Oh yeah... as to your question of what kind of bike the Rambouillet is, I've always enjoyed the description from Peter White's website, comparing them to the A.H.H., from when he stocked them both. There are some nice photos if you follow this link to the original page (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/rambouillet.asp), but here are the highlights:
...I'll keep this page up, not just until I've sold the last Rambouillets and A Homer Hilsens I have in stock, but for as long as Riv has them. I'm happy to promote them, and to continue building up bikes with these terrific frames. If you need a size I no longer have, I recommend contacting them directly, or checking around with other dealers who may still have some in stock. These two frames are so similar, I've decided to keep them on the same page, at least until I think of a reason not to. If you start from the Rambouillet, the Hilsen has longer chainstays, by one centimeter. It also requires longer caliper brakes, because it has clearance for larger tires. Essentially the Rambouillet is great for fast day riding with the racer wannabees, brevets and credit card touring. The Hilsen is more into the loaded touring category. When you put full panniers on it, the handling will be a bit more stable than if you load down the Rambouillet. And with fat tires on the Hilsen, dirt roads will be more comfortable to ride on all day. So for now the text below is what it has been ever since I started selling the Rambouillet frames several years ago. Virtually everything written here applies to the Hilsen, with the caveats above. And, as of October 2008, we have Hilsens in stock from 56cm to 65cm. 54cm and 56cm use 650b wheels. The 57cm through 65cm use 700c wheels. As soon as I have time, I'll list maximum tire sizes I'm happy recommending, with and without fenders. My recommendations have been a bit more conservative that Rivendell's recommendations in the past. I usually recommend a smaller maximum tire size with fenders than Riv does. It is somewhat personal preference; essentially how risk averse you are. The smaller the gap between the tire and the fender, the easier it is for something to get caught in there. I like lots of space; some people are happy with less. My recommendations are only that; recommendations. You're the one riding the bike, and accepting the risks that come with our favorite outdoor activity. What's a Rambouillet? There are two ways to think of it. It's either a racing frame with a bit longer wheelbase, because the chainstays are longer; and provides a higher handlebar position, because the top tube slopes upwards a bit, and the headtube is extended; and there's lots of tire and fender clearance. Or it's a touring bike with a wheelbase that's too short for carrying heavy loads, so it's perfect for weekend tours where you're staying at B&Bs or hotels and don't need a tent, sleeping bag and lots of clothes. In short, it's a bike for someone who wants a really comfortable and stable ride. There is clearance for pretty large tires, which make the ride smoother. Larger tires aren't necessarily slower, if they're high quality. And they make a huge difference if you're doing long distances in a day, because they soak up road shock. The seat tube is set back more, to take weight off of your hands, and help you enjoy the scenery... -- 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.
