Stock

We have 48cm, 52cm, 56cm (also see web specials), 60cm (also web special) in stock now.  Read about them below.

*New frame size info*

For the next batch sizing is changing: 51cm, 55cm, 58cm, and 62cm will replace the above sizes. The idea is to fit more riders in the midsizes really. Don't worry, you'll still fit.

The 51cm, 55cm will be single top tube, 58cm, 62cm will be double tube.  51cm WILL be 650B, 55cm, 58cm, 62cm 700c

More pictures

More photos of Sams are continually added to the flikr pool:  New Blue Sam Pics.

Sam Hillborne

Available as a frameset ($1225 including frame fork and headset) or complete bike - built to order, so prices vary. Usually around $2600. Here's a sample invoice for Deluxe Albatross Sam. Prices may vary, but this was updated June 2012. This invoice has the works, fenders, racks, bell, kickstand, sales tax, shipping, pedals, saddle, everything you need. It's an easy to print PDF, so you can use it as a template for your build.

July 2012, great customer S240 video here.

Sizes:

48cm & 52cm have 650b wheels and Single Top Tubes - Sidepull brakes
56cm & 60cm have 700c wheels and double top tubes - sidepull brakes


Our slam-dunk, more affordable, does-everything great road bike. Not quite a loaded tourer (Atlantis, Hunq) but not wimpy either. If you don't have a good bike, this is the one to get. If you have a bunch of expensive bikes that aren't good, don't fit, don't fit the tires you want, don't fit fenders, don't let you raise the bars high enough, and are made with materials that aren't as tough, safe, reliable, or repairable as steel, then this is the bike to get. It's our basic bike, as affordable as our bikes get, and with all of the details and values and comfort, fit, and ride that (if our bikes were famous) would have been responsible for that fame. Almost anything you can do on a bike, you can do on a Sam Hillborne. (Inside the extremes of road racing and rough trail riding).

July 2010: Sam road test @ EcoVelo

ABOUT THE BIKE: 

The Sam Hillborne is the replacement for the Bleriot, with some differences. It's a cross between the Atlantis, our cantilever-braked touring bike, and the A. Homer HIlsen, our roadish country bike. "It's a cross..." means it has tubing halfway in between the two (in wall thickness...) and the 40mm max tire clearance (and straight chainstays) of the A.Homer Hilsen.

It is a wonderfully versatile bike--functionally halfway between the Atlantis (our full-touring bike) and the A. Homer HIlsen (our roadish all-arounder). But, and this is the key, a Hillborne costs about $1000 less.

You can ride your Sam Hillborne self-contained across the country, but it's also super on roads, for commuting, and fire trails. If you have only one bike, you can't do any better than a Sam. If you have a stable of "normal" bikes, this is the one you'll ride the most. The Sam Hillborne is an all-around bike that sacrifices nothing, and will do all you ask of it without a whimper, forever. 

 

The average price of a normal bike-shop/big brand road bike in 2011 is $1,500--and there are thousands of bikes that sell for four times that. The Sam, at $2500 or so (taxes, shipping, upgrades/downgrades effect the final total) is not only a better bike than anything made of lesser materials, but the biggest bargain alive today. 

Five sizes: 48 and 52 fit 650B wheels; 56, 60 and 64 fit 700C. The frame design is "expanded," which is not at all like "compact." The top tube slopes up 6 degrees, and so the head tube grows in height to intercept it. As a result, it is easy, really easy, to get your handlebar high up where it's comfortable. 

If you're five-ten, you'll probably be on a 56. Most 6-footers ride the 60. Most five-eighters, the 52. The 48 fits most five-twoers, and most 6-4ers ride the 64.

To nail the size, we'll need your height and PBH. We can't stress this enough. Measure it right, have someone help you, measure four times and give us the biggest number. That tells us your optimal saddle height and standover tolerance.  From there we make sure you get the right frame, the right bars, the right stem. Don't think for a second you're at a disadvantage ordering without a personal fitting. The roads are teeming with mis-fit riders who were sized incorrectly in person, and since we send bikes across the country all the time, we've had to evolve sizing methods that work. We must be more careful; we never get returns. This is what we do, and we do it well.

We are truly excited about this bike. There's nothing's cheap on it. It uses our lugs, crown, bb shell as always. My pick of tubing, my design.

PBH measurements and Sam Sizes:

75-81cm PBH = 48cm Sam
81-85cm PBH = 52cm Sam
84-89cm PBH = 56cm Sam
88-94cm PBH = 60cm Sam
94-101cm PBH = 64cm Sam

*New frame sizes* PBH measurements and Sam Sizes:

78-83cm PBH = 51cm Sam 650b STT
83-87cm PBH = 55cm Sam 700c STT
87-91cm PBH = 58cm Sam 700c DTT
91-96cm PBH = 62cm Sam 700c DTT
94-101cm PBH = 64cm Sam 700c DTT

There is some overlap in the sizing there. If you fall between sizes you will still be able to get your bars level and above saddle height on either size but you have a choice between even higher bars on the larger size or increased standover height on the smaller. Typically trail bikes will want a little more standover and long distance cyclists will want the taller front end. We usually encourage you to go bigger, unless you like more standover.

If your PBH is smaller than 75, consider a Betty Foy, Yves Gomez, Atlantis or A Homer Hilsen. Those models have smaller sizes. If you're bigger than 101cm, look at Bombadil and A Homer Hilsen.

Shipping on complete bikes is $110-160.

More photos.

Even more photos.

A customer review! 

Another great review!

In California yes. The rest of you no. You can pick it up here in Walnut Creek too so at least you don't pay tax AND shipping.

Three choices:

Match up your PBH with this chart to get an idea of your size:

PBH range in centimeters	Frame Size
75-81	48cm
81-85	52cm
84-89	56cm
88-94	60cm
94-101	64cm

If you're in between sizes pick one: Smaller frame means more standover but still a great fit. Larger means higher bars and a tighter standover.

Eh... Unless it's from another bike we spec'd it's not ideal. Some things to keep in mind:

• 48, 52cm frames have 650b Wheels. Others 700c.
  
• Rear spacing on all sizes: 135mm (MTB, not road standard)
  
• One inch THREADED headset
• Seat post: 27.2mm
• Long reach sidepulls. You probably don't have those. Not standard reach.

Can I customize my build?

Sure. Easiest is if we stock the parts you want. We stock Phil and some Paul stuff. Just fill up a cart of parts. We can special order parts for you. it takes time and you'll have to work with our special order guru Schpensor. But totally doable.

Does it come with a seatpost, bottom bracket and headset?

Taiwanese bikes come with all three. 27.2 Kalloy Seatpost. Tange 107 BB, tange or FSA headset. Waterford frames come with a headset installed but you're on your own for bb and seat post.

What size front derailer clamp?

All of our bikes are 28.6. Any derailer we sell will work. 

Seat post binder bolt size?

Screw:  M6 Hex Socket Cap, 22mm length
Nut:  M6 Nylon Insert Nut

What type of brakes will be required for this frame?  Sams seem to have come both with and without the canti bosses in the past.

You're right, some old Sams had cantis and Waterford Sams still do.

But current green Sams and NEW BLUE Sams are all long-reach Sidepull. Just like Homer and Betty and Bosco Rubbe.

• Our No Warranty Frame Warranty
• It may seem odd for a company that makes such reliable frames to not have a standard instant freebie replacement - warranty, but hold on. Just because something that's defective is likely to break, doesn't mean anything that breaks is defective. Even superbly designed, artfully made steel bikes ridden according to design intent can break. We know that, and go to great lengths to prevent it.
• We're skilled, experienced non-defective designers. We use top-notch, proven, non-defective materials. Within the few but real constraints pricing imposes, we're selective about who builds our frames. When it comes to caring about weight and shooting for lightness, we're super conservative. It's not far off the mark to say we don't care about weight, and it's absolutely true that we never compromise a frame to make it lighter. A good frame weighs what it ought to weigh.
• After all that, our frames are tested and meet strict EN (European Nation) standards, which are tougher than the German DIN standards, and considerably tougher than the American CPSC standards. But sometimes a frame breaks, and that's no more proof of a defect than a broken window is proof of defective glass. It is impossible to tell the history of the frame. It may be impossible for even its owner to know it. Sometimes even good things break, and anybody, or any company who doesn't acknowledge that is not being honest.
• All that said, broken frames are rare. Crash damage, and running into garages with bikes on the roof rack are way, way more common. Tell us your frame's story. We may fix it for nothing, but you pay the freight. Or we may charge a fee for the fix. It is at our discretion, but we're not your enemy, and you are our friend. We keep that in mind, always.
• The great thing about steel frames is they can be fixed. In many cases, the fixed frame can be reinforced so that it's stronger than the original. You want a fresh start, but a fresh start with a beefed up frame can be even better. A thicker tube. An extra tube. Whatever it takes, we can do it. In almost all cases, a fixed frame needs new paint. We'll work with our local painter and get it to you at no profit. A repair may cost nothing or nine hundred dollars. It all depends.
• In any case, we feel beholden to original owners only. No other warranty (or non-warranty) is implied, so don't go inferring any. But no matter how you came upon your frame, we are happy to advise you on how to get your frame repaired at a reasonable cost. We want your bike back in action, too. Fair enough?

Testimonials

Riv,

I think I own three of the best bikes in the world. I'm sure I own two of them.

The Hillborne (60cm, double top tube) is great. I mean great. The geometry's exactly what I want. Set up with the Albatross bars, dirt drop 100, love levers, Motolites, Shimano shifters on Thumbies, and dark piney Viva tape with twine and clear shellac. That'll be my standard setupI'm all about the comfort. I rode fifty miles yesterday, to work and back. Complete comfort, no fatigue, no mid-ride adjustment stops, just beautiful. Cycling as it should be. And stunning, too. I got stopped.

Today I put on the Moustache cockpit (Nitto moustache, Dirtdrop 100, Tektro RL-520s, Shimano bar-ends), which is completely different and also fantastic. I go fifteen-to-twenty percent faster and climb way more easily. Normally I ride like Elvira Gulch, but with this I'm bent over a little, which, as I always suspected, gives me some leverage in my rather stout legs. None of this is a surprise, it's just impressive.

Over trail and road, those are each the best of their kind I can imagine.

What I haven't done yet is put on the Noodles (48 cm, again with Dirtdrop 100 and Tektro RL-520s, with Shimano shifters on road Thumbies). That'll be next. Something tells me I'll find that I have a third, long-distance/complete comfort/speed combination that may become the standard. Those Albas set a high bar, though (as it were... Elvira Gulch, remember). They're like Cadillac-meets-BMW-meets-Audi. Total control, total ease, total luxury.

So... two-probably-three great bikes for 120% of the price of one great bike, which by itself was worth 200% of its price. This bike is unreal.

On a down side, I'm probably going to buy only one more frame from you folks; I can't imagine needing a "road bike" or a "mountain bike" or a "touring bike" or a "commuting bike". I've got a bike that does all of those things as well as I could imagine. But I've always wanted and will likely get for my fiftieth birthday (just a few years away) a mixte. And the Betty Foy surely is the Hillborne of the mixte world.

But fear not. I've still got to get panniers (wow... just wow) and wheels (Phil Rivy front? SON/Dyad?) and knickers (still building up the intestinal fortitude) and the hats and shirts and socks and other bags and doo-dads. And eventually I'll run out of shaving cream.

T.S.

Chicago, IL

----

I got my new Sam Hillborne yesterday, got it set up, and rode it home. It's really a beautyeven my non-cyclist wife is impressed and calls it a work of art, which is good because it resides our living room when not on the road.

Today I took it for a twenty-mile spin near the beach. It's fast and handles very well. I'm very impressed and pleased with this bike. The frame, lugs, and paint have all exceeded my expectations. I think you'll be selling a lot of these.

Thanks again for making a quality product and bucking most of the trends in the bike industry.

T.D.

Long Beach, CA

I received my Sam Hillborne today, and I've already started putting miles on it. It rides a treat, draws whistles from the bike-crowd here in Buffalo, and I'm already planning some cross-Peace-Bridge camping trips. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who talked me through/into ordering it, put it together, sent it. Thanks!

J.C.

Buffalo, NY

I've been riding my new Sam Hillborne for a month now, and I've been meaning to send a note of thanks for working with me on fit and set-up, but I haven't had time. I'm always out on my bike. I really love it. A lot.

The bike arrived in perfect condition. It was easy even for me to assemble. Thanks for phoning to ask if I wanted the fenders installed, because I got to try it out even quicker.

The bike is gorgeouslightweight, responsive, classy lines... I stopped into my local bike shop to buy new lights and a lock, and the guy helping me recognized a good bike and brought out his friends to check it out.

I also want to thank you for suggesting the Albatross bar. It is very comfortable and part of why the bike is a perfect fit for me. I'm glad I went with your advice.

All you guys' work made a very happy customer. I was nervous about buying a bike long distance, but the product makes me glad I did.

B.

I love my Sam HillborneI love looking at it in the garage, love the smooth fast ride, and am using it all the time. My last touring bike I never bothered to ride on Sundays, but this one keeps seducing me away from my mountain bike.

I like the friction shifting, as it gives more flexibility to use more combinations of gears than you can with indexed shiftersthe chain-rubbing problem can always be adjusted away. I was resistant to the idea of bar-end shifters since I was used to riding on the top of the brake hoods all the time, far away from the bar-end shifters. However, I find that on the Hillborne, because the handlebars higher, I ride in the drops and the shifters are convenient and accessible. I shift just as much as I ever did.

Best of luck, and thanks to you guys for making and selling all the great stuff.

S.

Sausalito, CA

I just received my orange Sam Hillborne frame. It was packed perfectly, and you picked a great color for me. I'm planning on putting on moustache bars and a Brooks saddle. It's a winter projectit'll be my spring baby. I look forward to ordering Rivendell components.

R.

I've had my Sam Hillborne four months now, and I'm enjoying it immensely every time I ride. It's one of the most pleasant and fun bikes I have ridden.

I got back two weeks ago from my European adventure. My friend and I rode from Amsterdam through France to Marseille, and then back up to Amsterdam. I am pretty sure that there weren't too many other guys on the top of Mount Ventoux with racks and bikes with threaded headsets. It was about 3500 kilometers in total. Quite a few on a brand new bikeI think the Hillborne had about twenty miles on it when we started riding in Amsterdam.

With those Jack Brown tires, that thing is a heck of a fun descender. This is my first friction-shifting bike, and I love it. I'm happy to know I'm going to have it for a very long time.

C.A.

I just received my Sam Hillborne. I volunteer to build bikes at Christmas for Secret Santa, so I unpack many new bikes but wowI wish every company packed 'em for shipping as well as you do.

C.P.

Charleston, WV

My new Sam is outstanding. It handles great and is a pleasure to ride. I usually have buyer's remorse with large ticket items, but not in this case. Thanks again.

B.B.

Antioch, CA

The Sam Hillborne is the smoothest, most comfortable bike I have ever owned. I am looking forward to creating many good memories on it. The first was a fifty-mile ride to a pumpkin patch outside of Watsonville this weekend. Great ride, got to love the miles and miles of coast riding here.

A.

The Sam looks good. The fenders, kickstand, and everything else fit beautifully. I am amazed at how quiet this bike is. Nothing rattles and the Schwalbe tires are super quiet. Shifting is crisp compared to bike the Hillborne replaced, and I am surprised at how efficiently the bike climbs. It's so stable descending that it

doesn't feel fast, but the wind in my ears tells me otherwise.

T.

I took the Sam Hillborne out for a twelve-mile ride last Friday and a twenty-two-mile ride last Saturday, and also commuted on it this week. All I can say is, what a difference! I have not had any of the usual pains in the hands, arms, shoulders and neck.

Thank you for all your help and suggestions. I hope to enjoy many miles and memories on this bike for years to come.

R.

My new Hillborne came in last week, and it's been a blast. I haven't gotten any work donejust riding and riding. Thanks for all your help. It's a great bike, and I'd pat all of you on the back if I could.

E.

I got my Sam frame yesterday, and I'm absolutely in love. The paint job is lovely. Major thumbs up to all the folks at Rivendell. I think it's safe to say that I'm hooked.

T.

I bought a Sam Hillborne this past summer, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. I needed a bike to commute on and to ride for pleasure. What is really neat is that the commute now counts as a pleasure ride. My old commuting bike was a converted triathlon frame. I couldn't put tires on it that were wide enough to not fall into the clots in Hong Kong storm drains. You can imagine how stressful that made a commute in traffic.

The Sam fit my budget, it's well made, it's lugged and brazed, it's stable and easy to handle, and it's a wonderful ride. I can't say enough good things about it. What a wonderful bike.

I love the bike. I am hoping to do a tour this summer from Hong Kong to Shanghai. I can't think of a better bike for such a trip.

Thanks for producing it.

P.

Hong Kong

I just had my first ride this morning on my brand new Hillborneseventeen miles in a foggy, English-style mist.

It's fantastic. Definitely my dream bike.

H.D.

Chicago, IL

RE: My hillborne almost dialed in

I rode it yesterday afternoon for an hour and a half or so. I can see how the EcoVelo reviewer would say it was his favorite bike. My friend who did the bulk of the assembly called me yesterday afternoon to tell me it's the most comfortable bike he's ever ridden in 30 years. It doesn't get much better than that.

J.T.

Hey Dave,

Took the Hillborne out on it's maiden voyage and had a ball. It is hands down the most comfy, sure footed machine I've had the joy to ride. It's great to know it can take the pumps, pot holes. etc with greater ease than a narrower profile bike...it just feels more sure footed period. Could you send me the following items and run them through the card on file:

Thanks R.O.

Thanks Keven [...] P.s. the bike is AWESOME ! This is hands down the fastest, plushest bike I've ever had.

-Paul

Keven,

I absolutely LOVE the Sam. You are right, the ride is amazing. I've been putting in LOTS of saddle time. About 550km since July 28. It is incredibly comfy - truly Seven League Boots. The ride feel reminds me if my 26" Matt Chester: nimble at low speeds, stable at high speed. I am now riding longer and faster then ever. I'll send pics the next time I wash Sam. Tell GP that it's so good I may buy another  to have it in stock. Best bike I've ever ridden.

Thanks so much to everyone there. It's a fabulous creation! I COULD NOT be happier.

-L

Hi Keven,

I've got the Hillborne all put together and I just wanted to say thanks for your advice when I called up asking about bikes. I knew it would be good, a dream bike in fact, but it's even better than I imagined. Tough to put my finger on why it's so good, but whatever you guys do when considering the needs of bicycle riders, please keep doing it. I really couldn't be happier, and I'm sure I'll be finding any excuse possible to keep ordering anything and everything from Rivendell for a very long time to come.

Scot Hinckley-Danielson

Hi Keven,

After what, to me, seemed an eternity, my new Sam Hillborne is finally here!  This is a beautifully put together bike in every way.  I've had it out for rides totaling just over 100 miles this past week, and can't wait to get out again soon.  Thank you, Keven, for all your help putting my/our thoughts into this bike.

Everything about this bike, from build quality and looks, to the instantly comfortable ride, have exceeded my already high expectations!  After expecting the darker green on this new Hillborne (which appealed to my Irish heritage), I was surprised, and initially disappointed in the lighter green, but it has grown on me so much in the days that followed my first look, that I've stopped
referring to it (jokingly, I swear!) as 'Don't Steal Me Green'!   My Sam gets nothing but compliments on its design, build, and color.  I'm stopped at least once each ride by people asking about it.


Thank You, to all at Rivendell

RC
Pittsburgh, PA

Even BETTER than expected...	March 29, 2013
Reviewer: kimcork from NJ United States

...and my expectations were high.  Rec'd "Sammie" on Monday; he was super easy to put back together, even for me!  Finally got a nice day today... rode it to a Fund-raiser breakfast, then to work.  It's everything I had been dreaming about  when I first decided I wanted a Rivendell.  Here is what a co-worker wrote after he stopped by my office to see it, in an email titled Speechless:
Ms. C:
I have never seen such a beautifully designed bicycle as your new Hillborne.
That bike belongs hanging on your wall as art work and not on the street.
Every item from the fenders,  leather seat, headlamp, cork handles, and peddles, are so carefully detailed.
I just looked at each detail in amazement with my mouth open.
Congratulations, and I wish you the best riding time with your new toy.
Sincerely,
M

He is one of many who have stopped by today... all comments are like his.
I feel the same way, and better yet, it rides even better than it looks!