Id like to think Im quite good at visualizing a build for a customer, creating a vibe mentally and having a pretty good idea how its going to come out, but for my own bikes, I have to do a lot of test fitting of parts, swinging a leg over, pondering, stepping back and dreaming.

Ive been thinking about my second Riv build for a long while, Roadini crossed my mind, Homer at one point, but when I saw that Rivendell had increased the tyre clearance on the new Hillbornes I coudn't resist!

I lay awake at night thinking about whether a 29x2.2 Ultradynamcio MARS was going to fit.

Exibit a (below picture) shows that it does! Just.. but to be honest not with enough clearance to be practical, I wasn't upset, as I actually would like to run something around 50mm for mainly smooth New Forest gravel.

That's when I stumbled across Ronnies Blog post hinting at a new 700x53 fast Gravel tyre!

Rest assured we'll be getting some when they're ready!

Anywho, I'm really looking forward to the Hillborne being ready to roll!

Things that tick box's for me

-Shortish wheel base (love the long ones on my Appaloosa, but that works for a more chill ride)

-More tyre clearance than before

-Really nice and upright! Significantly more stack than my Singular Peregrine

-Rim brakes and all that lovely fork flex for a sublime ride quality

-one of my fav Riv colours, always wanted something in Sage or Mermaid.

-TOM @fomtaz