I think you'll enjoy your Hilsen. I have one the same size as yours. It's a great versatile bike that allows lots of different set-up options. I live in Portland and have used my Hilsen for all the things you've mentioned. I definitely recommend Nittoo Noodle bars and a Brooks B17 saddle.
For tires... this can be tough since the Hilsen has such great clearance. I've used Paselas, Marathons, Marathon Supremes, T-Serves, and Jack Browns (greens and blues). All have their good points although it sounds like Marathon Supremes (700x35) might work well for you. I certainly like them, especially for "zippy" rides. I've used SKS and Berthoud fenders. the Berthouds provide better coverage yet I don't mind the SKS fenders. Right now the Hilsen is fenderless but come fall I'll put fenders back on it. Hard to say which ones. Probably if I had no fenders and knew what I know now, I'd go with Honjos or VOs. When I first got my Hilsen I used the Sugino XD that Riv sells. It's a great crank but I decided I wanted to use a double so I got a Sugino double and use 46/34 rings with an 8spd cassette. I use Silver shifters. Currently in the BE form but I have run them on the DT. I've used all kinds of luggage on it. Here's pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41335973@N00/sets/72157613195465589/ Let us know what you decide and be sure to post pictures. One final question, and not to complicate things, but at 6'3" are you sure a 63 will be big enough? What's your PBH? Mine is 91 and my SH is 80.5. Definitely listen to Riv on fit. --mike On Jul 11, 11:23 am, Matthew Snyder <mwsny...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi RBW folks, > > I put down a deposit on a new AHH (63cm) and I'm looking for advice on > how to build it up. I'm relocating to Seattle after years of living > in various places where the biggest hills are highway overpasses. I'm > looking to build a commuter that can also handle weekend trips, > overnights, "light" touring, centuries... that sort of thing. I see > there are a few Seattle-area people on this list so I'm hoping to > elicit some insider advice. > > The AHH will not be my only bike. I already have a Bilenky porteur > (650B) that I will use for grocery runs and heavy loads. I have a > beater for locking up outside late at night. I want the AHH to be > zippier, more suited to a faster pace and longer rides. I have a set > of Acorn bags (large saddlebag and boxy rando bag) that I plan to use > as part of the build, and I'm hopeful that those bags will be enough > for daily use, perhaps augmented with a backpack on days when I need > extra capacity. I'm also considering a rear rack with panniers. I > have a set of orange Ortliebs which are great at keeping things dry > and for visibility, but lose points in the attractiveness category, I > think. > > I have been using albatross-style bars almost exclusively for the past > five or six years. But I'm thinking it makes sense to go with drops > on the AHH for the increased riding positions. > > I'm 6'3", 175lbs, in case that matters. > > Questions I have: > - What about the rain? Obviously fenders are a must, but I'm > interested in other suggestions from people living in rainy climates. > Are there certain components you'd recommend or not recommend? I'm > also very interested in tire suggestions -- my current favorite tires > are Hetres but it's been awhile since I've bought a quality 700c tire > and I'm not sure what people like for rainy, hilly areas. > > - Hills. I know this might sound silly, but I haven't had to think > much about gearing, living on flat ground. I always have enough gears > and I can usually get by with just one if need be. How do I know if I > want a compact double or a triple? > > - Saddles: I've been riding mostly Brooks for years, and I carry a > rainproof saddle cover with me. Should I consider some non-leather > alternatives, though? > > Thanks. This will be my first Riv! > > -- > Matthew Snyder > Ann Arbor, MI -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
