Like a 90s MTB...But Better! (Rivendell Susie Longbolts)

Review of the Rivendell Susie Longbolts, a self-proclaimed "hilliebike." How does it ride?

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[amandaalmeda]

I just got a Susie! My first ride on it was a group ride. It got dark and I realized I forgot lights! We descended a gravel trail that was rutted out from rain, had debris and big rocks everywhere. I sailed down it in total darkness with the only light being from other peoples bikes. It was that stable. Like riding a La-z-boy recliner. 10/10 would recommend.

[Rob-zfcv]

Thanks to Rivendell for being one of the few companies that consider fit and comfort for us taller riders.

[ukulelelifelessons]

“If you wanted to do an event and kinda sandbag it”. That’s my entire riding style.

[anielyantra]

I found a girls MTB from the late 80s. I set it up with a 1X7, swallow tail bars, 26x1.95 urban tires. It is almost exactly the same geometry. Rides like a dream. Thanks for all you do.

[sci-fyguy]

Love the simplicity of the V-brakes. 🔥

[cuzinmike]

Having loved my Jones for years, this (or the slightly burlier Gus Boots Willsen) makes so much sense as a go-anywhere, do-anything chill adventure machine. Thanks for continuing to review these kinds of bikes.

[greggr]

I've been waiting for this review; thanks Russ! This bike is fits the whole RivBike esthetic: drooptube up top, slack, looong chainstays ("The W-Factor is strong with this one"), upright position, friction shifting, etc. I've been riding my Gus (Susie's big brother) for two years and it's my favorite bike. If you like partypace riding, this bike will definitely do it. PS, love my new bandanas 👍🏻

[TheLostWeekend]

This bike is great. I have the Clem Smith Jr which has similarish qualities and I love to ride it in the sorts of conditions you mentioned (fire roads, etc.). It’s comfortable and stable. Rim brakes are fine. If you don’t need to win a race, and want to enjoy your ride, a Rivendell is the way to go.

[bikesmith]

Thanks for this review. So glad to hear that it works about like I figured it would. The 26.8mm seat post is because the ST is under a bending load, so needs to be thicker. 26.8 suggests an 0.035” straight gauge 4130 ST.

I need somewhat different geometry. Shorter TT for dropped bars and I can have a lower BB since I ride 153mm cranks. So I’m going to try to build my 1st frame since I quit building in 2007. I finally found long enough chain stays to build something similar. My 2 favorite bikes have longer than normal chainstays, 47.5 and 48.5 cm, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be happy on it. Mark Stonich

[JakeLuke]

There is a bike for everyone. My guess is lot's of folks will love this bike. I don't foresee anyone in a full kit riding this, but the idea is cool anyway.

[mattdrange]

"Dirt Surfer" - now that's a brand slogan I can get behind! Great stuff, really makes me want to swing by Riv and test ride.

[pambikes]

Love the Rapid rise! I was thinking of mounting my friction shifters reversed. Glad to know it works.

[richardrose]

I feel like I just watched a review of my Clem Smith Jr. Could not love it more.

[EriebyCycle]

I’d ride that bike in a heartbeat. A friend just got one. She said exactly the same thing about the ride quality. Looking forward to seeing it in person.

[tysher]

Bought an old 90s mtn bike, for nostalgia sake. Couldn't keep the thing under me on the trail. Props to old school mtn bikers!

[MrYugo]

Fun bike! Waiting to see a review on the Crust Romanceur Canti! I purchased a frame back in May and finally had it built by Analog Cycles in Sept. By far my favorite bike in the stable!

[c_steve_j]

"Adult cruiser of the Apocalypse" .... love it! I really like this bike especially the looks! Also, I think you need to come up with a "Dirt Surfer" sticker and patch!

[Atb.]

Great review! I’ve only seen one riv in person so it’s super nice to get your detailed take on them

[VeloObscura]

We've advanced from Country-Biking to Hilly-Biking! What a time to be alive!

I guess all that super long tubing will provide a bit of flex and compliance?

[EdCarolipio]

Nice job as always. The Gus (Susie's cousin for stockier riders) is my favorite upright bike on any surface. I think beyond the geo is the way the tubes bend and are sized: there's a way all of that comes together when riding off road that the bike designer's intent comes through.

On the riding position, the Billies go waaay back so that would not be my preferred bar either for a Susie and off road riding. (I prefer the wide Toscos for this bike.) To get more hand position options around the levers, I move the shifters either onto the stem or much closer to the stem. That helps with finding places to grab onto when shifting fore/aft on the saddle or when the grade varies since the shifters are out of the way.