Over the next week or so I will be putting together this:
RenoVelo, a Rivendell Sam Hillborne
This bike will be used for touring and this is an ideal frame with which to start. The steel tubing is of a gauge or thickness to contribute to the rigidity of the bike when loaded, and the geometry of the bike will make it solid and stable on the road. The 650b wheels with some nice cushy tires will make the ride super plush. In it’s first life it was a demo bike at Rivendell World Headquarters in Walnut Creek, CA and now it is reincarnated as the RenoVelo.
Some other details that make it a good touring frame are:
135 mm between the dropouts accepts a "mountain" or touring hub. A wider bracing angle makes a stronger wheel than the 130 mm spacing on a standard "road" wheel, and it makes the frame rear triangle stiffer too.
Lots of places to bolt racks and fenders.
The head tube extends above the top of the top tube. Makes it easy to get the bike "riv'ed out"
A place for a kickstand!
Simple, durable square taper cartridge bottom bracket
Studs for cantilever brakes. Depending on the model, better stopping power and clearances than side pulls.
If you are interested in following the progress of this build, as you should be, check back here starting next week. More photos on our Flickr page too. (click the photo banner on the right)
Pondero June 23, 2011, 5:07 pm
That’s a reasonable evaluation. I think you’ll have a very nice touring bike, and I’m looking forward to monitoring the build.
Bike Hermit June 23, 2011, 6:01 pm
Pondero,
Thanks. It should be fun.
Chris Reino June 24, 2011, 12:28 pm
Hey Jim,
How fun! This will make a fine touring bike for someone…Christine and I sure love ours and looking forward to a 7 day trip later this summer, the International Selkirk loop.
Interested to see how you build it up!
Bike Hermit June 25, 2011, 6:36 pm
Chris, you better be keeping an online journal on your trip!