Rivendell Romulus - 2016 update by Brett Via Flickr: 2004 Romulus frame with custom paint, now over 12 years old! I haven't posted for years but wanted to post an update because I use other people's photos for ideas and wanted to contribute something that someone may find useful at some point. Lots of trail riding these days with the Romulus, and some recent "upgrades" are worth highlighting. - Gearing was changed to 42/26 with 8 speed 11-32 providing much lower gearing for steep trail riding and eliminating high gears I never used. - Finally ditched the Campy ergo levers and went to friction bar-end shifters. I don't know why I kept using brifters for so long as I always found them awkward to use. I like this setup so much better - should have followed the "Rivendell way" from the beginning. - Albastache handlebar. I always used a 44cm Noodle before but rarely used the drops. I love this bar because I can get more aggressive if I want riding trails or just sit back and relax as if they were Albatross bars. That is maroon Newbaum's with amber shellac. - Compass Barlow Pass 38mm tires (standard). After riding nothing but Jack Browns for many years the difference was astounding, especially on rough trails. I'll never go back, even though I have to deal with the occasional flat tire now. This bike has now been in 2 serious accidents (one 12 years ago, and one earlier this year) that added "steel" to my own frame (in the ankle first and more recently, clavicle) but the Romulus came through without a scratch.
