I saw via bikelovejones that Rivendell is discontinuing the venerable built-in-Japan Atlantis framesets. Photos of this bike re-ignited my interest in cycling, and gave me a whole new appreciation of classic steel lugged bikes. In 2005 I purchased a Rivendell Romulus that uses cantilever brakes instead of sidepulls (hence it’s known as a Canti-Rom). I bought the bike as a present for myself for finishing my Masters degree, and because the Canti-Rom was a bit of an accident, it was a smoking deal. However, the lure of the Atlantis has remained with me. The frameset price has increased over the years to the point where custom prices for touring machines/all rounders are looking reasonable (exactly the reason why Riv is talking about discontinuing the frame). Now I’m torn: get one of the last Toyo-built bikes or save the money for another project? I’ve been thinking more and more about mountain biking, and I’ve been waiting for MEC to open their bike shop to see what they offer. Buying a $2000 plus frame would mean I would not be able to build it up for a while, and it would preclude me from other toys. Hmm…
Grant’s article mentions that Riv might have the Atlantis manufactured in Taiwan, but they’ve had a great relationship with the Toyo shop in Japan. Either way, it’s the end of an era.
Lugged steel… ooh baby. I didn’t know MEC was getting into bikes… that could be very good, especially if they put it on line.
It looks like the post I linked to has been updated. Now it says that the bike may be revivied if a bunch of things happen to lower the cost.