Back in early February, I purchased a 1995 Rivendell frame set in good used
condition from a fellow list member. It came together last weekend (pictures
here http://www.flickr.com/photos/9535...@n07/3316873792/) but with snow and
rain then, today was my first opportunity to take it our for a real ride. I did
31+ with the local club over rolling terrain and roads which ranged from smooth
to coarse, but all paved.
The frame is lugged Reynolds 753 with forks of Reynolds 531. Inspired by the
work of others (Thanks Ed), it's a 650B conversion, which explains the paucity
of seatpost showing out of the frame. I rode it today in Addidas Millenium
soccer shoes, but will try it with cleats eventually. This frame does not have
a headtube extension, although it has a low BB and long chain stays. The
headtube is relatively steep, by Riv standards.
The ride: The bike just flows. It pedals easily and moves without hesitation.
Steering is more sensitive than a Rambouillet or Saluki, and it takes about a
mile to adjust. Then it feels perfect. Silky smooth over rough stuff. Tires are
GB Cypres at full pressure, on Velocity Aeroheads. The frame has a lively feel
without being spongy. Another club rider climbed off a Giant Carbon to try
mine, and remarked in surprise at how light it felt to pedal. Handling is clean
and sure and turning radius is tight. Pedal strike on the ground going around
corners fast did not happen.
Component comments:
The V-O Gran Cru BB is very smooth and spins easily. the boron steel spindle is
stiff, time will tell how long it wears. I got a 113 per RBW spec, but with a
Campy Crank, next time I'll get it shorter (108 probably). The 113 works, I
just like to see less spindle. WIth a Shimano or Sugino crank, 113 would be
perfect.
The Veloce triple Crank and rear long cage der are great. You could say I am
going over to the "dark side" if you are a Shimano fan. I have Campy on 3 bikes
and Sugino on the 4th. Not a shimano crank in the house.
The Mirage (from RBW) triple Front der was very clean and crisp.
The Silver (also RBW) downtube shifters were stunningly good. I can't get over
how well they work. Much better than the Dura Ace I have used before, or the
Shimano Barcons now on 3 other bikes.
Tektro 556 long reach brakes. They work, but not like Paul racers, or even
Shimano 105s. They make the conversion possible. I have them on two bikes and
have them adjusted to taste now.
Wheelset is vintage stuff, Sansin hubs and a Dura-Ace freewheel (Thanks Beth!).
All the drive side rear spokes have been replaced, with DB like before, but one
increment thicker. Worked very nicely. This was a shop suggestion and I agreed.
Saddle: Brooks B17, already 1,000s of miles broken in. 'nuff said?
One ride does not a full test make, but so far so good. Nothing needed any kind
of re adjustment during or after the ride.
Tailwinds!
Bruce
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