Rivendell 53cm Susie W. Longbolts Hillibike

That’s a fair question — the sale isn’t prompted by a dislike of the frame or anything like that. The long stays I guess are visually divisive but ride so damn good!

To be completely frank with you, for a brand that introduced the brilliant and bold Black Reparations Pricing policy in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the staunch, unapologetic support and fundraising for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion, Rivendell’s radio silence as a genocide unfolds in Palestine jars on me. Of course, not everyone shares the same views — and no one expects a small bicycle brand to change foreign policy — but as a business that has made an active decision to be vocal about social justice, politics and trans rights, their silence now makes for uncomfortable ownership. I emailed Grant, and wasn’t satisfied with the response I received. To be clear, he isn’t ‘cancelled’ or anything stupid like that. The folks at Riv seem to be nice people but I guess we all have our blind spots. Sorry, you probably got more than you bargained for with that innocent question!

I’ve ordered a lovely 51cm Bassi Hog’s Back frameset in ‘Loch Ness’ from the Woods Cyclery and the parts I’ve pilfered from the Riv will adorn that rig in the near future. I may start a ‘new projects’ thread to document my journey with that, let’s see.