Bridge Club vs Clem Smith Jr
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- A viewer suggested I do a video comparing the Rivendell Clem Smith Jr., and the Surly Bridge Club. I did my best to do just that, and talk about the differences between the two brands more generally.
Like I said in the video, I did this more or less off the top of my head. It should also be noted that these are my opinions only. Your experiences may vary. Thanks for watching!
My store on the web: www.thepsychicderailleur.com
I’ve been looking for a comparison of these exact two bikes. Thank you!
Just to close that loop. I ended up ordering the Bridge Club 700c and a set of the VO Crazy Bars from our local Surly dealer here in Tampa, City Bike. So I appreciate the video and all of your content here.
Dustin Hardwick Thanks Justin. I hope you enjoy the bike as much as i think you will!
Chris, nice review. You did a fine job of pointing out a subtle, but significant difference between Rivendells and most bikes -- the sensation of "sitting in" the bike rather than "sitting on" the bike. I own both a Sam Hillborne and a Clem H -- I'm smitten with both. The Clem H is my daily commuter and all-a-round smile ride. Don't know what it is, but the upright posture just makes me grin. I also own a few Surlys - Pacer, Wednesday, Pack Rat, Flat-bar Cross Check, and a LHT. I've been intrigued with the Bridge Club and will probably buy one this year.
Wow, thank you for an in depth answer to my comment! The impetus for the original comment was my next bike build, a tour-able commuter based around the Velo-Orange Crazy Bars, I like the idea of having some sweep back for relaxed moments and a "on the hoods" position when i have an open stretch and/or into the wind. (I already have a 650b+ drop bar and 27.5+ hardtail, so it doesn't need to handle tech singletrack or fast road/gravel rides) So with that general idea of a bike, it is really down to bikes like the Bridge Club, Clem H, Soma Wolverine, or VO Piolet. My heart wanted the Riv to be the answer, but A) as I suspected the Clem H is discontinued and B) the top tube is too long. So the most sensible answer as I probably already knew is the new 700c Bridge Club with a handlebar swap and some matching fenders, and a 24 or 8 pack rack and a rear rack probably as well.
Your welcome! I hope it helped. Also, I'm probably going to sell my Clem.....just FYI. Shoot me an email if you want to talk about that.
Check for updates on those Surly racks. A recent warning was published about a hardware issue related to the 8 and 24 packs.
Mechanical David Yes I am aware. Thanks!
Hey I have been comparing almost that exact line up of models and for the same reasons! Did you decide? How did it go?
@@jillreyes8019 So as the next comment mentions, I went with the Bridge Club 700c. Since then I swapped out the handlebars for a Nitto Bullmoose bar and swapped the tires out for the Soma Cazadero 50mm. With these changes it is quite a versatile bike. It is my main commuter (before working at home covid) and does anything from pavement to dirt/gravel and light trails very admirably.
Clem you had mentioned the Rivendell step-thru version of the Clem Smith, Jr. I couldn't understand the diff xcept 4 the reach or length of top tube/bars¿..
I own both Rivendales and Surly's. If I had to get rid of all my bikes and just choose one I would keep my Crosscheck. I recently was asked by a friend what bike to buy and I looked through the Surly, Salsa, Soma, Velo Orange lineups and ended up suggesting the Bridgeclub. I haven't ridden one but it looks like a really cool bike. Unfortunately her family bought her something else before she could get her request in. Another nice thing about Surly's is that your do not have to baby them at all. My second hand early model Karate Monkey is rather beat up, dents and scratches and beat, but will always ride like a new bike.
Can you explain where the ECR fits in regards to these bikes, or if it differs substantially and how so.
Stevie Saint Anko Check back Monday. That one is pretty easy to explain.
what's a good beginner bike tour? I live in Texas and have never been on one
Eric Snyder Eric this one is tough for me to answer as I don’t live in Texas. Best to reach out to some local shops that specialize in these bikes and see what they have to say.
Look up Jan Bennet on Social Media. She is a big advocate for small to epic tours/bikepacks in Texas and abroad. She is based in and works with a lot of local events in Texas. She did a great interview on the June 17th 2019 episode of the Bikes or Death podcast.
It drives me crazy how short the chainstays are on most bikes these days. For the average cyclist longer chainstays are better.
You left out most important point: Riv Clem is rim brake only. Deal killer for me.
rivendell bikes will be collectable surly not so much
a bike is a bike. 20 years from now my ogre frame will sell for the same $100 as a gus wilson
@@cjohnson3836 I disagree. I just sold my Gus Boots Wilson frame only for $2000. The buyer knew that they are now discontinued by Rivendell and wanted to buy one now before it becomes difficult to find. In 20 years, a mass produced Surly will not be the same price as the Gus.