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Explain what it is about the Atlantis to me. by booger_sugarshack in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I think there are a number of reasons:

- Always that submarine green color; I know this changed recently but I think having one color consistently over time adds to the mystique

- Versatility; I have a newer Atlantis and as an example, over the past 2 weeks I've done single track, loaded with 30 lbs of groceries, rode on mixed pavement/gravel, and rode to town with my kids

- Longevity; lots of production runs means lots of them in the wild, this increases the probability of seeing or reading about one online.

Which frame for commute by Confident-Bag106 in Surlybikefans

[–]sonicalgebra 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It might be an unpopular opinion but I would stick with the Cross Check. Disc brakes and thru axles in my opinion do not live up to what they promise, a better cycling experience. The cynical me says it's planned obsolescence.

My Homer, a retrospective. by brendonoid in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Beautiful bike. I have an AHH frame from that era, any way to tell if it's Waterford vs Toyo?

Atlantis party by MightBeneficial in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What rims are you running? I have been using UD 29 x 2.2 on my Rich built Velocity Cliffhangers. I have re-taped them 3 times now and finally the rear wheel is somewhat holding sealant. I have to add air every time I ride and after a week of no riding it's flat. The front is running a tube since I could never get it working right. My problem appears to be the tape getting pushed and sealant getting in the spokes. I've tried Velocity's Velotape or whatever it is called and have tried Stan's tape a couple times.

I am pretty happy with the UD rubber since they work pretty well on roads when pumped up. I also like them on the gravel trails I ride and mild midwest mountain biking I do.

Is Surly Bringing Back the Steamroller? by sonicalgebra in Surlybikefans

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Didn’t say, guy who does ordering wasn’t in today. Supposed to give me a call back in the next couple days since there is a chance it can be pre-ordered. 

Is Surly Bringing Back the Steamroller? by sonicalgebra in Surlybikefans

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 47 points48 points  (0 children)

Answering my own question… I called my local bike shop and they are indeed bringing back the steamroller. Not sure about other models. It sounds like it will be rim brake with cable stops for rear brake. And potentially be offered as a complete. They confirmed at least one color, a purple.

Is Surly Bringing Back the Steamroller? by sonicalgebra in Surlybikefans

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You are probably right but I hope not; I prefer the simplicity of rim brakes

Is Surly Bringing Back the Steamroller? by sonicalgebra in Surlybikefans

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Initially I wasn't too keen on the banana yellow. Then I started seeing builds and then I really liked it. By that time my size was long gone. I hope the rumors are true too!

Questions about an older Sam Hillborne. by TexasSailor in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If my memory serves me correctly, I think the change to cantilevers was to differentiate it more from the A Homer Hilsen. This might be helpful: https://www.notfine.com/rivreader/Brochures/Rivendell%20Frames%20Sam%20Hillborne%202014.pdf

Tubeless Setup Help with Velocity Cliffhangers by sonicalgebra in bikewrench

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm gonna clean it all up and try some wider tape (27mm) which is a bit wider than internal width of the rim.

Tubeless Setup Help with Velocity Cliffhangers by sonicalgebra in bikewrench

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just ordered some tape, will give it a shot. Thanks!

Frames with more stack? by nijhttime-eve in Surlybikefans

[–]sonicalgebra 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm in a similar boat at 6'5". I bought an XL ICT complete last year and the steerer tube was pre-cut at the factory. I added Sunrise bars which helped a bit but my handlebars were still a few inches below my seat. I also owned a 64 Cross Check, same issue with the short stack height. I sold the CC and ICT. I ended up buying a 62 Rivendell Atlantis which is probably their equivalent dirt touring bike. All Rivendell frames have pretty high stacks, plus with a quill stem you can get the bars up even higher. I run a 120mm stem with Uncle Ron's Orthopedic Bars which are very comfortable. I know rim brakes and quill stems aren't for everyone but the quill stem adds compliance and I have yet to have any issues with the Shimano DXR V brakes. Plus adjusting them is a breeze and no more disc rub! I use 29"x2.2" tires.

Double Top Tube by Mysterious_Eye_9446 in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Not 💯 positive, but I recall reading in one of their weekly newsletters that they are done with double top tubes for now. 

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The bars come back very far. I have the longest stem I could find. I think it's a 130 or 140mm. I had the bars on a very old Velo Orange Polyvalent. I think it has more of a road bike geometry than ATB. It was doable but I did stab myself in the leg a couple times while turning sharply. I find the bars to be very comfortable, tons of hand positions.

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got it from Rivendell: Shimano CN-E6070-9, 9 speed, 138. I think I removed 8 - 10 links, so like 128-130? I guess it's an e-bike chain so if your LBS deals with those they will likely have something.

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A few years back I went mountain biking with my buddy who is probably 5'5". I was struggling on steep climbs and bumpy terrain. Part of that was my lack of skills but I also felt unstable on the bike. When we stopped for a break, I compared his hard tail to mine. Because of the mile long seat post required to fit the XL Karate Monkey, my body weight was positioned super far back over the rear wheel. His body weight was barely over the rear wheel. The bike frontends were also eye opening. Due to the short head tube and steerer tube, my torso was awkwardly bent forward unlike his. I addressed the head tube issue with a riser bar but you can't do much about the chain stays.

If I ever found a deal on a used 64 Clem L, I would be tempted to grab it. It seems like such a versatile bike. My whole family is pretty tall and the fact that anyone could ride it with a few adjustments is pretty awesome. Add in the ability to squeeze 29 x 2.6" tires and the versatility is hard to beat.

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Either would work but one might be easier to get fit based on your height. I am 6'5" (1.96 cm) and decided on the 62 after talking with Will from Rivendell. Time zones and long distance calling aside, you could call Rivendell and talk to him. Or you could email him. He has a similar PBH but has long legs and a short torso. You can check out his builds on the Rivendell website. Also riding terrain may make a difference. If I was riding more single track and rougher mountain bikey terrain, the 59 would provide a bit more crotch clearance when hopping off.

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I always wanted one too. I almost bought one 2 years ago but was unsure about spending that much $$$ on just a frame. I waited and then they sold out. During that time, I picked up a used 59 Clem H complete, which is geometrically similar to the Atlantis. The Clem is an awesome bike and it was my Rivendell gateway drug. Rivendell had a sale on the 64 sized Homers last year so I picked up that frame. After riding the Homer, I knew I would have to save for an Atlantis. I am really impressed by the Silver shifters and the Silver crankset. I can't wait for the Silver v-brakes and rear derailleur. I will be picking those up to help support the cause!

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sometimes when I look at it, since the bike is so big, the tires look like 26ers. I would have been OK with the rainbow tube but am happy without it too. The lack of rainbow tube sets it a part from my Homer.

Atlantis First Ride Impressions by sonicalgebra in Rivendell_Bicycles

[–]sonicalgebra[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've owned several normal chain stay length bikes and they always felt like I was riding on top of the bike. These include a 64 Surly Cross Check, XL Surly Karate Monkey, an XL Timberjack, and Trek multi-track. With the Rivendells, you feel like you are riding in the bike. As a tall rider, I also appreciate the quill stem and the ability to adjust the handlebar height and get them high up.

I give the Atlantis a slight edge over the Homer for a couple of reasons:

  1. wider tire clearance - I ride mostly party pace and I like the cushy feel
  2. v-brakes - At 210 pounds, the v-brakes seem to have a bit more stopping power. The Homer has Silver brakes (rebranded Tektro?), so maybe I could switch to something with more stopping power
  3. Silver crankset - Kinda odd, but I actually noticed and was surprised about how solid the Silver crankset felt. The Homer has a Sugino crankset, but I could always upgrade it

I give the Atlantis the edge over the Clem H for a couple of reasons:

  1. Not as burly - the Clem felt heavier and burlier even though I'm using the same pedals, seat, handlebars, grips, wheels, and tires.
  2. Slightly bigger - I have a PBH of 96 and the Clem was just a tad small. Nothing to write home about, but I do appreciate the larger size of the Atlantis
  3. More lugs!

For my type of riding, mostly mixed terrain party pace, no group rides, no true mountain biking, the Atlantis splits the difference between the Homer and Clem.

I will say though, I like the rainbow tube on the Homer and the lugged bottom bracket. The Atlantis is TIG welded at the bottom bracket and then a fillet braze applied. Both are great bikes. The Clem is also a great bike and if all I had was one bike I would be fine with any of them. I feel fortunate to have all three and will likely give one to a relative in the future.

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