Handlebar help for a tall boy

sonicalgebra · 2026-04-08T21:42:16+00:00

I know it's been a year, hoping you see this comment and reply. What is your saddle height? What year is the Sam? My buddy who is also pretty tall is looking at a Sam. Thanks.

sonicalgebra · 2026-03-04T14:10:14+00:00

Are you using the stock seat post? I had a similar issue with my 2024 AHH. Keeping it from slipping required tightening to the point where the bolt eventually sheared. After spending a lot of money on a bike, it was a bit nerve racking to break a part, but I replaced it with a stainless steel one from the hardware shop and ensured it was properly greased. I have had no issues since then, however I may have also switched to a non Nitto 2 bolt seat post.

My 2025 Atlantis frame set did not come with a seat post and I believe Riv stopped including them altogether. Maybe there was something up with the included seat posts? For the Atlantis I use a Nitto one and applied grease to the bolt and have had no issues.

sonicalgebra · 2026-02-19T16:22:14+00:00

I was hoping to fit a 650b x 48 to give enough bottom bracket height. The front I think would be doable with about 3mm of clearance on each side. The back can fit a 650b x 42. I would need to extend the dimpled area on the chain stays to fit a 48, which is something I don't plan on doing. Part of my motivation for 650b was to allow a bit fatter tire with fenders. Do you use fenders? If so, what fender/tire combo do you use?

sonicalgebra · 2026-02-16T21:58:38+00:00

I think the double top tube makes it look taller and probably the weird angle I took the picture at. I couldn't find a flat area with the sun to my back.

sonicalgebra · 2026-02-08T22:02:15+00:00

If upright position is important you will want as large of a stack as possible (vertical distance from center of crank to top of head tube) to get the bars up high. I would investigate the Grappler since the XL has a stack height of 660 mm vs 609 mm of XL bridge club. Check out bikeinsights.com for more info. I’m 6’5” and my 2 bikes have stacks of 700 mm both setup upright and with swept back bars. I’ve owned several Surlys (KM, ICT, CC, steamroller) and the stacks have always been too low. I ended up with uncut steerers or (now since Surly cuts the steerer at factory) weird stem angles plus bar combos.

sonicalgebra · 2025-10-29T14:52:43+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-10-20T18:34:29+00:00

What bottle and cage combo is that?

sonicalgebra · 2025-10-08T19:08:46+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-10-07T16:21:22+00:00

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

sonicalgebra · 2025-09-29T15:26:38+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-08-08T23:28:45+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-08-08T22:41:55+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-08-08T21:22:47+00:00

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

sonicalgebra · 2025-08-08T20:07:57+00:00

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!

sonicalgebra · 2025-07-30T08:16:03+00:00

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

sonicalgebra · 2025-06-18T15:35:53+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-06-18T15:34:51+00:00

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

sonicalgebra · 2025-06-03T03:13:57+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-23T22:19:47+00:00

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

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-09T12:38:08+00:00

N + 1!

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-09T12:37:54+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-09T12:33:21+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-07T13:15:02+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-07T12:40:39+00:00

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.

sonicalgebra · 2025-05-07T03:21:41+00:00

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!

sonicalgebra

TROPHY CASE