Adequate, right here it’s. A lighthearted, albeit detailed evaluate of the Rivendell Gus Boots Willsen and the manufacturers that contributed to the construct. This motorcycle defies classes and is tricky to label. Grant Petersen prefers to name it a “Hillibike”. However, in reality for all intents and functions, it’s an all-terrain bicycle (ATB).
I exploit it as my sole mountain motorcycle. However, no matter you need to name it, it’s an relaxing bicycle to experience.
Mythical Motorcycle Fashion designer Grant Petersen
Ok, let’s contact somewhat on Grant, as he’s a large a part of this tale.
Grant began Rivendell Bicycle Works out of his storage, again in 1994. Rivendell got here to fruition after Grant’s a hit run because the “guy in price” of the U.S. bicycle department of Bridgestone, generating some influential and iconic motorcycles within the past due 80s and early 90s.
I used to be first offered to Grant via his cleverly written, superbly photographed, and illustrated mountain motorcycle catalogs whilst purchasing for my first actual MTB in 1989-90.
The motorcycles have been mild and properly constructed and didn’t observe the “developments” of the time. Grant used to be spec’ing the motorcycles section via section, as an alternative of spec’ing them via “gruppo” like the opposite manufacturers. This gave the motorcycles a extra “customized constructed” really feel to the road.
I noticed, again then that Grant used to be a unfastened philosopher, no longer certain via what the “remainder of them” have been doing within the business… he used to be a maverick, virtually defiant in doing his personal factor. I used to be hooked.
However, even supposing I in reality sought after a Bridgestone MB-0 (MB Zip), I simply couldn’t have the funds for one. So, purchased a brand spanking new, glossy ’89 Shogun with Shimano 7-speed “push-push” listed cause shifters. I persisted to assemble the catalogs and pine over that MB-0…
Why Rivendell?
I came upon Rivendell round 2014, at a time in my biking the place I used to be in search of one thing dramatically other. I had performed the entire racing I might do again within the day (XC and Downhill).
And admittedly, I used to be performed with the sensation of looking to be aggressive with my pals (and strangers, for that subject) on my leisure rides. I’ve been driving that manner for the reason that early 90s and it turned into hard.
So, after drooling over the Rivendell motorcycles, for a very long time, I made up our minds to in any case pull the cause on my Clem Smith Jr in RBW Blue again in November 2021. If you wish to nerd out on that motorcycle, test my weblog put up on it right here.
Why the Gus Boots Willsen?
After putting in place virtually 1000 miles on my Clem, and loving they all, I made up our minds to promote my best mountain motorcycle and purchase the Rivendell Gus Boots Willsen in March of this yr.
The Gus can be Rivendell’s similar of a mountain motorcycle, even supposing Grant prefers to name them Hillibikes, leaving the opposite nomenclature for the remainder of the mainstream motorcycle manufacturers.
Who’s Gus Boots Willsen?
With the guts of an early mountain motorcycle, the Gus is the one motorcycle in Rivendell’s line that got here with a threadless fork and a 1 1/8″ headtube. I used to be attracted to the whole lot about this motorcycle, together with the non-sensical title. I couldn’t in finding the rest about why Grant would title a motorbike Gus Boots Willsen.
So, I went directly to the pony’s mouth, so that you can talk.
To start with, I despatched an e mail to Will Keating, the Normal Supervisor of Rivendell and an overly busy man. I hadn’t heard from him but, however completed the piece and wanted a solution, so I referred to as Rivendell immediately and spoke to Vince.
Vince didn’t know, and Grant wasn’t in to invite. However Vince attempted and guessed that “perhaps it used to be some way for Grant to distinguish the motorcycle farther from the entire macho and competitive nature of mountain cycling”. That sounded just right… and made sense to me. Thank you, Vince!
I used to be going to run with that. However, after I were given house from a brief shuttle, I discovered Will’s reaction in my inbox. I used to be excited to listen to why Grant selected the sort of distinctive title. However, upon opening my e mail, I disappointingly learn that there in truth used to be no reason why for the title… “Grant simply made it up”.
In spite of my abnormal sadness in that resolution, it additionally made sense to me, and I discovered some excitement in it. Grant doesn’t consider motorcycles like the remainder of us do, clearly. He picked a superbly distinctive title for a superbly distinctive bicycle.
To me, judging via the device decals at the height tube and non-drive chainstay, and the truth that the face at the headtube (I’m assuming is Gus, himself), has a harmonica as much as his mouth… to me, Gus is a New Orleans Jazz guy.
Nonetheless Hand Made
The Gus’ body and fork are product of chromium-molybdenum metal (CrMo) and are each lugged and fillet-brazed of their development. The body is made in a Taiwanese manufacturing unit this is identified for its prowess with regards to fillet brazing, lug paintings, and bending greater diameter tubes.
Gus used to be made with a tube set that sports activities rather greater diameter tubes with rather thicker tube partitions than the opposite Rivendell motorcycles within the line. Those few variations, make it worthy of driving it on in reality tough terrain. Which I do.
For the ones of you who wish to know stuff like this, my Gus without a saddle bag or handlebar baggage fixed, weighs in at 26 lbs. That’s lovely spectacular taking into account the scale of the bicycle.
Glance, this clearly isn’t the motorcycle if you wish to race downhill/XC or do any loopy “high-speed/high-risk” form of driving shenanigans. And, if that form of driving is your jam, that’s nice. However it additionally signifies that you’re almost certainly no longer even studying this. And that’s superb as neatly.
Notes from Grant on Geometry
From the Gus information web page at the Rivendell website online:
“We might display the geometries on-line, however would possibly not. I’ve blended emotions about that as a result of I believe they lie to other people into considering they may be able to inform how a motorbike rides via its numbers, and numbers that modify from what any given reader’s norm has a tendency to come back off wacky, even if they make tremendous sense“
If you’re concerned with what length Rivendell bicycle you must make a selection, simply name. The extraordinarily useful and passionate personnel will information you via it. Trace: it’s going to be virtually completely according to your PBH (Pubic Bone Top). I’m 6’1″ (PBH: 87cm), and my Gus is 57cm.
The Tale of the Orange Fork
I sought after the brand new orange Gus, I beloved the way it seemed, however that colour used to be out of inventory and no longer returning. The general cargo of the orange colour used to be arriving at Rivendell and the entire 57cm Gus Boots were presold and accounted for.
I used to be too past due.
In a determined act, I reached out to Will at Riv to peer if there have been any left in length 57cm. He knowledgeable me that there used to be a frameset to be had, however that they have been required to carry directly to it for a substitute if one were given broken in transport.
He used to be form sufficient to position my title on it simply in case, without a promises regardless that. I nonetheless were given my hopes up.
After a couple of weeks, I used to be knowledgeable the to be had body used to be long gone. Will advised me he did discover a lone 57cm from ultimate yr’s type (in Riv’s gorgeous Moss Inexperienced) hidden in garage, however couldn’t in finding the matching fork.
After a protracted seek for an identical inexperienced fork yielded no effects, Will and I began to brainstorm imaginable answers. He recommended I am getting the golf green Gus with the more moderen orange fork.
Hmmm… I used to be hesitant, considered it, and because I sought after to revel in the Gus, I mentioned “good enough, let’s do it”.
Simply to be crystal transparent, Rivendell doesn’t mismatch body portions upon request. This used to be an extraordinary instance the place the ends justified the method.
Because it seems, I like the orange fork on my Gus, it differentiates it from all others. It provides to the motorcycle’s already one-of-a-kind forte. I find it irresistible, and I’m eternally appreciative of the trouble, thank you Will!
Ok, we’re shifting on.
Development It Up
The photographs of this body colour do it 0 justice. Consider me, it’s a fully gorgeous Darkish Moss Inexperienced that takes on a unique lifestyles within the daylight. Extra in this later. Directly to the construct.
Let’s take a look at what manufacturers helped me spec out this attractiveness… ranging from the ground to the highest.
Speed USA:
Speed USA is situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is composed of 14 year-round staff. All in their rims are made right here, in america. They get their rim extrusions from Profile Precision Extrusions in Arizona. They roll, drill, anodize, construct, and distribute their rims and wheels from their manufacturing unit.
I reached out to Speed and so they have been satisfied to have their Wheel Division hand-build up a collection of Speed Cliffhangers for this construct. I selected to make use of their very own, self-branded entrance dynamo hub and the White Industries MI5 polished rear hub that used to be shipped to them immediately from White Industries.
They didn’t have a silver dynamo hub, so I swapped it for a black one. Making an allowance for the mismatched fork at the Gus, it simply looked as if it would make sense.
The Cliffhangers are nice rims which can be robust (I exploit some other set on my Clem Smith Jr.). They’re steadily used when build up a collection of wheels for traveling. The Cliffhangers for this construct are 700c, black, and feature 36 holes for extra power and long term bikebacking tours.
Cliffhangers have an interior width of 25mm and are meant for rim brake software with a machined braking floor. They have been constructed the usage of double-butted stainless spokes and Sim Works’ uncooked brass nipples. The black rim with brass nipples appears superb.
I’ve them arrange tubeless, and within the first 300+ miles I’ve stacked on them, they’ve been with none problems, in anyway.
Teravail:
The Ehline used to be a tire I’ve sought after to run for some time. And the Gus used to be the easiest motorcycle for them. I picked out the 29 x 2.5″ tan wall, with the supple sidewalls. This. Tire. Is. Superior. The facet wall is supple however no longer overly compliant like some have a tendency to be beneath my weight.
I’ll get daring and say that it could be my favourite off-road tire… length. I really like them higher than Teravail’s Honcho which I reviewed some time again. It’s evidently a greater all-round, multi-surface tire. And make no mistake, I experience the Gus, precisely as I did my Surly Krampus, so I will say that those tires carry out exceptionally neatly off-road.
The Gus lends itself to be ridden on no matter floor you need and lovely successfully, I may upload. those tires didn’t appear to have any actual negatives, even on long rides on paved roads and trails.
Tumbleweed Motorcycles:
On some other motorcycle, I used to run the gorgeous, heat-treated, triple-butted, uncooked chromoly model in their Persuader Bar within the 800mm width. I preferred it so much because it used to be compliant and relaxed. It had the correct quantity of again sweep (30 levels) and a good upward push (50mm). However, boy it used to be heavy (638g).
I’m no longer a weight weenie, but if in search of a bar to make use of for this construct, I noticed that Tumbleweed had an aluminum model of the Persuader Bar. I sought after to make use of that for the Gus construct.
So I reached out to Daniel at Tumbleweed. The aluminum model of the Persuader bar had the similar measurement, excluding the sweep used to be now 31 levels. Weighing in at 411g now in the similar width (800mm) the bar is so much lighter.
The experience at the alloy model isn’t as tough as I assumed it could be. Throughout the first few miles, I’d temporarily stopped noticing any tangible distinction in compliance between the 2 variations of the bar.
Paul Element Engineering:
I might believe the Gus Boots, for the shortage of a higher label, a bicycle this is of the neo-retro ilk. That’s because of the rim brakes, fast releases, and 135mm rear spacing. Issues of the previous for some.
Thankfully for me, I don’t care about that more or less stuff. We used to run all of those requirements at one level in our previous motorcycle lives. Our cantilever, and “V” brakes stopped us completely superb again then.
Our QR hubs held as much as so much of abuse with out failing. Don’t get me began at the 135mm rear spacing. Glance, we’re nonetheless right here to speak about it, and that speaks volumes. We’re lucky that businesses like Paul Element Engineering nonetheless make high quality bits for a majority of these motorcycles.
For this construct, Paul Comp equipped their gorgeous black Boxcar Stem within the 50mm taste.
Additionally they presented their black Love Levers and their stunning linear-pull Motolite brakes. The Motolites pop within the black anno with the adjuster nut within the orange anno. Those brakes are tough, modulate completely, are silent, and paintings in reality neatly.
They’re simple to regulate and arrange, and the pads appear to be the easiest compound for the place I experience.
To height it off, they despatched a couple in their 5mm Fast Unencumber Skewers within the black/orange combo, clearly.
Velo Orange:
I sought after the construct to be particular all the way down to the little main points, so I reached out to Velo Orange, as they have got what I would like with regards to completing a unique construct. They provide the whole lot you want to construct a motorbike, together with their top-notch frames.
For this construct, I grew to become to them for the unglamorous stuff, like shift and brake cables, but additionally for one thing that might set this construct off. One thing other, that you just don’t all the time see on a construct.
I selected their Unfashionable-Taste, Stainless Wound Package for each the shift and brake housing. I additionally sought after to run cast, uncooked Brass Housing Caps as a result of, neatly… brass method elegance, that’s why.
Supernova:
Short of the similar sturdy, water and dust-proof dynamo mild at the Gus that I ran at the Clem Smith Jr., I asked the Supernova E3 Professional 2. They have been form sufficient to shoot one over to me in anodized orange, and admittedly, it appears superb at the motorcycle.
The sunshine is ultra-durable, and rugged sufficient to have on a mountain motorcycle the entire time. It’s all the time confirmed to be shiny and dependable even at gradual speeds. The E3 Professional 2 is switchable at the again of the unit. It even sports activities a shiny shining brand as an aspect marker for extra protection. It additionally carries a 5-year guaranty.
White Industries:
I’ve rather a couple of White Industries portions on all of my motorcycles. It’s secure to mention that I’m a fan in their high quality merchandise, consideration to element, and the aesthetics in their portions, and I’m an enormous fan of the people who find themselves hired there.
I reached out, and so they hopped proper at the challenge. They presented their MI5 Polished Rear Hub that used to be despatched directly to Speed USA to make use of for the rear wheel construct.
The Backside Bracket is their Exterior BSA Backside Bracket, in silver. It’s sized to run a 30mm spindle and has exterior bearings. It appears superb and used to be simple to put in.
Taking a look at the White Industries web page for a headset that might have compatibility the Gus used to be natural aid. I didn’t have to test any new-fangled requirements, or bizarre height and backside cup combinations. Simply a typical headset for a 1 1/8″ head tube and directly steerer. The EC34/EC34 in black have compatibility the invoice completely. Growth, Bob’s yer Uncle.
The crank fingers are their M30 Cranks for mountain motorcycles. This used to be a easy selection as neatly, black anno, 30mm spindle, 175mm arm period, and a gold extractor cap… stayin’ elegant. I’m operating their 30t, silver MR30 TSR 1x chainring within the simple to make a choice, 3mm offset (same old/non-boost)
The entirety from White Industries, no longer best installs with out factor however operates and purposes completely. I’ve a variation of this crank on all of my bicycles, and it doesn’t get any higher.
And for the TSR (Tall-Short_Ring) 1X chain retention approach is perfection. You’ll be able to see the tall teeth shooting up during the chain across the height of the chairing rotation.
Thomson:
Talking of seatposts. The seat collar at the Gus is lugged and due to this fact is the less-than-popular 26.8-size. I may’ve used one of the most Nitto or affordable Kalloy seatposts that Rivendell sells, however I sought after this construct to be exceptional.
I imply, the Nitto choices are in reality great, however to me, being an older motorcycle nerd, after I call to mind a high-end blingy seatpost, I call to mind Thomson seatposts. They’re made rather well, had been round eternally, have that signature, ovalized inside diameter for power, and feature a cool-looking setback type. To not point out they arrive in a plethora of sizes.
I asked an Elite Seatpost within the 26.8 x 330mm setback in black, and so they delivered. I added a smidgen of Phil’s Water-resistant Grease at the put up and within the seat collar, and set up used to be eventless. Ahh… metal and aluminum, no longer a peep or budge in 300+ miles of offroad tomfoolery.
Forager Cycles:
I’ve mentioned it prior to, however the main points subject. And with regards to going rapid and browsing in reality just right, the Forager Cycles Cable Cherries will do the trick.
Listed below are a couple of advantages of the standard cable cherry…
- Not more crimps falling off your cable finish, leaving you with the ones blood-letting cable strands.
- Makes a delectable deal with for changes.
- Completely reusable.
- Assured, if one occurs to fall off, Forager Cycles will ship you some other one without cost.
- CNCd in Washington and shipped in very minimum packaging.
I in truth were given those via Velo Orange. However you’ll get yours right here.
Shimano:
Smartly, I wanted a drivetrain proper when Shimano wanted somebody to experience their new LinkGlide device. I had them ship me the 11-speed, XT Linkglide gruppo for the construct, plus they despatched alongside a couple of XT Path pedals as neatly.
I will be able to contact on some highlights of the device, however it’s going to get its personal separate evaluate once I experience it for a pair hundred extra miles.
The XT LinkGlide device used to be designed to be extraordinarily powerful and sturdy. It has other shift ramps at the 11-50t rear cassette, that means an absolutely other shift level when beneath load.
The rear derailleur has a brand new geometry and won’t play neatly with the present XT 11-speed Hyperglide.
Up to now, it’s been a nice revel in. There are a few things I really like about it and a few issues that aren’t so nice. However, we’ll get into that during the true evaluate.
How My Gus Rides
I’m positive you spotted that the Gus has lengthy chainstays. You’re proper, they’re simply shy of 550cm. That dimension makes this motorcycle tremendous solid in all facets of its experience. It climbs rather well, even the punchy steep stuff. It descends neatly. It’s very compliant with out a large number of lateral compliance.
I’m discovering that the lengthy chainstays in truth imply a extra solid climb, no longer the other like we’ve all been advised. I sat upright and relaxed and motored up one of the most brief and steep (20+ %) climbs that I’ve ridden persistently for the ultimate 20+ years and used to be in overall keep an eye on.
What’s Up with The ones Chainstays?
After I arrived on the height, I discovered myself no longer just about as winded as I in most cases am. I didn’t wish to continuously regulate my frame weight up over the nostril of the saddle to stay my entrance finish at the floor, like I needed to with my Krampus. And at the Gus, if there used to be a drawback, I simply simply prompt round it.
Hmm, lengthy chainstays, cross determine.
The experience high quality is 2d to none, I’ve by no means ridden a completely inflexible mountain motorcycle that used to be as relaxed because the Gus. Its compliance turns out to lend a hand it nook neatly, because it more or less “settles in” to the nook, even within the looser stuff. The Ehlines lend a hand so much in that regard.
The useful and sublime bend of the fork when paired with the Ehline supple tire, at about 19-20psi presented a pleasing supple experience. Upload the ones lengthy chainstays and it rides amazingly, providing its personal “suspension”.
The experience place could be very upright, it’s no longer for everybody. The sloping height tube isn’t any slope-ier than say a contemporary enduro motorcycle, it’s simply were given extra of a curve, resulting in the belief that the slope used to be simply performed extra elegantly.
I like the whole lot concerning the motorcycle. The quirky decals and painted by hand highlights across the gorgeous lugs and fork are that “one thing other” I used to be in search of.
The development of the motorcycle is of very prime quality. You’ll be able to’t in reality mass-produce a fillet brazed bicycle body, and it displays within the brazing and development of the Gus. This can be a motorcycle that used to be constructed with longevity in thoughts and can, most probably ultimate for a long time.
In Conclusion
The Rivendell Gus Boots Willsen retails for $2000, which incorporates the body, fork, seatpost, and headset.
I couldn’t be happier with my acquire of this frameset. Whilst I in reality beloved my Surly Krampus, the Gus gives a unique revel in. I will accomplish the similar more or less driving because the Krampus… however with Gus’ personal more or less genre.
It’s somewhat gradual to react on tight unmarried observe, however slightly. Now not a deal breaker in any respect. I will nonetheless shralp the sh*t out of considered one of my fave spots and feature a blast doing it.
The Gus Boots Willsen is that particular motorcycle this is like not anything available on the market, and prefer not anything you’ve ever ridden. Gus is each superbly chic and purposefully rugged unexpectedly. And it rides like that.
I believe Grant nailed the design of this motorcycle. It’s purpose-built for mountain climbing, singletrack, lengthy bikepacking journeys, brief dust loops, or taking it to head get groceries. It’s constructed to be a life-time motorcycle for a bikey sort way of life. This can be a bicycle this is constructed for amusing and frolicking within the dust or anyplace you notice have compatibility, and that’s in reality what it’s all about.