If you come across or own a Rivendell bike, then you know that they embody fancy paints that make it aesthetically appealing. However, behind the attractive look that makes them stand out, are Rivendell bikes good?
Rivendell bikes are excellent for cyclists who prefer traditional components and steel frames and don’t ride or race aggressively off-road. These bicycles also feature high-end craftsmanship and are built to last for many generations. Moreover, they suit riders looking for relaxed, long geometry.
The brand remains committed to quality many years after its formation in 1994. Its mission is to provide alternatives to racing-centric parts and bikes.
However, a Rivendell bike will cost you a pretty penny, leaving you wondering if it’s worth the money. Continue reading to find out and make the right decision.
Are Rivendell Bikes Good? (An In-depth Look)
Here’s a deep dive into the Rivendell brand and its bikes.
About The Brand
Rivendell Bicycle Works is a bike manufacturing company founded in 1994 and operates from Walnut Creeks. Since its inception, it has bucked trends with woolen cycling clothes, leather saddles, and steel bike frames.
Moreover, it has stayed true to what works and flown the lasting value, comfort, and safety flags for more than 20 years. Its bikes are made to last and ridden hard, thus being handed down to different rider generations.
It works to create things that only they can produce. It also resurrects and maintains many excellent bike styles, designs, and ideas, accessories, and clothing they like to wear or use.
Rivendell Bikes Strengths
Here are the aspects that make Rivendell bikes unique, long-lasting, exciting, and pricey.
1. Reliable Steel Frames
All Rivendell bicycles are built with steel frames that are industrial-grade, making them impact-resistant and more robust than most frames. They also go through internationally certified laboratory tests, so rest assured that you can rely on their performance.
The frames do not experience fatigue, dent, or bend easily.
2. Elegant Retro Look
These bicycles are impeccably beautiful, rocking timeless designs that will remain appealing for many years to come. A Rivendell bike is an excellent choice if you want a retro bike that has a modern touch.
Great attention goes into making these bikes, designed to have stunning decals, and attractive head badges, and the company logo.
3. User-Friendly Geometry
Comfort when cycling is a vital quality that some riders cherish most and seriously consider when buying a bicycle. If you are that person, you will love Rivendell because their bikes are optimized for modest to extremely upright positioning.
These bikes feature long chainstays, translating to extreme comfort and steadiness. However, the trade-off is that they are challenging to carry through cramped apartments and tight staircases.
On the flip side, Rivendell road bicycles have a racing-style, bent-forward geometry to let you produce greater pedaling power, thus making you go faster. Furthermore, their geometry is designed to minimize wind drag.
4. Rivendell Bicycles Are Customizable
Since the company allows it, you can preorder and customize your bicycle frame to your liking. This means you get extended chainstays, enough clearance, a lower bottom bracket, and a raised headtube.
Moreover, you can choose a stunning frame that suits your taste and personality and go with lighter tubing.
4. Rivendell Bicycles Are Pedal-Powered
While motorized bicycles move faster and are easier to ride, nothing beats the feeling of riding an authentic pedal-powered bike. It engages your muscles, contributing to keeping you healthy, and that’s what you get from a Rivendell bike.
They are pedal-powered bicycles that are dependable and robust; hence, you can use yours to commute and enjoy the ride.
5. They Are Multi-Purpose
Most Rivendell bicycles are equipped for numerous cycling purposes, from commuting, running errands, exercising to touring. These bikes have the toughness and physical build to conquer all terrains.
6. They Have Reliable Bike Parts
Rivendell utilizes top-notch bike parts and takes its bike through rigorous tests to manufacture its bikes because it is committed to quality. This translates to the production of long-lasting bicycles that can take on even the roughest terrains.
The steel handlebars are dent-resistant, solid, and can withstand bumps. In addition, their brakes provide crisp stoppage, the shifters are friction-resistant, and the quill stems excel in harsh terrains.
7. These Bikes Are Comfortable
Rivendell bike frames have vibration and shock-dampening features to help you ride comfortably when the ride gets bumpy. Additionally, you can adjust the handlebars to accommodate your height, thus, relieving back and neck strain.
Most models also have cushy tires to smoothen the ride and a longer wheelbase to increase stability.
Rivendell Bikes Shortcomings
Despite having a plethora of excellent qualities that make them enjoyable, well-built bicycles, Rivendell cycles also have their drawbacks.
a) They Are Expensive
Rivendell bikes may not spot the price tags of the latest Cannondale, Giant, Trek, and Specialized racing bicycles that can go for even $10k. However, they are undoubtedly pricey, running to even $3000 or higher.
While cheap is relative, there’s nothing cheap about Rivendell bicycles.
b) No Disc Brakes Or Suspension Systems
If you enjoy riding a mountain bike with disc brakes and a powerful suspension system, then a Rivendell mountain bike won’t be your ideal choice. Alternatively, you could get a Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike (View on Amazon), available in steel and aluminum frame options.
The High Timber also comes in 24 to 29-inch wheel variations, multiple colors, and 7 to 21 speeds. It also has dual suspension and rear and front linear-pull brakes.
c) They Are Heavy
Since Rivendell cycles are steel-made, they are pretty heavy. However, you are assured of a long-lasting, strong, and safe bike.
Should You Buy A Rivendell Bike?
Generally, Rivendell bicycles are high-quality, comfortable, durable, and exceptionally reliable. Therefore, if you can afford it and don’t mind the weight, it’s absolutely worth it.
You can customize it however you want, ensuring you ride a bicycle that rimes with your personality and fits you perfectly. However, mountain biking lovers may look elsewhere because of the lack of disc brakes and suspension.
FAQs
1. Where Are Rivendell Frames Made?
Grant Peterson designs Rivendell frames for stock and customs bicycles in the United States.
2. Where Are Rivendell Bikes Made?
Rivendell bicycles are produced in Taiwan, the United States, and Japan.
3. How Much Does A Rivendell Bicycle Cost?
A Rivendell bike will cost anywhere from $1000 for a Roadini frame to even $5000 for an entire bicycle.
4. Are Rivendell Bikes Overpriced?
Rivendell bicycles are worth the price tag for cyclists looking for comfortable bikes with a relaxed geometry. These bikes last for many years, so you can drive yours until you pass it down to someone else many years later.
Final Take, Are Rivendell Bikes Good?
Rivendell bicycles boast of the qualities of a great bike, from safety, comfort, durability, multi-purpose use, versatility, and reliability. To add to their awesomeness, they are available in various colors and sizes, and you can customize yours.
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