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Why Rivendell?
— Bicycle Models —
Atlantis
Click to embiggen.
Testimonials from customers at the bottom (scroll way down).
The Rivendell Atlantis
Ignore the misconception that the Atlantis is going away. It's here to stay.
Frame, fork, and headset: $2000
Complete bike: somewhere around $3200 for our suggested build. With fenders, racks, top-shelf stuff, $3500 and up.
If you want to upscale it here or there, we've done it before and offer great advice. Want top of the bar shifters, a second set of brake levers, STI? We've done it all. We won't let you wreck the bike with a fantasy part that doesn't work, but we're quite flexible if you have a notion you'd like to explore, or just want our opinion about some idea you might have.
The Atlantis is our most versatile bike, our best-seller, and as evidence of its mature design, is virtually unchanged since we introduced it as our first production bike in 1999.75. It is ideal for loaded touring, trail riding, commuting, and general riding where you're likely to want tires 35mm wide or wider most of the time, and fenders a lot of the time. Around here, we have a saying: You can do anything on an Atlantis. Because you can.
The Atlantis frame and fork weigh about a pound more (combined) than our Rambouillet, a road frame. The extra weight comes by means of stouter tubes and a wider fork crown, and pays for itself in the extra durability needed for rough riding and load-toting. A pound is hardly anything, when you consider the weight of your body and between 16 and 21 pounds of parts, wheels, racks, and fenders. So don't let that pound scare you. There isn't an ounce of fat on the Atlantis. It's just a rugged, strong bike, and one you'll likely have and ride for the rest of your life.
The Atlantis used to be built by Toyo, in Japan. All new Atlantis frames are built in Wisconsin. Quality is the same, highest quality.
Here's a typical build.
Ignore the misconception that the Atlantis is going away. It's here to stay.
Frame, fork, and headset: $2000
Complete bike: somewhere around $3200 for our suggested build. With fenders, racks, top-shelf stuff, $3500 and up.
If you want to upscale it here or there, we've done it before and offer great advice. Want top of the bar shifters, a second set of brake levers, STI? We've done it all. We won't let you wreck the bike with a fantasy part that doesn't work, but we're quite flexible if you have a notion you'd like to explore, or just want our opinion about some idea you might have.
The Atlantis is our most versatile bike, our best-seller, and as evidence of its mature design, is virtually unchanged since we introduced it as our first production bike in 1999.75. It is ideal for loaded touring, trail riding, commuting, and general riding where you're likely to want tires 35mm wide or wider most of the time, and fenders a lot of the time. Around here, we have a saying: You can do anything on an Atlantis. Because you can.
The Atlantis frame and fork weigh about a pound more (combined) than our Rambouillet, a road frame. The extra weight comes by means of stouter tubes and a wider fork crown, and pays for itself in the extra durability needed for rough riding and load-toting. A pound is hardly anything, when you consider the weight of your body and between 16 and 21 pounds of parts, wheels, racks, and fenders. So don't let that pound scare you. There isn't an ounce of fat on the Atlantis. It's just a rugged, strong bike, and one you'll likely have and ride for the rest of your life.
The Atlantis used to be built by Toyo, in Japan. All new Atlantis frames are built in Wisconsin. Quality is the same, highest quality.
Here's a typical build.
How long to get one, and how do I get the ball rolling?
Frame only:
If it's in stock, we'll charge you the full $2000 and ship it right out. If we have to build the frame, lock it in with a $200 deposit and we'll charge the rest when it ships.
For complete bikes:
If we have the frame in stock, it won't take long at all, maybe a month to build and ship. Put $2000 down for the frame and we charge the rest the day the bike ships.
If we don't have the frame in stock, put down the $300 non-refundable deposit. We order up the frame. The rest gets charged when it ships. In the meantime, you have plenty of nights to think about the parts.
Of course, special-ordered parts, custom wheels, and custom paint take longer.
Sizes
47, 51, 53, 54.5, 56 (designed for 26-inch wheels);
58, 61 (designed for 700c wheel).
One color only. The Atlantis creamy greenish blue. For another $300 you can get it painted any color you want (that we approve).
Gigantic photos:
Atlantis with drop bars
Atlantis with mustache bars
Pink Atlantis
See more customer photos of the Atlantis here.
See Also: the Rivendell Bicycles group on Flickr. There are tons of photos there!
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?
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?
Customer Testimonials (scroll down for more info)
Thanks for the great phone support last week. The fit is awesome, plenty of stem buried in the headtube. I'm going for my first snow/ice free 50+ miler tomorrow, from La Crosse to Elroy and back. I cannot stress enough the inspiration and direction your company, website, catalog, and the Rivendell Reader have been for me. From a hybrid-aluminum-frame-riding, 10-speed indexed, spandex-clad magazine shopper to a wary rider of 8-speed, friction-shifted, lugged steel beauty in jeans, I thank all of you for your dedication and devotion.
K.S.
La Crosse, WI
I just got an Atlantis, and it's everything I expected. The frame is absolutely gorgeous. The lugs, paint, badge and contours are a work of art. Never having seen a Rivendell up close, I was a little worried about what my money was buying, but I needn't have been. The Atlantis's ride is something special. I've ridden touring bikes for many years, but I've never been this comfortable on a bike before. There truly is a difference between a steel frame and aluminum. My old bike rides like a truck compared to the Atlantis. I'm not quite sure how to explain the feel, but it just feels right. Dealing with everyone at Rivendell was great. Everyone took time to answer my questions and explain things I didn't understand. I'm thrilled to finally ride a Rivendell Atlantis, and I've renewed my membership for three more years.
B.F.
Kennebunk, ME
I'm writing to say thank you to everyone who worked on my bike. I absolutely love my Atlantis. It is the perfect bike for me, and I am enjoying it to the fullest. I appreciate all the hard work you all put into it, and I think Rivendell is an amazing place.
M.
I am so delighted with how my Atlantis has turned out. The new bar tape and twine look great, and I love the feel of cloth tape under shellac. And I wasn't a believer in shellac when I started. It looks great, and I wouldn't have chosen the color and finish without first seeing the information in your catalog and talking with you guys on the phone.
So thank you again. The help I got on the phone was terrific. My Atlantis has become my favorite and 99.9%-of-the-time ride. I couldn't be happier with it.
F. D.
San Jose, CA
I bought an Atlantis earlier this year and just have to say that it's fantastic. I'm a little taller than average (6' 2") and was having a really hard time finding a touring bike that really fit. The first time I threw a leg over an Atlantis it felt like it was made for me. Thanks for making bikes that make sense and are actually sized for some bigger riders.
E.
After a lifetime of recreational riding, I must say that riding my Atlantis has changed my life for the better.
I bought platform pedals for the Atlantis and started wearing comfy shoes. It's remarkable. My clipless pedals and road shoes are now for sale on eBay. I also raised the stem a centimeter or two above the seat, and it was the most comfortable ride I can remember. My noodle bars are wrapped in yellow cloth tape, shellacked, and finished off with maroon twine. Now that my stem is up under my nostrils, my hands are fine without padding and the bars are simply gorgeous.
I am so happy riding my Atlantis. I love everything about it, and I've come to understand and embrace what you and your company are all about. Riding my bike is fun again. Thanks for pouring your heart and soul into the company and, knowing how difficult the bike business can be over time, persevering and maintaining the passion.
A.H.
Concord, MA
The 64cm Atlantis frame I ordered arrived today. Since this is the sixth Rivendell frame I have bought, my expectations were high. I am particularly pleased with the clear-coated finish. It gives me a bit more insight into what went into building this frame.
Thank you very much for your help with the frame order. It was good to talk to somebody who always knew exactly what was going on with the frame.
If I enjoy this bike half as much as I do my other Rivendells, then this was the bargain of the decade.
Many thanks,
A.
I picked up my new Atlantis two months ago, and I am so pleased with this bicycle. Everything is perfect, no adjustments needed since the day I picked it up. The quality and workmanship of this Atlantis and all of your products are superb. This bicycle has changed my life. I have lost 45 pounds and am getting stronger with every ride. I just passed 700 miles this morning. I feel so good that in February I will start a ride from Apache Junction, Arizona to St. Augustine, Florida, then up the coast to Williamsburg, over to Oregon, then down the coast to San Diego and home.
R.
My new Atlantis now has a few hundred miles on it. I'm really enjoying it. I have several bikes, but the Atlantis is the one I ride most often. I commute on it, and if it's damp, or the ride is over less than perfect roads, the Atlantis is my ride of choice. It fits great. I can actually get the bars up high, so as I get older and less flexible, I can adjust them.
When I woke up last weekend, it was raining like crazy and blowing like mad. I loaded up the fully fendered Atlantis, and went for a ride.
Thank you for designing and building such a wonderful machine.
M.R.
Portland, OR
I want to write to your group every day. I ride my Atlantis with such a sense of joy, it is spiritual. I ride it, I want to thank you. It would look like SPAM. Well done on all accounts. I have never been disappointed in your products.
C.H.
La Crosse, WI
----
Your recent rivspam reminded me to write this letter.
I've recently ridden my 10,000th mile on the Atlantis you sold me last
year. I've gone through at least five chains, but the Schwalbe Marathons
are the original tires. I've never had a flat.
Perhaps you remember the problem I had with the Synergy rear
wheel disintegrating after only a few thousand miles. FYI, Velocity
replaced that wheel and the replacement has been rock solid for at
least 6000 mi, and counting. Clearly there was something wrong with
the original wheel.
Despite the mileage, the bike still looks great. I get compliments on
it nearly every time I meet someone new. The paint you use isn't all
that adhesive, easily peeling away at the dropouts and seat tube
edges, but it is very cohesive and that seems to be what counts for
long lasting good looks. I rode it about 100 mi off-road last
weekend, but when I washed off the dust and grime today, the Atlantis
looked as good an new. Initially unsure, I've grown to love the
factory color. And the lugwork. Well, you don't need me to tell you
about the quality of what you sell.
Without a front pannier, the bike is as comfortable as any I've ever
owned. Not super responsive like some of my stiff racers, but
confident and relaxed. On numerous occasions I've been in the saddle
10-15 hours a day, and the fit is almost as comfortable as my favorite
easy chail (almost). I've ridden as fast as 55 mph without any
shimmy -- so long as there's no front pannier. With a low rider
load on the front (Ortlieb/Tubus), I don't take it above 25 mph.
The transmission has been flawless. V-Brakes and Tektro levers
perfect. Headset, cranks, cables have been fine. I did have a
derailuer cable housing crack. Initially the silver shifter bar-ends
were very nice, but eventually internal corrosion caused them to bind
up and fail after only 5000 miles. I have Shimano clicky-clicky
bar-end levers on the bike now. They seem to have better seals.
I've long biked/hiked/paddled in collared shirts -- since before I
knew about your company. I'm partial to the Ex Oficcio nylon shirts,
or just a cheap WalMart rayon Hawian shirt. I never wear "seersucker".
Yet, now that I'm on an Atlantis, I've overheard people say: "Look at
that guy in the seersucker shirt. He thinks he's Grant Peterson".
Not really knowing you personally, I have no basis for deciding how to
take that. But I will say that it pleases me that people remember me
readily, and ride up to me to say hello in a friendly way. It must be
a compliment. I consider this a significant benefit of the bike.
~~
Thanks for the great phone support last week. The fit is awesome, plenty of stem buried in the headtube. I'm going for my first snow/ice free 50+ miler tomorrow, from La Crosse to Elroy and back. I cannot stress enough the inspiration and direction your company, website, catalog, and the Rivendell Reader have been for me. From a hybrid-aluminum-frame-riding, 10-speed indexed, spandex-clad magazine shopper to a wary rider of 8-speed, friction-shifted, lugged steel beauty in jeans, I thank all of you for your dedication and devotion.
K.S.
La Crosse, WI
I just got an Atlantis, and it's everything I expected. The frame is absolutely gorgeous. The lugs, paint, badge and contours are a work of art. Never having seen a Rivendell up close, I was a little worried about what my money was buying, but I needn't have been. The Atlantis's ride is something special. I've ridden touring bikes for many years, but I've never been this comfortable on a bike before. There truly is a difference between a steel frame and aluminum. My old bike rides like a truck compared to the Atlantis. I'm not quite sure how to explain the feel, but it just feels right. Dealing with everyone at Rivendell was great. Everyone took time to answer my questions and explain things I didn't understand. I'm thrilled to finally ride a Rivendell Atlantis, and I've renewed my membership for three more years.
B.F.
Kennebunk, ME
I'm writing to say thank you to everyone who worked on my bike. I absolutely love my Atlantis. It is the perfect bike for me, and I am enjoying it to the fullest. I appreciate all the hard work you all put into it, and I think Rivendell is an amazing place.
M.
I am so delighted with how my Atlantis has turned out. The new bar tape and twine look great, and I love the feel of cloth tape under shellac. And I wasn't a believer in shellac when I started. It looks great, and I wouldn't have chosen the color and finish without first seeing the information in your catalog and talking with you guys on the phone.
So thank you again. The help I got on the phone was terrific. My Atlantis has become my favorite and 99.9%-of-the-time ride. I couldn't be happier with it.
F. D.
San Jose, CA
I bought an Atlantis earlier this year and just have to say that it's fantastic. I'm a little taller than average (6' 2") and was having a really hard time finding a touring bike that really fit. The first time I threw a leg over an Atlantis it felt like it was made for me. Thanks for making bikes that make sense and are actually sized for some bigger riders.
E.
After a lifetime of recreational riding, I must say that riding my Atlantis has changed my life for the better.
I bought platform pedals for the Atlantis and started wearing comfy shoes. It's remarkable. My clipless pedals and road shoes are now for sale on eBay. I also raised the stem a centimeter or two above the seat, and it was the most comfortable ride I can remember. My noodle bars are wrapped in yellow cloth tape, shellacked, and finished off with maroon twine. Now that my stem is up under my nostrils, my hands are fine without padding and the bars are simply gorgeous.
I am so happy riding my Atlantis. I love everything about it, and I've come to understand and embrace what you and your company are all about. Riding my bike is fun again. Thanks for pouring your heart and soul into the company and, knowing how difficult the bike business can be over time, persevering and maintaining the passion.
A.H.
Concord, MA
The 64cm Atlantis frame I ordered arrived today. Since this is the sixth Rivendell frame I have bought, my expectations were high. I am particularly pleased with the clear-coated finish. It gives me a bit more insight into what went into building this frame.
Thank you very much for your help with the frame order. It was good to talk to somebody who always knew exactly what was going on with the frame.
If I enjoy this bike half as much as I do my other Rivendells, then this was the bargain of the decade.
Many thanks,
A.
I picked up my new Atlantis two months ago, and I am so pleased with this bicycle. Everything is perfect, no adjustments needed since the day I picked it up. The quality and workmanship of this Atlantis and all of your products are superb. This bicycle has changed my life. I have lost 45 pounds and am getting stronger with every ride. I just passed 700 miles this morning. I feel so good that in February I will start a ride from Apache Junction, Arizona to St. Augustine, Florida, then up the coast to Williamsburg, over to Oregon, then down the coast to San Diego and home.
R.
My new Atlantis now has a few hundred miles on it. I'm really enjoying it. I have several bikes, but the Atlantis is the one I ride most often. I commute on it, and if it's damp, or the ride is over less than perfect roads, the Atlantis is my ride of choice. It fits great. I can actually get the bars up high, so as I get older and less flexible, I can adjust them.
When I woke up last weekend, it was raining like crazy and blowing like mad. I loaded up the fully fendered Atlantis, and went for a ride.
Thank you for designing and building such a wonderful machine.
M.R.
Portland, OR
I want to write to your group every day. I ride my Atlantis with such a sense of joy, it is spiritual. I ride it, I want to thank you. It would look like SPAM. Well done on all accounts. I have never been disappointed in your products.
C.H.
La Crosse, WI
----
Your recent rivspam reminded me to write this letter.
I've recently ridden my 10,000th mile on the Atlantis you sold me last
year. I've gone through at least five chains, but the Schwalbe Marathons
are the original tires. I've never had a flat.
Perhaps you remember the problem I had with the Synergy rear
wheel disintegrating after only a few thousand miles. FYI, Velocity
replaced that wheel and the replacement has been rock solid for at
least 6000 mi, and counting. Clearly there was something wrong with
the original wheel.
Despite the mileage, the bike still looks great. I get compliments on
it nearly every time I meet someone new. The paint you use isn't all
that adhesive, easily peeling away at the dropouts and seat tube
edges, but it is very cohesive and that seems to be what counts for
long lasting good looks. I rode it about 100 mi off-road last
weekend, but when I washed off the dust and grime today, the Atlantis
looked as good an new. Initially unsure, I've grown to love the
factory color. And the lugwork. Well, you don't need me to tell you
about the quality of what you sell.
Without a front pannier, the bike is as comfortable as any I've ever
owned. Not super responsive like some of my stiff racers, but
confident and relaxed. On numerous occasions I've been in the saddle
10-15 hours a day, and the fit is almost as comfortable as my favorite
easy chail (almost). I've ridden as fast as 55 mph without any
shimmy -- so long as there's no front pannier. With a low rider
load on the front (Ortlieb/Tubus), I don't take it above 25 mph.
The transmission has been flawless. V-Brakes and Tektro levers
perfect. Headset, cranks, cables have been fine. I did have a
derailuer cable housing crack. Initially the silver shifter bar-ends
were very nice, but eventually internal corrosion caused them to bind
up and fail after only 5000 miles. I have Shimano clicky-clicky
bar-end levers on the bike now. They seem to have better seals.
I've long biked/hiked/paddled in collared shirts -- since before I
knew about your company. I'm partial to the Ex Oficcio nylon shirts,
or just a cheap WalMart rayon Hawian shirt. I never wear "seersucker".
Yet, now that I'm on an Atlantis, I've overheard people say: "Look at
that guy in the seersucker shirt. He thinks he's Grant Peterson".
Not really knowing you personally, I have no basis for deciding how to
take that. But I will say that it pleases me that people remember me
readily, and ride up to me to say hello in a friendly way. It must be
a compliment. I consider this a significant benefit of the bike.
~~
Guys,
I've got Atlas built up and I'm ridin' . This may be the first bike I have ever owned that really fits me correctly and I want to thank you for your help.... especially Jay who wouldn't take no for an answer when I wavered on making a decision. I'm not saying "hard sell" I'm saying good salesmanship from a salesperson who understands and is willing to say "you need to buy this" when that is truly the case ( I know because I'm a salesman).
Yeah it doesn't have the buttery ride of my old AHH but it's pretty darn close and I as someone else observed: "it feels like I'm riding IN it not ON it".
I also want to thank you for the great "Rivendell" service on getting the frame shipped out so quickly. You guys continue to under promise and over deliver and I want you to know your customers appreciate that.
I will send some photos of the finished bike soon.
Regards
D.J.In summary, the bike you sold me has given me 10,000 wonderful miles
thus far, and I look forward to riding it to 20,000, and maybe even to
100,000. Should it someday wear out, you can sell me another.
--
Cv
thus far, and I look forward to riding it to 20,000, and maybe even to
100,000. Should it someday wear out, you can sell me another.
--
Cv
Country of Origin
United States
Ways to Use It
- loaded touring
- credit card touring
- commuting
- trails, general purpose
- randonneuring
Related Products
$2,000.00
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