Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Rivendell

I just got back from a trip to San Francisco this weekend, which included a stop at Rivendell Bicycle Works, home of some of the very nicest lugged steel bikes on the planet. I went hoping to get a chance to ride an Atlantis, which looks like it could be my next bike (down the road). The guys at the shop were super helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Marc Brandt, the nephew of Jobst Brandt (of The Bicycle Wheel fame) helped me fit and test a couple of bikes. The quality of these frames cannot be overstated. They really are beautiful, and lighter than you would think considering how often Grant mentions that lightness is not really a design feature. "They're as light as they need to be." The shop was so low key that it was difficult to find.

Rivendell don't post an address most places and say "call us for directions." I can see why. It's tucked off in a building with a few muffler shops, upholsterers, small-time auto repair, etc.

So for general impressions of the bikes I road: extremely comfortable. I got the feeling when i came home that my Peugeot is actually perhaps a little small for me. After riding the 64cm Quickbeam they set up for me, I discovered that it was so comfortable that I wanted to take one home on the spot. Well, that didn't happen, but I now have the bug for sure. I road those odd-looking mustache handlebars, too, and they turn out to be just as comfortable as Grant claims. But they're weird looking, so don't expect to see a set on my Peugeot any time soon.

If you're even in SF... drop by Rivendell in Walnut Creek. It's very much worth the trip.

5 comments:

c-steve said...

Beautiful bikes! I visited their site, a bit dogmatic though. Hope they didn't want to make you wear wool socks so wide that you can spit into them from 10 feet away...;-)

K Matthias said...

Yeah, they have strong opinions. :) I haven't tried out the wool jerseys yet so I can't say whether they're on to something or just "vintage cranks" as someone described them. They were super nice in person, though, and the bikes are gorgeous! --Karl

c-steve said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
c-steve said...

Hi, Karl! Nice to read you! Though we don't actually know each other.
I'm just starting a new life in Switzerland and found a new a new apartment (so beautiful and even affordable) and a new favourite bar today! Unfortunately I don't know any other vintage/lugged bike freaks that I can link your blog to!
And concerning Rivendell: They are freaks imho.- take the best out of it!
Gruezi, Steve

K Matthias said...

Hey Steve, sounds like you're almost all set in Switzerland, then. If you've found your new favorite pub, then you're all set. Where in Switzerland are you? Email me your new address at karl [at] matthias {dot} o r g and I'll send you a bottle of Oregon beer to break in your new place. Cheers --Karl

 
insuranceusa.com
insuranceusa.com