Another polarizing rig from Grant

[staggerwing]

Can't quite put a finger on it, but the cold war kid in me digs this.

http://66.media.tumblr.com/49d2353d648959842ff3b910bce05ba7/tumblr_oa0tarSucD1voz7cio1_1280.jpg

The head badge is the cherry on top.

http://66.media.tumblr.com/e9a2beda56a9616a8725898a1059596c/tumblr_oa0tarSucD1voz7cio8_1280.jpg

[ColonelJLloyd]

The head badge is the cherry on top.

By cherry do you mean "only redeeming quality"? ;)

[ripvanrando]

Sweet.

I'd put some honey on it.

A honey B17.

[gomango]

By cherry do you mean "only redeeming quality"? ;)

This Riv does zippo for me.

Agreed on head badge.

Makes me long for my Rambo back.

Probably shouldn't have sold that one.

[bobswire]

I get it,Comrade. I fondly remember the days in school when the sirens would blare and we were told to get under our desks and cover our heads.

[ripvanrando]

I get it,Comrade. I fondly remember the days in school when the sirens would blare and we were told to get under our desks and cover our heads.

Ant if you didn't do as told, they'd beat you with a switch. No discipline problems back then.

[raygunner]

I could actually see myself riding this thing, it looks fun.

I couldn't say the same for the Clem Smith model.

[adamhell]

i don't really like this one, and i have two rivendells. this reminds me too much of some department store lifestyle brand x brewery design concept bike that they raffle off at the end of the summer.

on the other hand, i forsure get it, and if i somehow had one i would klunkerfy it and justride

[bfd]

Can't quite put a finger on it, but the cold war kid in me digs this.

http://66.media.tumblr.com/49d2353d648959842ff3b910bce05ba7/tumblr_oa0tarSucD1voz7cio1_1280.jpg

The head badge is the cherry on top.

http://66.media.tumblr.com/e9a2beda56a9616a8725898a1059596c/tumblr_oa0tarSucD1voz7cio8_1280.jpg

The funny thing about that bike is the frameset alone cost like $2k and the complete bike will run you $3.5k, if not more! Well, maybe $3k because it doesn't have any "brifters."

Further, Grant will sell everyone one he imports. He's a genius and knows how to market bikes!

Good Luck!

[El Chaba]

....looks like the love child of a Sears "Ted Williams" three speed and a Western Flyer "ten speed racer"....

[Aaron O]

With how the bike market is going, Grant should probably start making hyper aggressive roadies, where the seattube is scalloped in the back so that the rear wheel can be even closer to the stem...with clearance for 19c tires. In miami vice colors, of course.

[dancinkozmo]

needs one more toptube

[oldpotatoe]

Interesting choice of motif, considering Russia's(Putin's) rhetoric and actions these days.

[fiamme red]

....looks like the love child of a Sears "Ted Williams" three speed and a Western Flyer "ten speed racer"....:D

What's the story behind the name? Did someone mistakenly remove the "e" from the first name and add it to the last name?

[bfd]

With how the bike market is going, Grant should probably start making hyper aggressive roadies, where the seattube is scalloped in the back so that the rear wheel can be even closer to the stem...with clearance for 19c tires. In miami vice colors, of course.

You mean like this:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lasvegas/2005/images/13.jpg

[notsew]

needs one more toptube

Maybe another seat tube, too.

[Waldo]

I don't understand why Grant limits some of his bikes to just two top tubes.........

[Aaron O]

I'd like to see him branch out more...perhaps an extra chain stay at a random angle? A co-joined twin headtube?

Also...why does the number of top tubes have to be even? Why not 2.6 top tubes?

[staggerwing]

The funny thing about that bike is the frameset alone cost like $2k and the complete bike will run you $3.5k, if not more! Well, maybe $3k because it doesn't have any "brifters."

Further, Grant will sell everyone one he imports. He's a genius and knows how to market bikes!

Good Luck!

Not trying to defend Grant too much, but if you look, he wants $1050 for a frame/fork/seat post/BB, and they are made in Wisconsin by Waterford. That is cheaper than a current Gunnar, with fork.

As for overall price, build it however you would like. With down tube cable stops, one could certainly run modern levers.

There is a footnote, that future batches may be welded offshore.

[bfd]

Not trying to defend Grant too much, but if you look, he wants $1050 for a frame/fork/seat post/BB, and they are made in Wisconsin by Waterford. That is cheaper than a current Gunnar, with fork.

As for overall price, build it however you would like. With down tube cable stops, one could certainly run modern levers.

There is a footnote, that future batches may be welded offshore.

Thanks. I got it mixed up with one of the other double top tube framesets he sells. I don't get double top tubes, especially for a 56cm bike, but Grant apparently swears by them and we all know he sells every one he has made.

Waterford-made frames are excellent. So are the ones from Toyo. Not sure about the Chinese-made ones, but then again, I haven't seen any of those as all his latest double top tube and upright handlebars style bikes aren't my thing. But Grant will tell you that the Chinese made framesets are to his standard and are as good, if not better, than anything from Waterford or Toyo, especially at 1/2 the price.

Grant is the best at marketing. There's no one better. He's done fine and will continue to find those small niches that keep his company thriving.

Good Luck!

[druptight]

I don't understand the point of the 2nd top tube here (anywhere ever?). The lower one appears to be wholly unnecessary. I know this isn't a lightweight rig, but unnecessarily increasing the weight with an extra top tube seems weird.

[adamhell]

I don't understand the point of the 2nd top tube here (anywhere ever?). The lower one appears to be wholly unnecessary. I know this isn't a lightweight rig, but unnecessarily increasing the weight with an extra top tube seems weird.

it's definitely not necessary, but the reasoning is that it only adds 8oz, and greatly strengthens/triangulates the frame. it is used on weak bikes in third world countries to keep them from breaking, why not overbuild a good frame slightly to extra-ensure a frame is a *forever* frame? besides, it's not like another 8oz matters on a 25-30lb bike (considering steel frame and burly component spec).

[velotrack]

Oops! See below.

[gdw]

The extra top tube is there for riders who plan to use their bikes for SO24 trips. Urban adventurers strap their Gransfors Bruks Small Forest axes, also sold by Rivendell, to the lower tube where they're easily accessible to clear the trail, chop firewood, or drive off wild dogs or bears.

[adamhell]

Look to be $1600 on their site, not $1050.



http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/f-rosco-02.htm

???

[bfd]

it's definitely not necessary, but the reasoning is that it only adds 8oz, and greatly strengthens/triangulates the frame. it is used on weak bikes in third world countries to keep them from breaking, why not overbuild a good frame slightly to extra-ensure a frame is a *forever* frame? besides, it's not like another 8oz matters on a 25-30lb bike (considering steel frame and burly component spec).

I think the question is whether this "extra strength" is needed. If you're 7'0 tall and weigh over 300lbs, then a double top tube might be needed.

However, on a 56cm frame, it seems like an overkill. Further, there are many who like their bikes to "plane*" which would contradict the need for a second top tube.

*Jan Heine defines Planing: The ability of a rider to get in sync with a bicycle, as the bike flexes in response to the rider's pedal strokes. When the bicycle planes, riding with high power output becomes easier, probably because less lactic acid is produced in the rider's leg muscles. Planing is associated with frame flex. A bike that is too stiff for the rider feels unyielding ("dead") and is harder to pedal. The term is borrowed from boats, which use less energy at higher speeds as they plane and rise out of the water

Nevertheless, there are more than enough people out there who buy into Grant's ideas or philosophy and he will sell them all! So, I guess it is good to have choices! Good Luck!

[velotrack]

http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/f-rosco-02.htm

???

Snap, you are correct. Thanks Adam.
http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/f-tandem.htm
Is somehow what I looked at.

[ptourkin]

Two top tubes work better when riding on platform pedals in Crocs. They also help support the bell and KoolAid which is always served in a stainless thermos while wearing a made in the USA possum wool shirt.

[adamhell]

I think the question is whether this "extra strength" is needed. If you're 7'0 tall and weigh over 300lbs, then a double top tube might be needed.

However, on a 56cm frame, it seems like an overkill. Further, there are many who like their bikes to "plane*" which would contradict the need for a second top tube.

*Jan Heine defines Planing: The ability of a rider to get in sync with a bicycle, as the bike flexes in response to the rider's pedal strokes. When the bicycle planes, riding with high power output becomes easier, probably because less lactic acid is produced in the rider's leg muscles. Planing is associated with frame flex. A bike that is too stiff for the rider feels unyielding ("dead") and is harder to pedal. The term is borrowed from boats, which use less energy at higher speeds as they plane and rise out of the water

Nevertheless, there are more than enough people out there who buy into Grant's ideas or philosophy and he will sell them all! So, I guess it is good to have choices! Good Luck!

you right.. it's not for everyone. i was just trying to explain the reasoning/design philosophy. i don't even like it aesthetically on this particular bike, but i would get the diagatube on a 58cm hunqapillar if i were taller (i ride the 54). btw, neither of my rivendells (both sans 3rd tt) seem to really plane either, though they are supple smooth rides. the only true planing experiences i've had are on a moots psychlo X, an old landshark road bike, and my old bmc pro machine, all of which were very flexy in the BB.

[bicycletricycle]

this bike is awesome

[Louis]

More = Better

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/560309e1e4b0dd583fafe589/565619dbe4b0060cdb52256c/5605a567e4b0a8eb13fff0db/1443210775171/complicated-bike-det4.jpg?format=500w

[Louis]

Another option:

http://www.earthtripper.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_mobile_adaptive/public/Bicycle-Banner_1.jpg?itok=DSOwtast

[eddief]

to the double top tube. Something more streamlined about these angles compared the parallel dorkiness of his others.

[batman1425]

I dig it. I'd add some color matched metal fenders and a rear rack and I'd ride it to work every day.

[ojingoh]

Looks fun. Good decals. T-55 Green is my kind of bike.

[beeatnik]

Ultra Romance would rock that. EOS.

[bironi]

Fugly

[dustyrider]

needs one more toptube

:hello:

[charliedid]

Like

[bikinchris]

With how the bike market is going, Grant should probably start making hyper aggressive roadies, where the seattube is scalloped in the back so that the rear wheel can be even closer to the stem...with clearance for 19c tires. In miami vice colors, of course.

Austro Daimler used to have a bike with a split seat tube. The rear tire was right under you.
http://www.bike123.com/used_bikes/used_sbikesview.php?ID=675

[rzthomas]

Love it.

[Cicli]

I like it. Not sure I would buy it but, I like it.

[rodcad]

If you don't like it, don't buy it is my thought. I won't be buying one that's for sure. But, I LOVE some bikes similar to this one such as:

McClung, Pereira, Retrotec......and others

[peanutgallery]

I am so done with quill stems

[ColonelJLloyd]

I am so done with quill stems

iBOBer: From my cold, dead hands.

[p nut]

If you don't like it, don't buy it is my thought. I won't be buying one that's for sure. But, I LOVE some bikes similar to this one such as:

McClung, Pereira, Retrotec......and others

Yes, McClung!! Wouldn't mind one of those before the guy calls it quits. (Unless he already has).

[fiamme red]

Waterford-made frames are excellent. So are the ones from Toyo. Not sure about the Chinese-made ones, but then again, I haven't seen any of those as all his latest double top tube and upright handlebars style bikes aren't my thing. But Grant will tell you that the Chinese made framesets are to his standard and are as good, if not better, than anything from Waterford or Toyo, especially at 1/2 the price.By "Chinese" I assume you mean "Taiwanese"? I can't believe that Grant would have bikes made in mainland China.

[CampyorBust]

Interesting choice of motif, considering Russia's(Putin's) rhetoric and actions these days.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/281fdfb50ec1f3cc0888bd10821cf87025809465c96933f71e 91f2a4b32b3bdf_zpsr8om8tc1.jpghttp://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/PedalPusher33/8e594b1e-92d6-4c54-a694-f0dfe076e032_zps2imlghvl.jpg

http://theduran.com/nato-begins-encirclement-russia/

Who is the aggressor and provocateur again? Lets see there are no Russian troops parading their flag in Tijuana, unfortunately the same cant be said about US/NATO forces in Narva Estonia a 100 feet from the Russian border...Given the rancid and vitriolic anti-Russian propaganda seen in the western media today hypocrisy truly is a stinky cologne.

On the other hand the bike looks interesting! Lovely badge, not sure if mocking the Soviet Union or emulating it? Given the current direction of the US I would say the later. Would I ride it/buy it? No way in heck!

[25.4]

The extra/diagonal top tube triggers some serious Klunker era daydreams. Put on the current Riv bullmoose handlebar and some Diacompe bmx calipers and I'd love to ride it. I'm sure most people have seen this but I'll leave it here just in case...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDUe9BFPrzg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enX4Ad1Zb5A

[559Rando]

I'd love to have an 11 speed DA Di2 Rosco! :banana:

[bfd]

By "Chinese" I assume you mean "Taiwanese"? I can't believe that Grant would have bikes made in mainland China.

Yes, it is my understanding that his current Chinese builder (Maxway?) is in Taiwan, at least for now. But if Grant can find a builder in China, who meets his standards, and they are less, then I wouldn't be surprise if he goes there.

Good Luck!

[steamer]

If you want a bike with lots of tubes and are willing to spend, but dont want one that rides like a tank, get a Moulton.

[bfd]

i think my eyesight is getting worse, but it looks like there are No Lugs on this frameset?! Am I going blind?!

[559Rando]

i think my eyesight is getting worse, but it looks like there are No Lugs on this frameset?! Am I going blind?!

You're right. This is what Riv/GP said:

the main joints will be tig-welded, not lugged. That cuts prices a lot and gives me more flexibility to do thing’s that’ll offend the tastes of neo-classicists, but make total sense.

link (http://roscobubbe.tumblr.com/post/141826921111/mon-mar-28-review-and-minor-update-and-stuff-about)

[spacemen3]

That headbadge is awesome. Looks like a fun bike once that cockpit gets a classic straight bar. :)

[oldpotatoe]

Who is the aggressor and provocateur again? Lets see there are no Russian troops parading their flag in Tijuana, unfortunately the same cant be said about US/NATO forces in Narva Estonia a 100 feet from the Russian border...Given the rancid and vitriolic anti-Russian propaganda seen in the western media today hypocrisy truly is a stinky cologne.

On the other hand the bike looks interesting! Lovely badge, not sure if mocking the Soviet Union or emulating it? Given the current direction of the US I would say the later. Would I ride it/buy it? No way in heck!

I'd say it's about perceptions, whether they be accurate or not. 'Some' won't buy this just because it 'looks' Russian.

Wasn't meant as a political peach pit onto the linoleum floor...just an observation. It's about marketing...IMHO, of course.