A general response to some of the issues raised in this thread:
I have indeed test-ridden the Soma Speedster at my LBS. While it is a
nice bike, it does not have the same feel as my RB-2. In fairness,
since my test ride was brief, in and around the store itself, I did
not have a chance to try it on a climb, which is where the RB-2 really
excels.
Consider this: my Romulus has a 50/36 double and a 12-27 cassette. My
RB-2 has a 53x40 and a 13-23. On a steep section I ride, I can fly up
it on the RB-2 in 40x23. On the Romulus, I struggle to do the very
same section in 36x24, and more often than not I have to drop to
36x27.
The RB-2 simply scampers up hills like a spry jack rabbit. Or gazelle.
Or whatever. It's simply different. More explosive. There's something
about the power transfer that seems more direct, more efficient, than
the Romulus, which, don't get me wrong, is a very nice riding bike.
I suspect, though I don't know for sure, that some of the difference
in power transfer may stem from the RB-2's shorter chainstay (41cm)
with respect to the Romulus (43.5). Or it may have to do with the non-
OS tubing and the greater flex ("planing"?) I seem to perceive.
Slightly steeper seat angle? I really dunno.
Maybe Grant can offer some insight or provide some explanation of the
very real differences I (and apparently some others on the list)
experience between the Rom/Ram and the RB-1 or -2.
On Jan 18, 11:55 am, PATRICK MOORE <bertin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Bah, humbug! I say, maintain, asserverate, assert, shout and yell out loud
> that, conceptually at least, if not financially or "marketing-wise" there is
> a gap in the Riv lineup, said gap being fillable with an update and
> inevitable improvement (for Grant's designs seem always to improve) of the
> RB-1 and original Riv Road Standard, scilicet, to wit and namely, a bike
> designed best for fast road riding and produced as cheaply as Riv's sources
> and design, build and materials principles allow. Now if you can design such
> a bike with room for fat tires and fenders and loads, all the better -- I
> have owned only customs (ahem) and all have been precisely of this ilk,
> namely lightish and fastish and not really off roadable nor designed for
> heavy loads, and I LOVE THEM. So I know whereof I speak.
>
> I am sure you can find any number of Somas, Surleys, Bianchis and old Treks
> to suit, but they are not Rivendells, which is precisely my point.
>
> I am no bike marketing expert, but I'll bet anyone $100 (well, $20; let's
> make that $5) that there would be a market for a RB-1 clone and update; no?
>
> What say ye, Rivendellians of Walnut Creek?
>
> (BTW, if you make one, be sure it has horizontals so that I can ride it
> fixed.)
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