New Rivendell Clem Smith Jr. Assembly

I was contacted by Grant Petersen from Rivendell Bicycle Works to see if I would be able and willing to assemble a custom bike for a customer in the local Lancaster-Lebanon Area. The bike would be assembled initially at the Walnut Creek, CA shop and test ridden. Then it would be disassembled and packed for shipment. Given the handywork skills of the buyer, he would install and finish the handlebar handgrips himself as Rivendell sent a few different options for him.

The bike and accessories arrived in two separate packages to my business address, and I started the process of unpacking everything for assembly. Given the freezing temperatures outside, I found it more comfortable to assemble the bike inside my garage shop rather than in the mobile shop.

After carefully freeing the bike from the box and protective packaging, I was able to put it on the stand and start assembling it. The various Nitto components and the Shimano Nexave rear derailleur were gorgeous. The rear derailleur was activated by a wonderfully crisp friction shifter. The quill stem, handlebars, seat tube, and pedals installed very easily.

After putting on the front wheel and leather Brooks saddle, it was time to put on the front rack and rear bag. The customer ordered a few extra bicycle bags that he would place on himself once he received the bike. It was quite the pleasure to see a newly assembled Rivendell.

It was really a pleasure to be able to deliver the bike to the customer because he was very excited to see the final product. I am very grateful to Grant and Rivendell Bicycle Works and Tom for the opportunity to assemble and delivery such a wonderful bicycle!