The difference between The CABE and Bikeforums.net: Asking that question here has me answering as #10 over a period of nine days. Asking it at the other forum, we'd already be on page 12 of the comments, at least two members would be at the point that you never, ever put them within arm's reach of each other, and tempers are flaring. And it happens every time someone starts a thread on the brand.
As had been mentioned, Rivendell is the brainchild of Grant Peterson, one of the more important figures in the American lugged steel frame bicycle philosophy. In geometry, materials used, and intent, a Rivendell is, by design, as far away as you can get from a modern carbon fiber racing bike. And Grant's attitude in cycling is as far as you can get from the lycra-clad "Lance Armstrong" rider.
His bikes are excellent. And expensive. And desirable. At the Westminster, MD swap meet I've never seen one for sale for less than four figures. And, to a lot of owners, they're as much of a religious experience as they are a bicycle (the closest parallel I've seen is Brompton's among the folding bike crowd). There's a lot of philosophy behind them, if you're curious the website is rivbike.com.
Grant's currently on a new quest - rethinking the mountain bike, which in his eyes has degenerated to a pedal-powered motocross bike.
You've been given something wonderful there. Hopefully, at least one of them is in your size. Enjoy. I'm jealous as hell.