My husband has been wanting to come here ever since he bought his first Riv 3 years ago! We stopped by on a Saturday, and it wasn't too busy! It's an amazing-looking shop, and it was cool to see so many Rivs everywhere inside!! We had a great time chatting with Grant and Harry, and Grant had me test ride a few of the bikes which was fun. (Might've convinced me to get my own Riv.....) We will definitely be back to visit next time we are in the Bay! These are great quality bikes, and you'll get some great customer service along with them! read more

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Although I've never been in person, and have only ordered online, the staff at Rivendell is some of the most courteous and knowledgeable retailers in the world of alt-cycling. Will has always provided great service to me anytime I've had a question via email or needed help with an order. Riv doesn't stock a lot, but what they do stock is really all you need. Everyone there uses what they stock on their site, and will share their firsthand experience with all of it. My Rivendell got me into cycling again for the first time since college, and the non-competitive and non-judgmental staff at Riv is a breath of fresh air compared to your local big three dealership. Don't spend that next $5k on a carbon roadie, take it and put it toward a Rivendell. It'll be the best purchase in your cycling career. You'll probably be so free of regret, you'll start buying Rivendells for your family--at least I did! read more

I came here to pick up bar tape because they still carry cotton bar tape and cork bar tape at a really good price. I have also heard lot about the founder of this shop, and his desire to keep steel bicycles on the road. I checked out the shop, and it had really cool bikes, and I can definitely see the art and craftsmanship in them. The service was on time and friendly. read more

Rivendell Bicycle Works - Picked up some nice bar tape, and checked out some cool steel frame bikes. - Bikes Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Two stars because not only did they refuse to even look at my bike they refuse to lend me a rudimentary tool so that I could get home. Perfectly willing to pay for service or lending of a tool but I was not given that opportunity.. 10 miles from home with a bike that doesn't work at a isbike shop that refuses to help? That's a problem. I've actually had Bridgestones and almost purchased a rivendell for my wave a few years ago. Sure glad I didn't. The guys were just standing around chatting not working on bikes. How hard could it be to look the other way for a millisecond while I take it upon myself to fix the problem. Why don't you just lend me the tool for a fee or I could sign a waiver so that I could actually get home. Nope. I was told that you can't bend aluminum anyway; as someone with a background in material science and extensive crashing and bending back of all kinds of bikes aluminum parts I would say that that is a cop out. The two Stars versus one is because the guy sent me next door to an auto repair shop, where I had two great conversations with the guys there and the owner lent me a crowbar. Bend the crank arm back and 900 mi later it's still going strong. Not only that I was able to get home. Thanks for nothing rivendell; I would have thought an earthy, old school bike shop would have been the first choice to have offered some help, paid or not. This is the nail in the coffin that has driven me away from the bike industry. I will definitely be focused on purchasing online and finding shops who retain the spirit of cycling, not one that pretends to.. Wow what am I going to do with all those rivendell readers?! Grant, you have failed me. Edit: thanks for your reply John. I met you years ago. Rivendell used to be something of a bike shop in which basic services could be had. If Grant has reincorporated (I noticed the space is much smaller and dingy now) I'm sure he is being much less for his level of insurance. It's just sad, but at least the blue lug guys still think of the brand wearing Rose colored glasses. Not me. The salient point that Grant should hear is: I got on the road and home and happy from the help of an auto shop guy who wasn't worried extraordinarily about liability for dropping a crowbar on the floor, which I happen to pick up and use to get a functioning bike. There are ways around everything; I was shown the door. The implicit, not to be misconstrued, message was don't bother us. We can't be bothered. He has made his choice, I've made mine. Btw as much as I love the ride quality of rivendells on the road Grant's Quixotic slant on modern bike design has singularly dissuaded me from purchasing one of his. I don't want to be associated with the guy like that. It has come full circle hasn't it. read more

I have a 15 year old Rivendell Custom. It is absolutely the best bicycle that I have owned in 40 years of road cycling. It handles beautifully. It is comfortable to ride on all sorts of road-ish surfaces. It is beautiful in the lugwork and the Joe Bell paint job. Some folks consider Rivendell bicycles expensive. I think that they are all wrong. An full bore Rivendell will cost around $5000. A plastic pseudo racer can easily run $10,000. And the Rivendell will still be strong and reliable years after the plastic bike is dead. read more

I highly recommend Rich Lesnik at Rivendell for custom wheel building. I am a randonneur and put thousands and thousands of miles on my wheels, and can I depend on Rich for building sturdy wheels that can take the punishment that I dish out. A great example of how strong these wheels actually are follows. I was coming down Mount Diablo on a straight section where my speed can get up to 30 mph. I hit a rock and flatted both tires. Managed not to crash and safely came to a stop. Both wheels stayed true ! Another time I was just riding along and somehow ran over a nail which punctured through the tire and the rim. I needed help from some nearby workers to borrow some pliers to pull the nail out. Unbelievably, again the wheel was still true as if nothing had even happened to it! If you want really amazing wheels that will last forever this is the place to get them. read more

Will at Rivendell is great. Very helpful, not pushy to sell you things you don't need, and remembers everyone's name. I really appreciate it as a no-judgment zone. A lot of bike shops are stingy based on what you ride and make it an uncomfortable experience. I would very much like to eventually own one of these beautiful bikes, but for now I'm very happy accessorizing my current touring bike. They have great selection of bikes and accessories. I would love if they have a group ride posted! The website blogs are also great and informative. read more

How many are old enough to remember the days of shopkeepers remembering you by name? Or asking how your child or your business is doing? If you're fortunate as I am to live 10 minutes from the Riv shop, you know what I mean. Of course, it helps to be a regular! My new expression of gratitude to the staff for their personalized service (even spending phone time comparing products they don't even carry - thanks Kevin - So I don't have to spend hours researching) is to bring in a Peete's Coffee gift card every now and then when I visit. Their patience & knowledge help me kick the "spandex, high-performance, high couture of cycling" habit for the "simple & traditional." Who was that bent-over guy streaking by on a 14 1/2 lb. Carbon-Everything $7000 machine?? If you're just discovering Rivendell, set all your bias & prejudice aside - open your mind (and Wallet) and embrace the Art & Elegance of the enduringly simple way to Pedal! And if you're tired of the hoopla & mania surrounding the next lightest and fanciest & most expensive frameset and components, then do yourself a favor and visit the Rivendell Bicycle Works website to learn about a more traditional way to ride. And now back to my Hunqapillar build~ Cheers, Michael D. read more

Rivendell Bicycle Works - Riv Saturday past-time- Vince in Action! - Bikes Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I discovered Riv from their now defunct Book Bike and Hatchet store, which was my favorite stop in downtown. The Rivendell approach was an awesome rabbit-hole to dive into, full of steel, wool, leather, Ultraromance, Bike Snob, analog shifting, big tires, country bikes, ink printed catalogues and books, and all of the coolest aspects of cycling that I love the most. I eventually purchased a Joe Appaloosa, the best all-arounder of all-time and absolutely love my rides up Mt. Diablo from road to trail and back again. Their bikes are not cheap, I've had a variety of bikes over the years, and you get what you pay for. I still have a place for my $100 beater/commuter, but my greatest joy is riding my Riv. read more

Clem L/Appaloosa owner. I'd like another. Staff are knowledgeable. Read the website for product details.

Great customer service, and I didn't even buy a bike!!! Sought their input on a spare frame that I've been researching for months with an extended amount of futility. Finally emailed the team at RBW and got a quick super informative response from Vince. He's got the title "Customer Service Supasta!" on their website, and I gotta say, yes... yes, you are. You just earned my future business! Thanks, RBW! read more

I had left a bad review several years ago and wanted to correct it to reflect the service id recieved over my last few visits this year. I bought a bike from them, and honestly nobody else designs a bike like they do. The customer service was excellent and theyre always very friendly and chatty. I would recommend them to anyone! read more

There's no one in the cycling industry more passionate about getting more people on bicycles than the staff at Rivendell. I've been a loyal customer since 98 and will continue to be a loyal customer for a really looong time. No fancy riding suits required! Love you guys read more

I just called to ask Grant whether his shop had any experience with a brand of bike I was thinking of buying. It was my first contact ever with the shop, and the bike I was asking about was not one that they sell. When Grant heard what I was thinking of buying, he strongly suggested that I think twice, and offered to find a list of bikes in my price range (topping out at $400) that I would be happier with. None of which they sell, as far as I know, as they are a higher-end shop. How awesome is that? Grant is very passionate, and (if possible) even more knowledegable. read more

I have been a fan of Rivendell since 1997 and a customer since 1999. Over the years, I have purchased 4 bicycles, countless bike-accessory items, and many articles of clothing, as well as attended several group rides and other events. Grant and his team are a pleasure to work with and to know. If you are in the market for a bicycle, I hope that you will give them your full consideration. You will not be disappointed. I would emphasize that I am very fond of their clothing line, "MUSA." I recently spent 3 weeks in Magyarorszag (e.g. Hungary), and dressed in Rivendell shirts and pants almost everyday. Lightweight, super-high-quality duds, perfect for any adventure, with or without your bike. I am not related-to, nor do I have anything to gain from praising Riv. I am just a solid, life-time fan of Rivendell and all they have accomplished. read more

I've been to Rivendell twice now. The staff are so friendly, the bikes are beautiful and the setting is perfectly casual. I am so happy to live close enough to visit! read more

I've made three trips to Rivendell and each time I've been completely impressed with the quality of service and their drool worthy bikes. Not all bike stores treat ladies with respect (incorrectly making the assumption we don't know much about bikes) but the Riv guys treated me like one of the guys and took the time to help me find the correct parts to restore my vintage french bike. Recently, I had to call the shop to see if they had a part in store before making the trek to Walnut Creek and Grant (the owner) answered the phone. Not only was he super patient as I explained my dilemma, but he sent me a straddle wire for my center-pull brake in the mail - free of charge. It was a really nice thing for him to do and forever made me loyal to Riv. read more

I love going here- even tho I don't own a Rivendell bike. at some point would love to have one but for now content w my Bridgestone. really agree w the philosophy of utility and longevity in products- plus these bikes are just darned beautiful in the detail, colors, carrying options, etc. I find the staff very warm, knowledgable and enjoyable. read more

I'd been out to Rivendell a couple of times with my fella (who is a huge fan) and finally went on my own today... I only needed a saddle and had some ideas about what I wanted, but the staff took the time to measure my PBH and let me spend almost two hours trying different bike/saddle combinations (including making all the tiny little adjustments I requested) until I made up my mind. I'm relatively new to cycling and don't have many clear preferences yet, but Kevin was incredibly patient and helpful! I was SO impressed that these guys offered so much time and effort for a relatively minor purchase. Other bay area bike shops have just pointed me towards packaged saddles hanging on a wall and left me to figure it out on my own - the Riv guys made sure I got what worked best for me (and I got to ride some fabulous bicycles). Excellent customer service, great (and unbiased) advice, practical and high-quality products. Hooray! read more

Over the years I've ordered many parts and components from Rivendell, and hope to order a frame soon. Seriously, this is the best and most relevant bike manufacturer out there today. Their service is incredible, and everyone I've talked to over the phone goes above and beyond to support you. If you haven't done so already, go to their website and prepare to be floored by the amount of invaluable information. Even the product descriptions hold useful tidbits on anything bike-related. Rivendell is the best, hands down. read more

Very welcoming and friendly. Weirdly enough, I came in the store looking for a Grandfors Bruks axe, but I received excellent service and a handpicked axe. Being a cyclist also myself, the bikes looked beautifully made. Environment was casual, relaxed, and easy-going. Thank you Roman! read more

My daughters bicycle had a flat tire. I called down to Gavin, who despite them not being in the practice of repairing children's bikes, told me to come down as he could tell I was in a jam. He and Vince were incredibly gracias, funny, and thoughtful. They repaired my daughters bike tire free of charge and kept the kids entertained the whole time. I tried to pay them for their troubles but they just seemed happy to help. Clearly people that just love bikes and helping people out. I fee pretty lucky to have stumbled on this place. read more

Even if you don't ride bikes, the annual membership at $20 is worth it just for the Rivendell Reader, Grant Petersen's ruminations about bikes. I have a sweet A. Homer Hilsen-inspired ride, lugged steel, cloth bar tape, dura ace, and platform pedals. Haven't taken it on an overnight yet but can't wait to... A visit is also well worth it. Have them measure your PBH! $20 buck for the sweetest MKS pedals = $$. Everything else in the catalog is $$$-$$$$. read more

This is a great store. Not only for it's bikes and books but for it's hatchets. The staff is very helpful and generally interested in helping and talking to you. The bikes are truly unique and wish I could own one (they are very expensive). I stop buy this store a lot and love popping in. The owner Grant is very nice and loves his Bob Dylan. I recommend checking out Rivendell and seeing what their store has to offer. read more

A true gem of a bike shop because they are not trying to be something they are not. I recently traveled to Europe and happened to pop into several bike shops and Rivendell has the same feel. If your idea of a bike shop is $10k carbon fiber bikes and overstyled and overpriced Lycra clothing that you're going to wear on your ride to Starbucks/Peet's Rivendell may not be the place for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate cycling humble beginnings and chatting with mechanics that actually know a thing or two about bikes and cycling history Rivendell is the place for you. I stopped in today to pick up a brass bell and a brooks saddle. I was greeted by Grant and he was very helpful and I enjoyed joking around with him. Just a really cool and down to earth vibe here. I'll be back. read more

This is a great store with beautiful bikes and a nice assortment of books and great quality wool clothing..and hatchets..and soap..and coffee makers...and wooden ties? A strange combo indeed, but a great store and Keven is a fine gentleman and scholar! I will be back! read more

I walked in to admire the gorgeous bicycles, but noticed they also had a small selection of books. Not just books on bikes, but well-chosen volumes. I purchased a book on sailing and one on Edward Lear. The owner and the shop assistant both helped me, so I can say my customer experience was great. A unique store, this place gets a Gold Gato Jam! read more

Rivendell Bicycle Works - Book sticker from the Rivendell Bike Book & Hatchet store. Great stuff. - Bikes Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

An excellent bike maker and bike shop to boot, Rivendell should be a preferred destination for anyone who cares about cycling as a way of life. I purchased an Atlantis from them a couple of years ago, and they were wonderful all the way. I spoke with two of their Saturday guys, and they let me test ride a few bicycles in different sizes. Any questions I had about the assembly and parts were discussed in detail on the phone with Brian and Rich. They said it would take 4 months, but the bike was done in 2 months and a few days. Needless to say, the bike has been wonderful, a plush and dependable ride that inspires me to explore places on two wheels. In a bicycling industry that is obsessed with selling speedy, super-light bicycles, Rivendell comes across as very strange. Almost everything that Rivendell sells is aligned with a vision of cycling as a practical, non-competitive and fun way of life. So, if you are looking for cycles and good accessories for the purpose of commuting, touring, hauling groceries and kids, or just tooling around town, this is a great shop to go to. I've been there several times, and there is always lively and engaging conversation to be had. I lived in the Boston area for many years, and used to enjoy the conversations at bike shops there. Here in the Bay Area, such shops are few and far between. Most shops cater to the lycra-and-carbon clientele that I don't have much in common with. So, for me, Rivendell is a breath of fresh air. read more

I am a Kentuckian, 68 years old, former bike racer. Rivendell bikes have put the joy back into pedaling. Beauty, comfort and practicality all in one package. Riders often complement my bike. The position is great and I don't notice much difference in speed with the wide tires and the narrow tires on my road race bike. The softer ride is well worth the trade off. These bikes seem expensive but after you ride one built the way they recommend you realize it is, in fact, a bargain. I own 2, one for road, one for off road riding. My other bikes are sitting idle collecting dust and will be sold. Great packing/shipping and wonderful phone service. Great web site. I doubt that anyone is ever sorry they bought/ride a Rivendell. read more

I've enjoyed Grant Petersen's designs since....well, let's just say he once worked for another Bicycle company and leave it at that. If you are wondering what they are about, no review here can really do it justice - they have copious writings on their website regarding their approach to bicycle design, fit, component choices and clothing for cycling. They design and sell quality bicycles of lugged steel. They aren't afraid to pursue designs which aren't trendy or even accepted. But those ideas are always honed from real-world use and testing. Everyone in the company rides, and they have an honest sensibility about what they like. Plenty of places will sell you this year's hot bike. Rivendell will sell you the bike you want to have for your life. I have two bicycles from them. They are quite different from one another, but they have faithfully carried me over the hills, roads and trails of the greater SF area. I always find things I need when I visit or go to their site - tires, caps, wool, racks and more. If my items are shipped, they are packaged with stunning attention to craft. I've taken friends and acquaintances there just to show them that there's life beyond carbon fiber, low clearance, ultimately single-purpose race-derived bicycle designs. Some have stepped up and bought Rivendells. Others have elected to save for later, some have not understood. In all cases, the staff there have been upbeat, gracious and helpful in their advice and information. Just one other note - Rivendell Bicycle Works is a lot of things, but it is not a "bike shop". They sell the stuff they design and use on the bicycles they developed and sell. There are plenty of spots that have a wider variety of stuff, and many more that cater to the "modern" idea of quick-wearing and proprietary components. The "Showroom" is open Fridays and Saturdays. And though there are always folks there midweek, you do have to be a bit self-sufficient if you show up during the work week. read more

Disclaimer: I worked at Rivendell for about 4 years, and love bikes, so maybe I'm a little biased . . . :-D As an impressionable young bike nut working at the campus bike shop in FL, I (we) dreamed of the Bay Area and the bike culture it cultivated and the mysteries it held. I couldn't wait for my first Critical Mass and to ride Mt. Tam as the "first mountain bikers" (there's a reason I put that in quotes ;-) ) did. And we all of course loved the Bridgestone catalogues and the writing of a certain Grant Petersen. He taught us that lugs were cool, planned obsolescence was bad, long product development cycles were A Good Thing, steel was more environmentally friendly for a bike frame than AL or Ti, and that a bike frame should be able to have it's tubes replaced without junking it. Oh yeah, and you should always be able to switch back to friction shifting if your indexing failed. Oh yeah, and that it was OK to look like you just hopped off the set of The Sound of Music and onto a bicycle-with-a-basket to saunter through the countryside. I always hewed to the more traditional, less complex side of bike culture, being the last to adopt clipless pedals in my group, and always keeping a friction option on my shifters. Then I moved out to SF, got a job at a bike shop, soon found a part-time opening at Rivendell, and the rest was history. I was fortunate enough to see Rivendell grow from a tiny operation to a moderately sized small business. They design, produce, and source great bike gear that will last. I'm fortunate enough to have 2 of their bikes, and one Heron fixed gear. Their short sleeve black wooly tees are the most versatile running and biking garment I can think of. I have to confess to running these days more than biking, although I always bike to work. But there's the black wooly always waiting for me on crisp Oakland mornings. Wool doesn't stink like synthetics! Not for a long time, at least. I'd rather smell like a damp sheep than a rotten onion (synthetics) any day. Ever been in a public place and had a dirty cyclist or runner walk by you, stinking like onions? Not so with wool! I could write a novel about the many virtues of Rivendell, but just check out their website for yourself. And if you buy nothing else from them, everyone could use a shortsleeve black wooly! And if someone randomly asks you your pubic bone height, don't reach for the mace! ;-) They're probably just a friendly bike geek trying to make sure you fit comfortably on your bike. The articles in the Rivendell Reader alone will make you at least 10% smarter, you have my personal guarantee! ;-) read more

Over the past 10+ years I've mail ordered a number of parts from Rivendell. They carry my favorite Nitto quill stem, the Technomic Deluxe, which I have on both my old road and cross bikes. When I went to outfit my cross bike I had a difficult time finding high quality cantilever brakes in silver, so I gave Rivendell a call. Sure enough they had an old pair of Ultegra brakes stashed away and were kind enough to part with them. You can bet that my new road bike will be donning Velox bar end plugs. Sure they're a tad eccentric (as in twine and shellac handlebars eccentric), but aren't we all? read more

Riv is more a mail order/distro office than a traditional bike shop, but you can still stop by, especially on Saturdays. They have good prices on many otherwise hard-to-find bike parts, accessories, and clothing, including many of their own design. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Even though their main business is in new framesets, they're happy to help you rehab your old bike, and they stock parts that work well with older frames. Of course, the Riv bikes are amazing and unlike anything else on the road, but the shop has a lot to offer even if your price range is a little lower. They don't stock every part ever, but what they do stock is smart, useful, and well-chosen. read more

Rivendell has a very informative website and their friendly staff is even more informative! I brought by my old 1993 mtn bike which I'm converting into my new commuter to get some advice on any upgrades/servicing it might need. I ended up getting some advice on hub adjustments and economical ways to raise the handle bar height from Grant himself. I left there with a new handle bar, new cabling, cool cork grips (at least this winemaker thinks so!) and some new pedals. And I also now know my PBH! The only bad thing I can say is that working on my commuter has really brought out the worst of my OCD, even more so than making wine. Thanks Grant, Vince, Mark, Jay, Scott & Miesha! read more

Rivendell is more of an institution than a bike shop, if you can consider a rag-tag group of misfits working out of a warehouse in Walnut Creek an institution. I'm really grateful that guys like Grant Petersen are able to carve out a small market in an industry that is sadly dominated by carbon fiber, EPO-laced racing bikes and the suckers who buy them. I've only bought racks, a bell and a handlebar from Rivendell, but will definitely be purchasing one of their frames once my beloved Bridgestone finally kicks the dust. Considering that was also designed by Grant, it might be a while still. read more

I have not ridden my bike for a while now. I read these guy's website all the time though and I am about to renew my RR subscription. They keep cycling elegant and simple. It is a pleasure to see the occasional Rivendell, Atlantis, Quickbeam, or other bicycle around town. read more

So I stopped in to pick up a big back rack for this 83 Trek steel framed touring bike that I am restoring.... and it was my birthday and it was slow so Kevin had the time and took the time to offer a test ride on a bunch of their bikes. Wow - the funky looking Hunqapillar is probably the best riding, most comfortable and practical bike I've ever ridden. I think I need to sell all my bikes on Craigs list and buy this one. It's on my wish list / bucket list whatever you call that list. Rivendell - hard to find but worth it. read more

What can't I say about Rivendell? In April, my husband and I drove up from southern California to visit the shop, and we immediately fell in love with their philosophy of cycling as a way of life. We were convinced by the passionate, helpful staff and multiple test rides to purchase two amazing frames (Appaloosa for him, Cheviot for me) and have spent the past 3 months building out our bikes with a great deal of consultation. Will patiently answered our many questions, no matter how random; Rich made solid suggestions and built excellent wheels in record time; and Jenny efficiently packed our many orders, keeping an eye on shipping prices when they were high. I know we have found a like-minded community of cyclists with whom we will be in touch for many years to come. read more

This place was really great, I rode over here to get some pannier bags to make shopping/going to school a lot easier. They literally cost me as much as my entire Peugeot did :P but it was my choice to get the fancy panniers rather than go for one of their nice bags and a basket which would have been less than $100. I was asked if I needed help as soon as I got there, the guy made sure that I really wanted what I was buying and they even helped me put it on my bike and fix a few things after it was on. I've been riding for a few years but I'm still a total noob, I'm glad these guys were so helpful and polite. read more

This place was fantastic and the guys were incredibly helpful. Their bikes are super nice looking and their magazine, Rivendell Reader, is always great to page through. They rewarded us with free 1 year memberships for trekking all the way out from SF. The best part of shopping from these fine folks is the philosophy behind why they make a particular recommendation. Definitely worth a visit. Also, it was made known to me that at least one of the guys working there lives in the city and can bring items you order over the phone in from WC, so if you wanted to place an order and save on the shipping (while also saving the $9 in BART fares) you might ask about that . read more