In the wake of the Zwift Ride launch, a challenger appears from Caveworks
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For those who loathe transferring their bike on and off the stationary trainer but love incorporating a good indoor session, even in the summer months, there’s now a burgeoning market sector offering indoor-specific bike frames to be used in conjunction with a trainer as a more economical option to full bore smart bikes or stationary bikes.
Caveworks is a small, Colorado-based company and the Rivet its flagship product.
(Image credit: Caveworks)
The goal of the Rivet is to “deliver value without sacrificing a minimum standard of quality – less plastic, more metal,” the brand says. The frame of the Rivet is made of steel, true to Caveworks’ goal.
The Rivet is designed not only to work with third-party technologies such as the Wahoo Kickr Climb and most direct-drive smart trainers, but it is also meant to be a tool for assisting with bike fit optimization and is a “one-size-fits-most” frame with a 450mm, 30.9mm diameter seatpost and a proprietary adjustable stem that should work for those in the 4’10” to 6’6” height range.
It is important to note, though, that the Rivet is not a “smart” indoor bike the way the Zwift Ride is. The Rivet is compatible with smart trainers and its complete build features shifters, but the frame itself does not feature the ability to impact in-software actions like “Ride On Bombs” or steering in Zwift the way the Ride does.
Caveworks says the Rivet’s geometry can replicate bike fit measurements for endurance and performance road bikes, mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes and time trial bikes.
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Rivet riders have the option to swap out the Rivet’s 30.9mm seatpost for another 30.9mm seatpost of their choosing, and the Rivet replicates most achievable saddle-to-handlebar drop, regardless of handlebar preference.
(Image credit: Caveworks)
Calling out the Zwift Ride specifically in its press release, Caveworks notes that the Rivet weighs in at less than 30 pounds across all of its build options, which range from the frameset to including a full Shimano 1×12 drivetrain. The Ride’s frame comes in at about 38 pounds in contrast.
The Rivet also offers standard component compatibility which means riders can swap in components of their choosing, improving serviceability as well.
There are three configurations of the Rivet available for purchase, and Caveworks estimates that Rivets will begin shipping in October 2024.
Frameset: $749.99; introductory special: $699.99
Includes Rivet frame, proprietary stem, seat collar, thru-axles, clamps, UDH. Ready for rider customization.
Complete build, ready to ride out of the box, with a Shimano GRX 1×12 speed drivetrain.
International availability:
The RIVET will be available to markets outside of the U.S. Prices will depend on the exchange rate for all international markets at the time. Pricing will automatically adjust on the website determined by the location it is viewed from.
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Component
Specs
Frame
4130 steel, 12x142mm rear axle spacing, 12x110mm front axle, 30.9mm seatpost, 68mm, BSA threaded bottom bracket, front-end spacers level the front end for a range of thru-axle direct-drivesmart trainers, 2 water bottle cage options positioned on the front legs
Stem
Proprietary adjustable stem, 6061 aluminum, 120mm of fore-aft adjustment, all achieved with a quick turn of the adjustment knob.
Handlebar
42cm, 16 degree flare, bar tape: Ergon BT Allroad, 2.5mm thick for comfort
