Why I Ride an Appaloosa
The Joe Appaloosa, an all-rounder bike by Rivendell Bicycle Works.
I personally own one and I’d like to write about it.
I grew up riding track bikes. Most of the bikes I own are track bikes or “playful” bikes, which I think is the complete opposite of Rivs.
In this post, I would like to share why I become interested in a bike that is way different from what I rode, and why I chose the Joe Appaloosa.
I became into the American bike culture through my interest in the track bike scene. My first impression when I discovered about Rivendell was something like a “retro bike company” or a “fancy mama-chari”. The Clem Smith Jr. was the bike that made me think that way the most.
As a young man who only had interest in the “street culture-esque” bikes and riding, their bikes did not catch my attention.
The Clem was also the bike that gave me a whole new way of looking at Rivendell.
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I’m sure there are more people who got into Rivendells because of this post.
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I’m not a skateboarder, so I don’t know much about who is doing the trick. I also don’t know these people personally, but I just like the way of their rides look.
I was a hardcore fan of Blue Lug before joining in the team, so I would learn about Calling In Sick Magazine and their relationship with Rivendell bikes, which made me more interested in the brand.
The more I read about Rivendell, the more I fell in love with the founder, Grant Pertersen’s philosophy.
Now, I was starting to want one of their bikes. The model I wanted would change as I read various articles, but I landed on the Clem or Appaloosa, which I can ride the trail like a hillibike, but also ride great as a commuter.
The Ana Purple Joe Appaloosa caught my eyes when it first arrived to Blue Lug, but Aro the photographer had already gotten her’s. Then I got really close to buying the Forest green Clem, but Wentz from the online store crew offered me a sweet deal for his Appaloosa.
I thought about it for three days and decided to take the offer.
I deeply thought about riding the Joe Appaloosa instead of the Clem. An all-rounder bike sounded like I can get the best of two worlds of a hillibike and a chill commuter. Plus, I still wanted a bike that I can go on a bike packing tour and ride actively in the trail.
This article also played a huge role in making my decision.
I got the frame and the wheel set from Wentz. Drive train, Albatross bar, rack and basket were recycled from my Surly Cross Check.
Other than that, I bought new parts and built up this Appaloosa in a classic Rivendell build. I was surprised how well it rides!
I thought their bikes were more mellow, but this thing rolls a lot. I really like the suppleness too.
Yes, I went to ride a trail, which taught me the true value of this bike.
(Check out this massive hill climb)
The long chain stay makes me able to really spin that pedal, which helped me ride up steep hills. I was surprised by myself for conquering this hill.
I feel super safe going down a hill, thanks to the long wheel base.
約1年乗ったJOEですが、普段使いとHIllibikeの両立という、自分が考えていた理想のRivにピッタリでめちゃくちゃ気に入ってしまい、多分2024年一番乗りました。
組んでからは細かいとこをちょいちょいいじったりしてたのですが、ここ最近乗ってるうちにまたカスタム欲が沸々と湧いてきたので、エイッとガッツリカスタムしてみました。
*rivendell* joe appaloosa (51)
Here’s what the bike looks like now. I swapped most of the parts from the original build.
I went for the “neo-style” build, which got me into Rivendell in the first place.
The biggest change would be the cockpit.
I installed the Simworks Fun 3 Bar that my friend gave me with the Nitto Tallux 80mm stem.
New wheel sets. Velocity Cliff Hanger rims with Shimano Deore hubs, so that the wheels can withstand a tough trail.
I always thought silver parts were the only options for a Rivendell build, but…
I had to try out black parts for a neo-build
27.5×2.25″ tires. Max clearance.
It’s too much for getting around, so I might start swapping the wheels depending on what I will be riding.
I of course rode dirt with the current set up.
The flat bar set up made it super easy to control the bike in a place like this. The long chain stays definitely helped me as well.
I absolutely love this build.
It’s a perfect commuter/get arounder/trail rider. It is literally an all-rounder for sure.
Hoping that this post will help someone who is thinking about purchasing the bike!
