Vivente World Randonneur

pubtourer

At the risk of starting another "which is the best touring bike?" thread, I'd be grateful for any experience/opinions on the Vivente World Randonneur. This bike started life as a Gemini in the 1980s and was more recently badged Mongoose.

It comes well spec'd at AUD1,750, including Tubus racks front and rear, mudguards, dynamo hub and STI shifters:

http://www.viventebikes.com//product/cid/6/category/WORLD%20RANDONNEUR/parent/0/t/product

The hub is not much of a drawcard for me as battery operated LEDs are so good and cheap these days, I wonder why they bothered. Is the hub likely to give any problems in terms of wheel strength and spokes?

Not sure about the sloping top tube either - any thoughts?

The other choice is the Surly LHT. It is available here as a "complete" bike for about AUD1,500 but by time you add mud guards, pedals and rack etc, it comes to a bit more that the Vivente. It certainly looks more like a classical touring bike. Unfortunately, I have not been able to ride one. I know that it has a keen following.

One key difference is the bar-end vs STI shifters. I would be happy to use bar-ends but have never owned a bike with STI.

Of course the Trek 520 is another possibility but at AUD2000 for the basic bike, I don't think that it represents the same value and the Vivinte and Surly. Have also looked at and riden a Fuji but found it relatively cheaply spec'd compared to the others.

All contributions welcome!

Thanks

cyclemanx

I've toured extensively on the Mongoose aluminium framed version for several years.
Although, its basically a good touring bike. I eventually fitted straight bars, two bigger rear cogs, longer reach rear derailleur, mudguards and pannier racks.
The frame is very rigid and transmits a lot of vibration and stress to my arms and upper body.
My old steel framed hack is much kinder to me physically, so I would dearly like to fit a Vivente Chromo frame to the Randonneur.
As you say, the front dyno hub and lighting system is totally superflous.
I have emailed Vivente several times suggesting how they could make a better touring bike, but they believe in their own hype, and don't bother to reply.

pubtourer

Thanks for the reply.

Since my post, my touring mate and I have each bought the Vivente and we are both delighted with our choice. They are a really comfortable and solid touring bike.

Like you I used to tour on an Al frame - a Rayleigh Oversized Aluminium - and found it very harsh in comparison with the CrMo steel frame.

Whilst I could never justify the cost of the dynamo hub and lights for the small amount of night riding that I do, I have to say that they are fantastic - see by rather than been seen.

The only possible downside of their standard spec is the relatively tall gearing. I love the tall top gear (can comfortably pedal to 70km/h) but find myself in bottom gear rather too quickly on the hills.

Happy touring

cyclemanx

Thanks for the reply.

Since my post, my touring mate and I have each bought the Vivente and we are both delighted with our choice. They are a really comfortable and solid touring bike.

Like you I used to tour on an Al frame - a Rayleigh Oversized Aluminium - and found it very harsh in comparison with the CrMo steel frame.

Whilst I could never justify the cost of the dynamo hub and lights for the small amount of night riding that I do, I have to say that they are fantastic - see by rather than been seen.

The only possible downside of their standard spec is the relatively tall gearing. I love the tall top gear (can comfortably pedal to 70km/h) but find myself in bottom gear rather too quickly on the hills.

Happy touring
Would you mind pricing a Cromo frame in Australia for me?
Although Vivente have agents in NZ - I haven't seen any stocked in the Auckland area , where I live.

pubtourer

Would you mind pricing a Cromo frame in Australia for me?
Although Vivente have agents in NZ - I haven't seen any stocked in the Auckland area , where I live.Hi,

I have just received the following response from the Vivente distributor ( noelmcf@geminibicycle.com.au ):

It is my intention to offer a frame and fork package - probably late in 2009.

Which probably means that it is coming but don't hold your breath.