Originally Posted by
Happy Feet
I can see both sides.
If you don't want to do a lot of prep work a ready made frameset is nice. With a good eye, patience and elbow grease you can strip and refinished an old school rigid mtb for $50-$100. That savings allows me to add components to my bikes like Brooks saddles, good tires and nice grips if I choose.
I enjoy the process of the latter as a hobby in itself so the price differential is too great for me, but I don't look down on others who see it different.
Sure, of course, old frames are usually perfectly roadworthy. But if you look at a Riv, and look at the alternatives, they are downright bargains -
if you want a new frame, and you like their frames. (Rim brakes, loads of tire clearance, etc.) I wouldn't mind having one just for the "wow" factor, because they really are gorgeous -- and for a particular set of preferences, they are terrific machines. But I already have a bike to fill that niche.
I'm gonna bet that the OP has never seen a Riv in person. I've never seen one that was short of
stunning.