Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-12-03 Thread Andrew Joseph 
Thanks to you both!  Let us know what you decide Mike.  You can’t lose with 
either Riv.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 1:29:06 PM UTC-6 Mike in BK wrote:

> Stephen, thank you. Most comfortable is tough to beat.
>
> On Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 12:38:19 PM UTC-5 [email protected] 
> wrote:
>
>> Drew: Love the build! The tires/bars/saddle really gives the gallop much 
>> more of a ATB vibe.
>>
>> Mike: Here's a story that might help you decide. I got my gallop in July, 
>> built with albatross bars. I've ridden ~1,300 miles, almost entirely on 
>> paved trails and roads. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden—to 
>> the point I keep going on longer and longer rides. I love it. I'm now 
>> considering where I could go for multi-day rides, likely credit card 
>> touring given the lighter weight limits of the gallop. As others have said, 
>> it's about the flex. (Here's a video that demonstrates it well: 
>> https://theradavist.com/video-rivendell-the-string-test-for-bike-flex) 
>> All of this is to say, if I were wanting to bike pack, I'd be considering 
>> something like the appaloosa as a second bike, but the majority of my 
>> riding is always going to be road, so I'd never give up the gallop as it's 
>> just so perfect for what I'll be doing 95% of the time.
>>
>> - Stephen in Dallas
>>
>> On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:48:34 PM UTC-6 Mike in BK wrote:
>>
>>> Oh, wow! You got the Charlie. Great build. Those tires have some teeth. 
>>> With the Quills it must be lightish.
>>> That's a great take on the two bikes. I like hearing that Joe is amazing 
>>> on pavement. I look forward to further reviews of the Rivs. Thanks!!
>>>
>>> On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:33:48 PM UTC-5 [email protected] 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Mike!

 Great question…unfortunately, I cannot provide any legitimate feedback 
 on the Charlie at the moment. I can’t ride for a bit longer. I did ride 
 the 
 bike enough (once) to know I needed a much shorter stem.  So the bike sits 
 as pictured, still in beta. 

 I’ve been quietly attempting to grow in other areas, and enjoying 
 everyone’s posts/videos of course.  I will have to settle now for some 
 very 
 frigid and windy test rides in the near future.  I will be able to report 
 back if you are still searching at that time. There are many members here 
 more qualified than myself to answer your question. But since you’ve asked 
 me.  I will offer my opinion. 

 Both bikes are absolutely capable of the pavement riding you’ve 
 described even with a dash of gravel.  I think any Riv can easily do well 
 on nice gravel for a stretch. 

 On trails, even mellow trails.  I would prefer the Joe. Throw some bags 
 on the bike?  Definitely the Joe.  The Appaloosa can do everything you 
 describe really, really well depending on choices like bars/tires.  And 
 the 
 Joe is amazing on pavement. 

 Mostly pavement and no bags? The Charlie could definitely be the one.  

 [image: image0.jpeg]
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Dec 1, 2025, at 3:10 PM, Mike in BK  wrote:

 Drew, I'm curious about you having an Appaloosa and wanting to add a 
 Charlie. I'm torn between these two models myself and getting both isn't 
 an 
 option for me, unfortunately. I'm actually trying to get down to one 
 do-it-all bike if I can. I want a long wheelbase Riv with a 70 degree head 
 tube, which sorta casts off the Roadini and Sam. The Homer won't be 
 offered 
 in 2026 and I'm not feeling the upcoming Platypus colors. I'm sold on the 
 theoretical benefits of long chain stays and long front center and I want 
 to run sweptback bars. The Joe would do everything including big tire off 
 road riding. The Charlie sounds like a dream to ride and Grant is pretty 
 jazzed about it. I will ride whatever I get mostly on paved roads, but for 
 the times I will be on gravel and mellow trails I wonder if the Charlie 
 could handle that. I'm 200 lbs and I'd be on a 61cm Charlie or a 57cm Joe. 
 My hesitation with the Joe is the overkill factor. I won't be able to 
 bike-pack anytime soon and the stoutness and copious rack mounts might be 
 lost on me, unless they're not someday. It's been a tough decision. The 
 prevailing advice has been to decide based on my type of riding, but what 
 Rivs offer is the versatility to do multiple types of riding. I want ALL 
 my 
 rides to be on my first Riv. 



 On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:57:04 AM UTC-4 [email protected] 
 wrote:

> That makes sense, thanks Bill.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 10:53 AM Bill Lindsay  
> wrote:
>
>> "I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"
>>
>> The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the 
>> Gallop wants to bend the seat tube in

Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-12-02 Thread Mike in BK 
Stephen, thank you. Most comfortable is tough to beat.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 12:38:19 PM UTC-5 [email protected] 
wrote:

> Drew: Love the build! The tires/bars/saddle really gives the gallop much 
> more of a ATB vibe.
>
> Mike: Here's a story that might help you decide. I got my gallop in July, 
> built with albatross bars. I've ridden ~1,300 miles, almost entirely on 
> paved trails and roads. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden—to 
> the point I keep going on longer and longer rides. I love it. I'm now 
> considering where I could go for multi-day rides, likely credit card 
> touring given the lighter weight limits of the gallop. As others have said, 
> it's about the flex. (Here's a video that demonstrates it well: 
> https://theradavist.com/video-rivendell-the-string-test-for-bike-flex) 
> All of this is to say, if I were wanting to bike pack, I'd be considering 
> something like the appaloosa as a second bike, but the majority of my 
> riding is always going to be road, so I'd never give up the gallop as it's 
> just so perfect for what I'll be doing 95% of the time.
>
> - Stephen in Dallas
>
> On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:48:34 PM UTC-6 Mike in BK wrote:
>
>> Oh, wow! You got the Charlie. Great build. Those tires have some teeth. 
>> With the Quills it must be lightish.
>> That's a great take on the two bikes. I like hearing that Joe is amazing 
>> on pavement. I look forward to further reviews of the Rivs. Thanks!!
>>
>> On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:33:48 PM UTC-5 [email protected] 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Mike!
>>>
>>> Great question…unfortunately, I cannot provide any legitimate feedback 
>>> on the Charlie at the moment. I can’t ride for a bit longer. I did ride the 
>>> bike enough (once) to know I needed a much shorter stem.  So the bike sits 
>>> as pictured, still in beta. 
>>>
>>> I’ve been quietly attempting to grow in other areas, and enjoying 
>>> everyone’s posts/videos of course.  I will have to settle now for some very 
>>> frigid and windy test rides in the near future.  I will be able to report 
>>> back if you are still searching at that time. There are many members here 
>>> more qualified than myself to answer your question. But since you’ve asked 
>>> me.  I will offer my opinion. 
>>>
>>> Both bikes are absolutely capable of the pavement riding you’ve 
>>> described even with a dash of gravel.  I think any Riv can easily do well 
>>> on nice gravel for a stretch. 
>>>
>>> On trails, even mellow trails.  I would prefer the Joe. Throw some bags 
>>> on the bike?  Definitely the Joe.  The Appaloosa can do everything you 
>>> describe really, really well depending on choices like bars/tires.  And the 
>>> Joe is amazing on pavement. 
>>>
>>> Mostly pavement and no bags? The Charlie could definitely be the one.  
>>>
>>> [image: image0.jpeg]
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Dec 1, 2025, at 3:10 PM, Mike in BK  wrote:
>>>
>>> Drew, I'm curious about you having an Appaloosa and wanting to add a 
>>> Charlie. I'm torn between these two models myself and getting both isn't an 
>>> option for me, unfortunately. I'm actually trying to get down to one 
>>> do-it-all bike if I can. I want a long wheelbase Riv with a 70 degree head 
>>> tube, which sorta casts off the Roadini and Sam. The Homer won't be offered 
>>> in 2026 and I'm not feeling the upcoming Platypus colors. I'm sold on the 
>>> theoretical benefits of long chain stays and long front center and I want 
>>> to run sweptback bars. The Joe would do everything including big tire off 
>>> road riding. The Charlie sounds like a dream to ride and Grant is pretty 
>>> jazzed about it. I will ride whatever I get mostly on paved roads, but for 
>>> the times I will be on gravel and mellow trails I wonder if the Charlie 
>>> could handle that. I'm 200 lbs and I'd be on a 61cm Charlie or a 57cm Joe. 
>>> My hesitation with the Joe is the overkill factor. I won't be able to 
>>> bike-pack anytime soon and the stoutness and copious rack mounts might be 
>>> lost on me, unless they're not someday. It's been a tough decision. The 
>>> prevailing advice has been to decide based on my type of riding, but what 
>>> Rivs offer is the versatility to do multiple types of riding. I want ALL my 
>>> rides to be on my first Riv. 
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:57:04 AM UTC-4 [email protected] 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 That makes sense, thanks Bill.

 On Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 10:53 AM Bill Lindsay  
 wrote:

> "I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"
>
> The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the 
> Gallop wants to bend the seat tube in the middle. In your imagination, 
> stack 100 pound bags of concrete on the saddle.  When something gives at 
> some truly massive weight, it'll be the seat tube that bends in half at 
> that intersection.  The more triangulated diamond of the Roadini would 
> fail 
> at a

Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-12-02 Thread Stephen Edmondson 
Drew: Love the build! The tires/bars/saddle really gives the gallop much 
more of a ATB vibe.

Mike: Here's a story that might help you decide. I got my gallop in July, 
built with albatross bars. I've ridden ~1,300 miles, almost entirely on 
paved trails and roads. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden—to 
the point I keep going on longer and longer rides. I love it. I'm now 
considering where I could go for multi-day rides, likely credit card 
touring given the lighter weight limits of the gallop. As others have said, 
it's about the flex. (Here's a video that demonstrates it 
well: https://theradavist.com/video-rivendell-the-string-test-for-bike-flex) 
All of this is to say, if I were wanting to bike pack, I'd be considering 
something like the appaloosa as a second bike, but the majority of my 
riding is always going to be road, so I'd never give up the gallop as it's 
just so perfect for what I'll be doing 95% of the time.

- Stephen in Dallas

On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:48:34 PM UTC-6 Mike in BK wrote:

> Oh, wow! You got the Charlie. Great build. Those tires have some teeth. 
> With the Quills it must be lightish.
> That's a great take on the two bikes. I like hearing that Joe is amazing 
> on pavement. I look forward to further reviews of the Rivs. Thanks!!
>
> On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:33:48 PM UTC-5 [email protected] 
> wrote:
>
>> Mike!
>>
>> Great question…unfortunately, I cannot provide any legitimate feedback on 
>> the Charlie at the moment. I can’t ride for a bit longer. I did ride the 
>> bike enough (once) to know I needed a much shorter stem.  So the bike sits 
>> as pictured, still in beta. 
>>
>> I’ve been quietly attempting to grow in other areas, and enjoying 
>> everyone’s posts/videos of course.  I will have to settle now for some very 
>> frigid and windy test rides in the near future.  I will be able to report 
>> back if you are still searching at that time. There are many members here 
>> more qualified than myself to answer your question. But since you’ve asked 
>> me.  I will offer my opinion. 
>>
>> Both bikes are absolutely capable of the pavement riding you’ve described 
>> even with a dash of gravel.  I think any Riv can easily do well on nice 
>> gravel for a stretch. 
>>
>> On trails, even mellow trails.  I would prefer the Joe. Throw some bags 
>> on the bike?  Definitely the Joe.  The Appaloosa can do everything you 
>> describe really, really well depending on choices like bars/tires.  And the 
>> Joe is amazing on pavement. 
>>
>> Mostly pavement and no bags? The Charlie could definitely be the one.  
>>
>> [image: image0.jpeg]
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Dec 1, 2025, at 3:10 PM, Mike in BK  wrote:
>>
>> Drew, I'm curious about you having an Appaloosa and wanting to add a 
>> Charlie. I'm torn between these two models myself and getting both isn't an 
>> option for me, unfortunately. I'm actually trying to get down to one 
>> do-it-all bike if I can. I want a long wheelbase Riv with a 70 degree head 
>> tube, which sorta casts off the Roadini and Sam. The Homer won't be offered 
>> in 2026 and I'm not feeling the upcoming Platypus colors. I'm sold on the 
>> theoretical benefits of long chain stays and long front center and I want 
>> to run sweptback bars. The Joe would do everything including big tire off 
>> road riding. The Charlie sounds like a dream to ride and Grant is pretty 
>> jazzed about it. I will ride whatever I get mostly on paved roads, but for 
>> the times I will be on gravel and mellow trails I wonder if the Charlie 
>> could handle that. I'm 200 lbs and I'd be on a 61cm Charlie or a 57cm Joe. 
>> My hesitation with the Joe is the overkill factor. I won't be able to 
>> bike-pack anytime soon and the stoutness and copious rack mounts might be 
>> lost on me, unless they're not someday. It's been a tough decision. The 
>> prevailing advice has been to decide based on my type of riding, but what 
>> Rivs offer is the versatility to do multiple types of riding. I want ALL my 
>> rides to be on my first Riv. 
>>
>>
>>
>> On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:57:04 AM UTC-4 [email protected] wrote:
>>
>>> That makes sense, thanks Bill.
>>>
>>> On Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 10:53 AM Bill Lindsay  wrote:
>>>
 "I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"

 The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the 
 Gallop wants to bend the seat tube in the middle. In your imagination, 
 stack 100 pound bags of concrete on the saddle.  When something gives at 
 some truly massive weight, it'll be the seat tube that bends in half at 
 that intersection.  The more triangulated diamond of the Roadini would 
 fail 
 at a higher weight and would probably be the fork or the head tube joints 
 failing.  

 Bill Lindsay
 El Cerrito, CA
 On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:44:32 AM UTC-7 Joseph Kolker wrote:

> I got a Roadini with Albatross bars (in a s

Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-12-01 Thread Mike in BK 
Oh, wow! You got the Charlie. Great build. Those tires have some teeth. 
With the Quills it must be lightish.
That's a great take on the two bikes. I like hearing that Joe is amazing on 
pavement. I look forward to further reviews of the Rivs. Thanks!!

On Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:33:48 PM UTC-5 [email protected] wrote:

> Mike!
>
> Great question…unfortunately, I cannot provide any legitimate feedback on 
> the Charlie at the moment. I can’t ride for a bit longer. I did ride the 
> bike enough (once) to know I needed a much shorter stem.  So the bike sits 
> as pictured, still in beta. 
>
> I’ve been quietly attempting to grow in other areas, and enjoying 
> everyone’s posts/videos of course.  I will have to settle now for some very 
> frigid and windy test rides in the near future.  I will be able to report 
> back if you are still searching at that time. There are many members here 
> more qualified than myself to answer your question. But since you’ve asked 
> me.  I will offer my opinion. 
>
> Both bikes are absolutely capable of the pavement riding you’ve described 
> even with a dash of gravel.  I think any Riv can easily do well on nice 
> gravel for a stretch. 
>
> On trails, even mellow trails.  I would prefer the Joe. Throw some bags on 
> the bike?  Definitely the Joe.  The Appaloosa can do everything you 
> describe really, really well depending on choices like bars/tires.  And the 
> Joe is amazing on pavement. 
>
> Mostly pavement and no bags? The Charlie could definitely be the one.  
>
> [image: image0.jpeg]
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Dec 1, 2025, at 3:10 PM, Mike in BK  wrote:
>
> Drew, I'm curious about you having an Appaloosa and wanting to add a 
> Charlie. I'm torn between these two models myself and getting both isn't an 
> option for me, unfortunately. I'm actually trying to get down to one 
> do-it-all bike if I can. I want a long wheelbase Riv with a 70 degree head 
> tube, which sorta casts off the Roadini and Sam. The Homer won't be offered 
> in 2026 and I'm not feeling the upcoming Platypus colors. I'm sold on the 
> theoretical benefits of long chain stays and long front center and I want 
> to run sweptback bars. The Joe would do everything including big tire off 
> road riding. The Charlie sounds like a dream to ride and Grant is pretty 
> jazzed about it. I will ride whatever I get mostly on paved roads, but for 
> the times I will be on gravel and mellow trails I wonder if the Charlie 
> could handle that. I'm 200 lbs and I'd be on a 61cm Charlie or a 57cm Joe. 
> My hesitation with the Joe is the overkill factor. I won't be able to 
> bike-pack anytime soon and the stoutness and copious rack mounts might be 
> lost on me, unless they're not someday. It's been a tough decision. The 
> prevailing advice has been to decide based on my type of riding, but what 
> Rivs offer is the versatility to do multiple types of riding. I want ALL my 
> rides to be on my first Riv. 
>
>
>
> On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:57:04 AM UTC-4 [email protected] wrote:
>
>> That makes sense, thanks Bill.
>>
>> On Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 10:53 AM Bill Lindsay  wrote:
>>
>>> "I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"
>>>
>>> The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the Gallop 
>>> wants to bend the seat tube in the middle. In your imagination, stack 100 
>>> pound bags of concrete on the saddle.  When something gives at some truly 
>>> massive weight, it'll be the seat tube that bends in half at that 
>>> intersection.  The more triangulated diamond of the Roadini would fail at a 
>>> higher weight and would probably be the fork or the head tube joints 
>>> failing.  
>>>
>>> Bill Lindsay
>>> El Cerrito, CA
>>> On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:44:32 AM UTC-7 Joseph Kolker wrote:
>>>
 I got a Roadini with Albatross bars (in a standard Riv build package, 
 with a long stem) rather than a Charlie both for aesthetics but also after 
 reading this language on Riv's website:

 "If you weigh over 207 pounds, get a Roadini, Sam, or Homer. They’re 
 plenty zippy, too. It’s doubtful that a 240 pounder would break the 
 Charlie, but it’s just not the right bike."

 I don't weigh over 200 pounds, but was close enough that this made me 
 wary, especially since this was a bike I hope to have a long time. That 
 said I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit 
 since as I understand it the tubing is pretty similar to Roadini and Homer.

 I keep thinking about switching the Roadini to drop bars on the theory 
 that it's maybe better suited to that, but it feels so good as it is 
 currently set up that I'm hesitant to mess with it.

 On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 8:32:55 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote:

 I agree - to me, they are flat bar and drop bar versions of otherwise 
 the same bike. While you could run drops on a Charlie and you could run 
 swep

Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-12-01 Thread Jason Fuller 
Drew's breakdown is spot on, because the main difference between the 
Charlie and the Appaloosa isn't the few ounces of frame weight, tire 
clearance, or brake type - it's the frame stiffness that really 
differentiates them.  I'd base your decision on how much load you want the 
bike to be optimally set up for.  Both are fully capable of going where you 
want to go otherwise 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-12-01 Thread Mike in BK 
Drew, I'm curious about you having an Appaloosa and wanting to add a 
Charlie. I'm torn between these two models myself and getting both isn't an 
option for me, unfortunately. I'm actually trying to get down to one 
do-it-all bike if I can. I want a long wheelbase Riv with a 70 degree head 
tube, which sorta casts off the Roadini and Sam. The Homer won't be offered 
in 2026 and I'm not feeling the upcoming Platypus colors. I'm sold on the 
theoretical benefits of long chain stays and long front center and I want 
to run sweptback bars. The Joe would do everything including big tire off 
road riding. The Charlie sounds like a dream to ride and Grant is pretty 
jazzed about it. I will ride whatever I get mostly on paved roads, but for 
the times I will be on gravel and mellow trails I wonder if the Charlie 
could handle that. I'm 200 lbs and I'd be on a 61cm Charlie or a 57cm Joe. 
My hesitation with the Joe is the overkill factor. I won't be able to 
bike-pack anytime soon and the stoutness and copious rack mounts might be 
lost on me, unless they're not someday. It's been a tough decision. The 
prevailing advice has been to decide based on my type of riding, but what 
Rivs offer is the versatility to do multiple types of riding. I want ALL my 
rides to be on my first Riv. 

On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:57:04 AM UTC-4 [email protected] wrote:

> That makes sense, thanks Bill.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 10:53 AM Bill Lindsay  wrote:
>
>> "I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"
>>
>> The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the Gallop 
>> wants to bend the seat tube in the middle. In your imagination, stack 100 
>> pound bags of concrete on the saddle.  When something gives at some truly 
>> massive weight, it'll be the seat tube that bends in half at that 
>> intersection.  The more triangulated diamond of the Roadini would fail at a 
>> higher weight and would probably be the fork or the head tube joints 
>> failing.  
>>
>> Bill Lindsay
>> El Cerrito, CA
>> On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:44:32 AM UTC-7 Joseph Kolker wrote:
>>
>>> I got a Roadini with Albatross bars (in a standard Riv build package, 
>>> with a long stem) rather than a Charlie both for aesthetics but also after 
>>> reading this language on Riv's website:
>>>
>>> "If you weigh over 207 pounds, get a Roadini, Sam, or Homer. They’re 
>>> plenty zippy, too. It’s doubtful that a 240 pounder would break the 
>>> Charlie, but it’s just not the right bike."
>>>
>>> I don't weigh over 200 pounds, but was close enough that this made me 
>>> wary, especially since this was a bike I hope to have a long time. That 
>>> said I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit 
>>> since as I understand it the tubing is pretty similar to Roadini and Homer.
>>>
>>> I keep thinking about switching the Roadini to drop bars on the theory 
>>> that it's maybe better suited to that, but it feels so good as it is 
>>> currently set up that I'm hesitant to mess with it.
>>>
>>> On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 8:32:55 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote:
>>>
>>> I agree - to me, they are flat bar and drop bar versions of otherwise 
>>> the same bike. While you could run drops on a Charlie and you could run 
>>> swept bars on a Roadini, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me - better to 
>>> get the frame that's optimized for the setup you want to run.  
>>>
>>> And it would be easy to think 'well, the Roadini has a much shorter rear 
>>> end than the Charlie so they're not really the same bike', but I would 
>>> challenge this by saying that the longer rear end of the Charlie is simply 
>>> maintaining the correct weight distribution between wheels when going from 
>>> drops to upright bars. We're conditioned to think the longer chainstays are 
>>> not sporty, but having ridden the Charlie vs. "sporty" bikes set up with 
>>> upright bars, the long chainstays just make this rider position work better 
>>> all around. Climbing is noticeably better - each pedal stroke feels like 
>>> its going towards forward momentum more than with the shorter wheelbase 
>>> bike.  More control in low-traction situations thanks to more weight on the 
>>> front wheel. And yes, also more comfort too (ie you're in the middle of the 
>>> bus vs the back of the bus!) 
>>>
>>> -- 
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>>  
>> 
>> .

Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-10-18 Thread Joseph Kolker 
I got a Roadini with Albatross bars (in a standard Riv build package, with 
a long stem) rather than a Charlie both for aesthetics but also after 
reading this language on Riv's website:

"If you weigh over 207 pounds, get a Roadini, Sam, or Homer. They’re plenty 
zippy, too. It’s doubtful that a 240 pounder would break the Charlie, but 
it’s just not the right bike."

I don't weigh over 200 pounds, but was close enough that this made me wary, 
especially since this was a bike I hope to have a long time. That said I'm 
not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit since as I 
understand it the tubing is pretty similar to Roadini and Homer.

I keep thinking about switching the Roadini to drop bars on the theory that 
it's maybe better suited to that, but it feels so good as it is currently 
set up that I'm hesitant to mess with it.

On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 8:32:55 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote:

I agree - to me, they are flat bar and drop bar versions of otherwise the 
same bike. While you could run drops on a Charlie and you could run swept 
bars on a Roadini, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me - better to get the 
frame that's optimized for the setup you want to run.  

And it would be easy to think 'well, the Roadini has a much shorter rear 
end than the Charlie so they're not really the same bike', but I would 
challenge this by saying that the longer rear end of the Charlie is simply 
maintaining the correct weight distribution between wheels when going from 
drops to upright bars. We're conditioned to think the longer chainstays are 
not sporty, but having ridden the Charlie vs. "sporty" bikes set up with 
upright bars, the long chainstays just make this rider position work better 
all around. Climbing is noticeably better - each pedal stroke feels like 
its going towards forward momentum more than with the shorter wheelbase 
bike.  More control in low-traction situations thanks to more weight on the 
front wheel. And yes, also more comfort too (ie you're in the middle of the 
bus vs the back of the bus!) 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-10-18 Thread Jason Fuller 
I agree - to me, they are flat bar and drop bar versions of otherwise the 
same bike. While you could run drops on a Charlie and you could run swept 
bars on a Roadini, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me - better to get the 
frame that's optimized for the setup you want to run.  

And it would be easy to think 'well, the Roadini has a much shorter rear 
end than the Charlie so they're not really the same bike', but I would 
challenge this by saying that the longer rear end of the Charlie is simply 
maintaining the correct weight distribution between wheels when going from 
drops to upright bars. We're conditioned to think the longer chainstays are 
not sporty, but having ridden the Charlie vs. "sporty" bikes set up with 
upright bars, the long chainstays just make this rider position work better 
all around. Climbing is noticeably better - each pedal stroke feels like 
its going towards forward momentum more than with the shorter wheelbase 
bike.  More control in low-traction situations thanks to more weight on the 
front wheel. And yes, also more comfort too (ie you're in the middle of the 
bus vs the back of the bus!) 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-10-17 Thread Andrew Joseph 
Johnny!  Thanks for the response. Whelp, I definitely want to run swept back/flat bars. I think I remember your bike photos!  I kinda wish they would have kept the swoopy TT honestly.  But beyond the aesthetics and lugs…What I’m really wondering is whether or not I gain anything by moving to the Charlie?  Assuming the same flat bar cockpit, is the Gallop more efficient, smoother (long stays), or a better climber than a Roadini? Sent from my iPhoneOn Oct 12, 2025, at 10:39 AM, Johnny Alien  wrote:I owned both although my Gallop was a. prototype with a swoopy top tube. I believe the geometry is essentially the same though. I think it really comes down to what type of bars you want to run. If you want to run drops I would get the Roadini. You could do drops on a gallop but you would need a real short stem and even then I bet it wouldn't be the best experience. A roadini will do sweptback as well as drops BUT if I absolutely knew I wanted sweptback bars I would go with the Gallop. On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 8:45:18 AM UTC-4 Andrew Joseph wrote:Any Charlie H. Gallop parents here that have owned or currently own a Roadini?

I am hoping someone might be willing to share impressions of both bikes.  Have I missed a previous thread addressing this?  

I am strongly considering buying a new Charlie frameset, hunting for a used 57 frameset out there for sale, and finally considering selling my 54 Sergio frameset (or include it in a trade plus cash) to make this happen.  

I’ve seen a few comparisons of the Charlie to the Homer of course.  But I must have missed anything specific about the Roadini vs Charlie. 

Still smitten with the geometry and setup of my Joe.  So, I don’t mind attempting to make marginal gains with this project.  

R,

Drew 





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Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-10-17 Thread Bill Lindsay 
"I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"

The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the Gallop 
wants to bend the seat tube in the middle. In your imagination, stack 100 
pound bags of concrete on the saddle.  When something gives at some truly 
massive weight, it'll be the seat tube that bends in half at that 
intersection.  The more triangulated diamond of the Roadini would fail at a 
higher weight and would probably be the fork or the head tube joints 
failing.  

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito, CA
On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:44:32 AM UTC-7 Joseph Kolker wrote:

> I got a Roadini with Albatross bars (in a standard Riv build package, with 
> a long stem) rather than a Charlie both for aesthetics but also after 
> reading this language on Riv's website:
>
> "If you weigh over 207 pounds, get a Roadini, Sam, or Homer. They’re 
> plenty zippy, too. It’s doubtful that a 240 pounder would break the 
> Charlie, but it’s just not the right bike."
>
> I don't weigh over 200 pounds, but was close enough that this made me 
> wary, especially since this was a bike I hope to have a long time. That 
> said I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit 
> since as I understand it the tubing is pretty similar to Roadini and Homer.
>
> I keep thinking about switching the Roadini to drop bars on the theory 
> that it's maybe better suited to that, but it feels so good as it is 
> currently set up that I'm hesitant to mess with it.
>
> On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 8:32:55 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote:
>
> I agree - to me, they are flat bar and drop bar versions of otherwise the 
> same bike. While you could run drops on a Charlie and you could run swept 
> bars on a Roadini, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me - better to get the 
> frame that's optimized for the setup you want to run.  
>
> And it would be easy to think 'well, the Roadini has a much shorter rear 
> end than the Charlie so they're not really the same bike', but I would 
> challenge this by saying that the longer rear end of the Charlie is simply 
> maintaining the correct weight distribution between wheels when going from 
> drops to upright bars. We're conditioned to think the longer chainstays are 
> not sporty, but having ridden the Charlie vs. "sporty" bikes set up with 
> upright bars, the long chainstays just make this rider position work better 
> all around. Climbing is noticeably better - each pedal stroke feels like 
> its going towards forward momentum more than with the shorter wheelbase 
> bike.  More control in low-traction situations thanks to more weight on the 
> front wheel. And yes, also more comfort too (ie you're in the middle of the 
> bus vs the back of the bus!) 
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Gallopini

2025-10-13 Thread Joseph Kolker 
That makes sense, thanks Bill.

On Mon, Oct 13, 2025 at 10:53 AM Bill Lindsay  wrote:

> "I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit"
>
> The caution probably centers on where the dropped top tube of the Gallop
> wants to bend the seat tube in the middle. In your imagination, stack 100
> pound bags of concrete on the saddle.  When something gives at some truly
> massive weight, it'll be the seat tube that bends in half at that
> intersection.  The more triangulated diamond of the Roadini would fail at a
> higher weight and would probably be the fork or the head tube joints
> failing.
>
> Bill Lindsay
> El Cerrito, CA
> On Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:44:32 AM UTC-7 Joseph Kolker wrote:
>
>> I got a Roadini with Albatross bars (in a standard Riv build package,
>> with a long stem) rather than a Charlie both for aesthetics but also after
>> reading this language on Riv's website:
>>
>> "If you weigh over 207 pounds, get a Roadini, Sam, or Homer. They’re
>> plenty zippy, too. It’s doubtful that a 240 pounder would break the
>> Charlie, but it’s just not the right bike."
>>
>> I don't weigh over 200 pounds, but was close enough that this made me
>> wary, especially since this was a bike I hope to have a long time. That
>> said I'm not actually sure why Charlie would have a lower weight limit
>> since as I understand it the tubing is pretty similar to Roadini and Homer.
>>
>> I keep thinking about switching the Roadini to drop bars on the theory
>> that it's maybe better suited to that, but it feels so good as it is
>> currently set up that I'm hesitant to mess with it.
>>
>> On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 8:32:55 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote:
>>
>> I agree - to me, they are flat bar and drop bar versions of otherwise the
>> same bike. While you could run drops on a Charlie and you could run swept
>> bars on a Roadini, it doesn't make a lot of sense to me - better to get the
>> frame that's optimized for the setup you want to run.
>>
>> And it would be easy to think 'well, the Roadini has a much shorter rear
>> end than the Charlie so they're not really the same bike', but I would
>> challenge this by saying that the longer rear end of the Charlie is simply
>> maintaining the correct weight distribution between wheels when going from
>> drops to upright bars. We're conditioned to think the longer chainstays are
>> not sporty, but having ridden the Charlie vs. "sporty" bikes set up with
>> upright bars, the long chainstays just make this rider position work better
>> all around. Climbing is noticeably better - each pedal stroke feels like
>> its going towards forward momentum more than with the shorter wheelbase
>> bike.  More control in low-traction situations thanks to more weight on the
>> front wheel. And yes, also more comfort too (ie you're in the middle of the
>> bus vs the back of the bus!)
>>
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