Based rom years of lugging bikes in and around cellars and corridors in Paris, mixte bikes are way harder to carry or lift than bikes with top tubes.
On Tue, 10 Dec 2024, 13:10 'jeffrey kane' via RBW Owners Bunch, < rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> wrote: > Bravo to Ben ion Philly - that's what makes this list exceptional;... > > On Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6:27:30 PM UTC-5 Jamie D. wrote: > >> Thanks for the input so far everyone! >> >> Ben, I'm pretty sure we already know each other and would love to take >> your Clem for an experimental test ride and trip down the basement in the >> name of science. I'm going to send you an email. >> >> Does anyone have experience with both a Rosco MTB and a Clem Smith Jr? Or >> Maybe a Clementine and a Clem Smith Jr? The Rosco MTB seems like it would >> be a great compromise but really tough to find . I'm looking for something >> with MTBish capabilities and a Platty seems more road focused but I don't >> plan on tearing down any single track in the near future. >> >> On Monday, December 9, 2024 at 5:12:14 PM UTC-5 Jason Fuller wrote: >> >>> At your height I don't think a 52 would feel too small - they're big >>> long bikes after all - and based on what you describe i'd consider being >>> able to roll around on the back wheel without removing anything to be a >>> requirement, practically speaking. A 55 Platy might be short enough too? >>> Other than that, I suggest running Albatross bars or similar modest ~55cm >>> width bars, to me that'll make a huge difference vs wider bars in terms of >>> maneuvering. Big wide bars can be comfy but would be a nightmare in your >>> case. >>> >>> Nice thing about the Clem is lifting by the bottom of the "top" tube is >>> nice and ergonomic >>> On Monday, 9 December 2024 at 13:15:00 UTC-8 NYCbikeguy wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Jamie, >>>> >>>> As a fellow bike guy who has some experience with cramped/unusual >>>> living spaces, I'd say that it's not really worth the hassle of getting a >>>> clem at this time in your life since it's either going to be unridden due >>>> to the physical barriers that make it difficult for you to pull the bike >>>> out, or it's going to get vandalized or stolen if it's locked outside >>>> (which I'm sure you're not even considering). I owned the 52cm Clem L and >>>> it was a hassle getting through the double doors of my current apartment >>>> entrance. Granted, I have a Gus in 57 that's just as big and long and I >>>> still ride it, I just can't imagine making those maneuvers you described >>>> with a big bike like the clem or gus on a daily basis. >>>> >>>> With that said, I don't think you're crazy. Maybe just not the right >>>> time. >>>> >>>> Best, >>>> IY >>>> >>>> On Monday, December 9, 2024 at 1:15:39 PM UTC-5 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/2ba82359-ca39-494f-ace8-535fdba3e45fn%40googlegroups.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/2ba82359-ca39-494f-ace8-535fdba3e45fn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- 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. 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