogma and true belief as in cycling. Great to encounter a creative problem solving attitude!

[@patrickboylan6764]

I have a Bridgestone MB1 … I believe I bought this mtn bike in 1992. I still love and ride this bike. It came with Suntour XC pro… Which was an awesome group set. I wore this stuff out and replaced with….sometime ago Shimano XTR. Hey it’s all old stuff…so am I .. but it still works great .. wouldn’t trade it… just keep riding . Great review

[@kozemchuk]

I have read so much of Grant's writing, it was delightful to see him on video. He seems like such a solid guy, really honest, no pretense or bullshit.

[@jimmysqueezyronin5623]

Really interesting. Especially liked all the step through frames. Great stuff💚👍

[@jeffreythemeditator]

my Homer Hilsen (actually a Saluki/Hilsen) is the best bike I have had, and I've had a lot in 45 years. I do worry that it will be stolen, but I ride it anyway. It really is a country bike. perfect description. I visited Rivendell several years ago to meet the team, Grant and Will spend a lot of time with me just letting me ask questions and take in the world they have all created there.

[@keelansunglao-valdez475]

So good!!!! I’ve been a few times but never got the chance to take a look inside. Amazing interview.

[@mramazingtroy]

I used to race with a rapid raise derailleur. The bike got stolen when I went to replace it the no more rapid raise. It seemed bizarre to me that shimano went from a system that was easier and quick to shift to easier gears whilst climbing.

[@kymcopyriot9776]

Russ, that was spectacular! Two legends, one workshop. Just outstanding.

[@RaabStephan]

Could listen to Grant for hours.

[@gilerd77]

"Just Ride" great book by this guy and thanks PLP for the great interview. It's funny how you can read a book, then see and hear the author and think yep that's him!

[@KevinAdams06]

I am coining the phrase “folk bike”. Like country bikes, but for hipsters like me.

[@gffriedman]

Winter is winding down and spring is around the corner so my mind turns toward bikes. And when my mind turns toward bikes I think “I wonder what Russ is up to?”. This was a good one brother. I hope you have an early spring in Montana.

[@markryan1381]

Wonderful interview thanks mate ..

[@chunlau9951]

What a guy! Really showcasing the passion of cycling and the image of the bike brand.

[@davec6087]

This is the best interview on the industry I have seen. I rode Bridgestones (Rb-1, the poor man's Eddy Merckz as it was once decribed) and MB 1, the best handling MTB ( for XC anyway) at the time and this was all in the 90's. Always loved that Bridgestone was into steel when aluminum( harsh and fragile) was in vogue, and Carbon making its introduction in less than impressive ways. Alas, the masses succumb to marketing hype and so it goes. The bike industry like any other, moves toward profit. Sound ideas often fall to the wayside in the face of competition of the latest/ greatest. Keep on, keeping on, Grant. Your legacy will live on in the annals of bicycle history.

[@BigLucille]

Great video. It is funny to trace so many modern bike trends back to what Grant and Riv have been doing for decades.

[@wlstump]

This was great! I’m a proud owner of a 17 or so year old Rambouillet

[@paddyredbeard]

Can't express how much I enjoyed this one! So much bike goodness. 🚲

[@xbmarx]

I'm a total Rivendell fanboy, so this was such a joy.Thanks.

[@paultaylorbikes]

I am a vintage bike nerd, and learning so much right now

[@courtmarker1779]

masterclass

[@scottyh1509]

Grant looks/sounds like he's in his 40s. God bless him, praying this company never disappears.

[@herethere2518]

"Like" times ten thousand from me!! I fell in love with Bridgestone's lugged bikes when I first started mountain biking; I was a po'boy lucky to have an entry-level bike but my best friend had an MB-2 (still does and still rides it!). Bridgestone's quality, function and simplicity were magnificent to my teenage years leading me to follow up on this during my college years, introducing me to Grant and Rivendell. Never really knew Grant as a person, rather Grant as an innovator and influencer. So this video is my introduction, and I love the person at least as much as the innovator :) Thank you Grant for being so down to earth, thoughtful, and humble... if only the leaders of the modern world could be more like you! I love the Silver brand and own many bits, including a pair of shifters that I always thought were old 80's Suntours but then found a faint old Silver logo on them (how cool is that!!!!). Am a tool geek so loving the new tool line, and have Riv stickers, posters and flattened headbadges throughout my small 501(c)(3) bike-repair shop. I do indeed dream of owning a Rivendell (preferably custom just so I get to collaborate with the team!), though I can't complain with my weirded-out Bridge Club :) Ride-on

[@stevensilbert]

I actually discovered the Primal Blueprint in 2009 in the books section on Rivendell's website, and it completely changed my health and life for the better. I love how Grant chose to put other things that he genuinely likes on the website as well. I've been trying to explain to my friends for years the joy that comes from loading up groceries, drinks, or camping equipment on a bike and just slowly putzing around in an upright position while enjoying the view and arriving at work or a party feeling energized from the light exercise and exposure to nature. I'm looking forward to finally getting a Hilly bike soon!

[@maxoden4212]

This is just the best kind of bike weirdo stuff. Soooo glad PLP exists as a platform for this!

[@goodguypleasebelieveme]

Terrific interview! So excited for what riv’s got in the works!

[@dmartel243]

Wonderful interview, thank you!