Bike of the month: The Rivendell All Rounder 
Bicycling; Emmaus; Dec 1996-Jan 1997; Langley, Jim; 

Volume: 
38
Issue: 
1
Start Page: 
103
ISSN: 
00062073
Subject Terms: 
Bicycles
Product Names: 
Rivendell All Rounder
Companies: 
Rivendell Bicycle Works

Abstract:
Langley reviews the Rivendell All Rounder bicycle.

Full Text:
Copyright Rodale Press, Incorporated Dec 1996-Jan 1997


When Grant Petersen, former Bridgestone product manager, dreamt up the Rivendell All Rounder, he spec'ed
goodies he believed represent the pinnacle of purpose. So rare is the component mix that you'd be hard pressed to assemble this bike on your own if you hit the lottery and had a year to search shops nationwide for parts. 

Take the Brooks B17 pre-softened leather saddle with large copper rivets. Like your La-Z-Boy at home, it only gets more comfy with use. The crankset has knee-saving 25/39/51-tooth Willow chainrings that are specially made for the All Rounder. A stunning brass and cloisonne (ceramic) nameplate sets off the frame like an ornate wind vane on a Vermont barn. A cavernous Carradice waxed cotton duck seatbag begs to be filled with sandwiches. The"randonneur" handlebar has drops that are spread slightly to seduce you into a more aero posture. A taller than-normal head tube allows greater stem adjustment for riders seeking a slightly higher perch. 

Such details are wasted if the frame isn't right. No worries. Again, Petersen uses the best. So you get the velvety ride of super-thin Reynolds 753 main tubes with stiffer Reynolds 531 fork blades. They're joined with silver-brazed handcut lugs by the framesmiths at Waterford Precision Cycles. As befits a multi-purpose machine, there are braze-ons and clearances for racks, bottles, and accessories. 

The All Rounder incorporates a little bit of the tried and true (double-wrapped Tressostar cotton handlebar tape and MKS pedals with toe clips and straps) and only the best of the brand new (the 26-inch wheels, which accept knobbies or slicks, and the Ritchey Logic crankset). One of our favorite bikes. Cost is about $2,150 depending on components (there's quite an assortment) and you get to assemble it. (A guide is included.) Rivendell, 510/933-7304 (CA).