Rivendell Charlie Gallop Frame

DETAIL

Here is one of Riv’s underrated frame : the Charlie Gallop. As oppose to most of its sisters and brothers, it is not a trail bike, a hillibike, or a touring-camping bike, but a super versatile road bike (yes!) or country bike. Of course light loads can be carried with it, as all Rivendell bikes have eyelets to carry stuff around, but if your plan is to put the biggest rack and panniers loads to any of those eyelets, then a Clem, an Atlantis or an Appaloosa will definitely be a better option. Maybe even a Sam.

The CHG’s sloping, not-quite-mixte top tube lets you ride up a size and get the bars higher without bonking your crotch. This bicycle is ideal for upright handlebars, usable with drops if you ride a 5-7cm stem and are already used to drops, but we still recommend Albatross-and-other uprights. In its best form, it’s an upright-bar light bike for day rides, shopping, commuting with reasonable commute loads, and so-on.  Amazing bike, zippy, roadishlike, but super versatile, and comfortable. Just think of it as useful bicycle with a lowish top tube that lets you ride a bigger size and still get the bars high enough. Also, most riders can fit two sizes. Nobody is “in-between.” That’s the main benefit of low standover heights and tall head tubes.

SPECS

• 650b wheels in size 49cm
• 700c wheels in sizes 53cm and up
• Long reach sidepulls 
• 27.2mm seat post, not included. We have a lot of Bassi’s and Nitto’s in stock
• 130mm rear spacing
• 28.6 front derailer clamp (not included)
• 1" threaded fork - FSA Duron headset included
  
• Shimano 113 x 68 bottom bracket included and installed
• kickstand plate
• Tire capacity: 45mm with fender, so a hair bigger without fenders. BUT it’s still a road bike, so don’t put fat knobbies on it and thrash it on trails.

• Refer to this geometry chart for more infos

Recommended PBHs and STANDOVER HEIGHTS at mid-top tube with 45mm tire:

• 49cm: 72cm standover    | 74 to 83cm PBHs
• 53cm: 76.5cm standover | 78 to 87cm PBHs
• 57cm: 78.2cm standover | 82 to 91cm PBHs
• 61cm: 82.7cm standover | 86 to 96.5cm PBHs

Note the slight inconsistencies—since the 61’s standover is 82.7cm, you could easily clear the top tube with an 84.5cm PBH, but we suggest a minimum of 86cm, because it seems like it’s a big bike, so don’t get it if you’re a medium rider.