I live in the 2nd story of a brownstone in brooklyn, and while it sounds like getting my QB into my apt is a little less difficult, I can relate to the 'is it worth it' question. In the end that's up to you but, I would strongly echo Marty's suggestion of finding a bike to test, or taking measurements of existing bikes to see which ones can approximate things. because if you really measure wrong it could mean something dramatic like needing to take off the front tire, or turning the handlebars etc.
good luck! On Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2:52:37 PM UTC-5 Marty Gierke, Stewartstown PA wrote: > In younger years I had the same challenge: storing bikes in a basement and > shlepping them in and out with similar turns and zig-zags as you describe. > Don't underestimate the issue of bar width when making your decision. The > Clem is best with something like a Bosco, so going in and out of doorways > is more of a challenge. Not sure of your age but at my age I would not want > to be pushing a big long bike uphill with or without the front wheel. And > if the front wheel is off - that's two trips. Of course, fenders are a > no-go if you need to keep it vertical. Baskets, racks etc complicate things > for sure. Like Joe said, the ride is not the issue - it's everything you > would want in a longbike. If there is a way to simulate the task I would > try that first. Anyone in Philly you can borrow one from? > > Marty > > On Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2:38:26 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard wrote: > >> I have a 79pbh and 52 Clem L, it's wonderful. But huge and heavy. My >> opinion is you'd love the ride but the storage hassle would wear you out >> pretty quick. >> >> Joe Bernard >> Clearlake CA >> >> On Monday, December 9, 2024 at 10:15:39 AM UTC-8 Jamie D. wrote: >> >>> Hi Everyone! >>> >>> Sorry for this long first post, I hope you can help me navigate stepping >>> into the Rivendell universe in a rational way. >>> >>> I'm just getting back into cycling again after a long absence. >>> Previously I lead a no-car-multi-bike lifestyle for over a decade. >>> >>> I'm drawn towards the Clem Smith Jr. – the accounts I've read here range >>> from something like riding Falcor through time and space to an existential >>> crisis from owning 'The Cadillac of Bicycles'. >>> >>> My main mode of transportation was previously a Bilenky cargo bike >>> <https://metaefficient.com/wp-content/uploads/bilenky-cargo-bike1.jpg>. >>> I loved/miss the upright posture and extra long wheelbase hence my interest >>> in the Clem. >>> >>> I live in a small Philly row house with some challenges (I did not have >>> the Bilenky at this house): >>> >>> >>> - To get into my house I have to get the bike up 4 stairs and in my >>> front door which opens into a wall. I have to zig-zag bikes around this >>> short wall to get them into the house. >>> >>> >>> >>> - I store all my bicycles in my basement which is a 90 degree turn >>> from the basement door to the relatively steep stairwell. To get bikes >>> down >>> the stairwell, I prop them up vertically on the rear wheel and walk them >>> down the stairs in front on me holding the handlebars and strategically >>> using the rear break. >>> >>> >>> >>> - To get them out of the basement, I have a ramp that locks into the >>> stairs. I shimmy the bike onto the ramp, put my left hand on the seat >>> post, >>> my right hand on the right handlebar grip and push the bike in front of >>> me >>> up the stairs and turn the bars at the precise moment navigate the 90 >>> degree turn out of the basement door. >>> >>> >>> My PBH is 85cm and saddle height 74cm so I could fit a 52 Clem but it >>> sounds like a 59 Clem would be more ideal. >>> >>> There's a chance I would not have to take the front wheel off of the 52 >>> to get the bike down the basement but it would likely require be turning >>> the bars slightly which could be more sketchy. >>> >>> I would definitely have to take the front wheel off the 59 to get the >>> bike down the basement. I might even have to take it off to get in the >>> front door. >>> >>> What would you do if you were in my shoes? Is the Clem worth the hassle? >>> Is sizing up to the 59 worth the extra hassle? Am I nuts for considering >>> the Clem in general? >>> >>> Thanks for any insight you many have! >>> >> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/fdec09ce-9289-451c-ba57-1c550454bbd3n%40googlegroups.com.
