Secret Platy

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I’ve gotten questions about my no-longer Super Secret Bike, so I’ll answer them here, and attach photos (which you may have already seen on Analog’s Instagram or the Mermaid thread). The photos are courtesy of Analog. I don’t yet have the bike. It was ordered in May, and only now have the parts arrived to make it a whole bike.

I made the decision to make my pair of Rivendells a trio this summer. I made a new goal to run more errands by bike. This was a challenge, because as I’ve said before, the hills/mountains in Vegas are punishing. My raspberry Platypus is set up with only a saddlebag support; I wanted to keep that bike unburdened. The Clem is heavy, and putting a load and then pedaling up the mountain was miserable. So, a 3rd bike, a mixte, with racks and bags was on my wish list. A bike I could load up and lock up, and not worry about. The Rosco Platy was rumored to be arriving in July, and I was hoping for one of those. But news came that they would have beefy tubing and were delayed indefinitely, so I gave up that idea. 

It occurred to me I could try for another Platypus. But the presale was long over and the new Platys were all living with their new owners. BUT, I found one dealer who had a 55 mermaid frame sitting in the box and no one had purchased it. I bought it had the frame sent to Analog and they did a complete build for me in their trademark colorful style. We went with an earthy look; greens and golds on that mermaid paint. We mixed up the brake colors (one side bronze, one side green) and had a lot of fun with colorful spoke nipples and valve stems. The lime pedals slay me. SON makes colorful lights, so we added those as well. And best of all, I got to try Garbaruk - prettier cogs and pulleys might exist but I’m doubtful. This is my first 1x build. The front and rear Nitto racks were saved from previous bikes and will be installed with the lights mounted on them. I will add olive Backabikes on the rear and a Goldilocks Fanny to the bars.

Since the bike was ordered, major life changes have occurred. We moved to southwest Michigan last week, and the Clem would be no trouble on the elevation here. This 2nd Platy is now probably superfluous. But, I’m still overjoyed to have it, and like the other 2 bikes, it will get plenty of miles. The winter has been mild so far and in between the chores of setting up the new house and unpacking our things, I’ve been out on some brief rides. People here keep telling me I need a “beater bike” for the winter, but I just like riding my Rivendells. Should I tell them this is my beater bike? 

A common question I get that I’ll address here: Why don’t you sell the Clem? Or let it be the utilitarian bike?

The Clem will never be for sale. It’s hopelessly sentimental to me. I know it’s hard to believe I’d care more about the Clem than the fancy mermaid Platypus, but I do. That Clem is a hug. Everyone should have one.

Three Rivendells is my limit. No more bikes, ever. I’m set!

Pics in the next post…

Leah

[Leah Peterson]

On Dec 21, 2021, at 8:34 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

I’ve gotten questions about my no-longer Super Secret Bike, so I’ll answer them here, and attach photos (which you may have already seen on Analog’s Instagram or the Mermaid thread). The photos are courtesy of Analog. I don’t yet have the bike. It was ordered in May, and only now have the parts arrived to make it a whole bike.

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[Dorothy C]

Congratulations Leah, I am so happy for you. I know what it is like to buy one Rivendell and love it so much you don’t want to ride anything else. My first was an Appaloosa, followed by a grey Roadini which is now on long term loan with my sister in Wales, Then a Cheviot, then a chameleon Clem (irresistible color), and finally an orange Roadini. I have them all set up differently for different purposes and ride them all equally. 

Your build is stunning. 

[Ben Mihovk]

Leah,

1. Hell yeah! What a bike!

2. I love the pops of green and gold on this build. It looks perfect. The two colors for arms of the v-brakes? Absolute chef's kiss.

3. Whats your gearing? I love a 1x set up that can get less than 1:1 with a big cassette. As much as I love my Atlantis build, I almost never use the granny gear and I daydream about a `1x set up for it. 

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

Ben

[Ryan]

Thanks for telling the story. No, 3 Rivendells is not excessive...don't tell let anyone tell you different! Your Platys are gorgeous! I do like this latest iteration even though I'm normally a silver component kind of gal. The green and gold accents  with the mermaid colour  really pop!

Enjoy and I hope you enjoy your new location! 

Ryan in Winnipeg

[Joe Bernard]

That's just the prettiest bike ever! 

As for having 3 Rivs that's pretty much the bare minimum around here, some of us would consider it a starter package. 🤪

Keeping the Clem: Don't ever sell it! It has the sentimental value and all that pretty red and orange ano and it's supposed to be with you. 

Joe "needs two more Rivs" Bernard 

[Jon Dukeman]

SWEET RIDE😍

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[Roberta]

I love your new not-so-secret Platy.  The greens and golds are rich.  Did you notice also the different color nuts (not sure what they are called) on the fork crown?  The gold color of the chain ring bolts?  the green spacer?  Even the chain has a golden undertone.

And, of course, you know about the ride.

Roberta

[Joe Bernard]

Green and yellow/gold on the fork crown, I totally missed that! The cap that tightens the cassette down is green, too. 

[Leah Peterson]

Joe, that mismatched bolt and brake bridge are my favorite details!

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 21, 2021, at 5:59 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

Green and yellow/gold on the fork crown, I totally missed that! The cap that tightens the cassette down is green, too. 

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[st nick]

That new Platypus is the coolest!

Love the color combos...

You outdid yourself!

Congrats and may you have many joyful and safe miles on Secret Platy.

Paul in Dallas

PS.

I saw some of Garbaruk stuff on their site.

Did most of the color parts come from Garbaruk?

.

[JAS]

It's cool, it's you!  What a colorful bike, fun secret project and exciting reveal; no doubt you'll have many happy miles hauling your groceries and other stuff when the Michigan weather cooperates which could be any day you aren't snowmobiling!  Congratulations, Leah.  I'm really happy for you!

#RivSisters,

Joyce

[Jingy]

"No more bikes, ever. I’m set!"

Famous last words!

Nice bike!

Jim In Mpls

[Dorothy C]

This is my defense 

http://bikeyface.com/2016/01/12/new-shoes/

[Leah Peterson]

You all make a girl feel so good about these purchases. It is good to be among like minds! 

I am really looking forward to seeing this bike in person, but it will be after the New Year when I get back from Christmas in Minnesota. And yes we are having a wild time snowmobiling in the meantime! 

Leah

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 22, 2021, at 9:36 AM, Dorothy C <doroth...@gmail.com> wrote:

This is my defense 

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[Liz Tilton]

Hello from a long-time Rivendell Atlantis rider/first time poster to this group…and congratulations on your beautiful new Platypus, Leah. For more than 15 years, I commuted 26 round-trip, hillyish miles to work two or three days per week on my Atlantis; now I’m 63-years old, no longer commuting to work, and my aging hips make it clear it’s time for a step-through frame, so I entered the Clem lottery. Last week my new Rivendell-built-up Clem arrived, and I fell head over heels at the first pedal stroke. I thought I’d simply take it on an easy first ride to get the feel of the new set up, but I returned home 10 miles later. Somewhere in those miles, my anxieties regarding a longer-wheelbased, heavier bike dissipated. I was sooo relieved.  

This is just to say that I loaded this Clem with racks and baskets etc for hauling …and because I feel the need to replace my Atlantis with a step-through frame for lighter, more carefree rides, I, too, am eyeing a Platypus. :) 

I’ve enjoyed reading all of your posts here…they’ve been invaluable to me as I’ve pondered how to age while continuing to ride an excellent and beautiful bike; and I’m also so grateful for Will and James at Rivendell for their continued reassurances that this 53cm Clem should, in fact, fit 5’3” me. I was both excited and terrified at what would arrive on my porch, and I’m elated that I already love it. 

Liz in Cincinnati, OH

[Abcyclehank]

So happy to have more and more women riding Rivendell bikes.  Kudos to Leah and the many previous original Riv riders who have ridden and posted so many great pictures and stories about biking.  I found Riv because they made bikes large enough for me; but now I am proud to ride beautiful bikes that women have embraced as well.

How do I get Grant to design a 68cm Platypus.  Maybe I will grab a 64cm Clem L but I definitely don’t need a full build.  I have hoarding tendencies.

Ryan Hankinson

West Michigan

[Leah Peterson]

Dear Liz,

I really cannot overemphasize how delighted I am to read your note. Congratulations on a long track record of faithfully commuting on your Atlantis. You are an example to us, #RivSister! Also, congratulations on your retirement - may you have even more happy miles to fill the days.

Let’s talk Clems and Platys. If you end up with both, you’ll join a well-populated group of us (mostly women) who own a Clem-Platy pair. I am not at all surprised that you adore your new Clem. I have said so many times that bike feels like a hero and a hug. 2020 was one of the roughest years of my life and that Clem got me through. It was honestly the best thing I had access to in my grieving process. Because of that, I still associate it with stress-relief, and that is the bike I ride when all is not right in my world. Ah, but the Platypus. It’s a completely different bike and just as essential. Not as convenient to put a leg through, but convenient enough, and also gorgeous. Rides swiftly and easily. Good clean fun! The Clem feels longer and plusher. You’ll fall in love with BOTH. And please, do share your photos. We welcome them! ♥️

#RivSisters,

Leah

On Dec 29, 2021, at 11:32 AM, Liz Tilton <meti...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello from a long-time Rivendell Atlantis rider/first time poster to this group…and congratulations on your beautiful new Platypus, Leah. For more than 15 years, I commuted 26 round-trip, hillyish miles to work two or three days per week on my Atlantis; now I’m 63-years old, no longer commuting to work, and my aging hips make it clear it’s time for a step-through frame, so I entered the Clem lottery. Last week my new Rivendell-built-up Clem arrived, and I fell head over heels at the first pedal stroke. I thought I’d simply take it on an easy first ride to get the feel of the new set up, but I returned home 10 miles later. Somewhere in those miles, my anxieties regarding a longer-wheelbased, heavier bike dissipated. I was sooo relieved.  

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f89d9762-cb77-41e9-bb91-29f7d3756312n%40googlegroups.com.

[JAS]

Liz, congratulations on your Clem!  May you have many pleasurable miles whether for exercise, utility or leisure.  I'm another one of those 2-bike RivSisters.  I got a used Clem first and then the Platy a couple of years later; I love them both for many of the reasons Leah has explained.  I have the Clem set up to haul groceries and ride gravel trails.  The Platy is my "go-fast" bike that still might get a rack sometime.  Because I'm in the rainy (now snowy!) Pacific Northwest, they both have fenders as well.  I've had a hip replacement and find the step-through frame so convenient I'll never go back to a diamond frame.  As you know, these bikes are a delight to ride.

Keep dreaming about that Platy...

#RiveSisters,

Joyce

[Roberta]

Liz,

Your story is so exciting.  You've happily ridden a fabulous bike for 15 years and now it's time for a change up.  Isn't the Clem L marvelous?  I've only ridden one for a short ride or two, but it was smooth, like a Cadillac.  I know it's "heavy" but it sure doesn't ride heavy.  I have a Platy for my step through and retirement (in a few years) bike, and if I had more room, I'd love to have a Clem L, too. 

So, welcome to the board and to being a RivSister!  Many happy miles of smiles, and be sure to post a bike picture if you can. 

Roberta

On Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 12:32:19 PM UTC-5 meti...@gmail.com wrote:

[Leah Peterson]

Secret Platy is shipping soon, but meanwhile the olive Backabike bags (that I hope will be perfect) have arrived. They look gray with a green tint.  Front bag will be the Ron’s Goldilocks Fanny. Here’s the trio. This bike is going places! 

On Dec 29, 2021, at 9:01 PM, Roberta <rcha...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Ryan Frahm]

That is going to be beautiful together! Can’t wait to see some pictures of it out in the wild, enjoy!

[JAS]

This color scheme just keeps getting better!  As always, the anticipation and planning is half the fun.  

Happy New Year to all!

[Roberta]

Those bags look great together.  You have the offset of the bright gold in the Ron's bag (and the bright lime green on the hardware), with the more subdued green.  Also,  the same greens are in the flower petals of the Goldilocks bag as are the bike a back bags.  And, the brass on the bike a back bags suggests the gold of the Goldilocks bag.    The color scheme works so well.   You'll be hauling groceries in no time!

Roberta

[Joe Bernard]

That's a good eye, Roberta. I never would have picked up the green in the goldilocks bag and brass on the Backabikes, and how they pick up other colors on the bike. Everything ties together and it's all spectacular! 

Joe Bernard

[Roberta]

Too much HGTV and family clothing business influences.  

 Leah, will you be getting a RandiJo water bottle holder?

[Doug H.]

I just bought a Randi Jo Bartender Plus on Leah's recommendation. And, Randi Jo wrote a nice message included with the shipment welcoming me as a customer. I really like supporting small businesses and made in the USA products. I highly recommend Randi Jo products.

Doug

[Leah Peterson]

Thanks, everyone! Roberta, I missed most of those details when looking at this bag - good eye. 

Doug, I don’t know. I love Randi Jo bags and have one on each of our bikes because it holds a Hydroflask so well, and having water in the desert was pretty vital. But now I’m in Michigan and might just stuff that Hydroflask in the Goldilocks bag. You can’t beat a Randi Jo for practicality and good looks, but my bars will be overcrowded with all those bags, I fear. We’ll see; it’s probable that I’ll change my mind. I might just really go for it and slather the bike with alllllll the bags. You’ll never see my pretty anodized parts under all this waxed canvas! 

And if that’s the case, I might choose this one:

On Jan 1, 2022, at 10:40 PM, Doug H. <dhansf...@gmail.com> wrote:

I just bought a Randi Jo Bartender Plus on Leah's recommendation. And, Randi Jo wrote a nice message included with the shipment welcoming me as a customer. I really like supporting small businesses and made in the USA products. I highly recommend Randi Jo products.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/761d5572-ccff-439e-80ae-b29ad840135bn%40googlegroups.com.

[Leah Peterson]

Favorite things, continued: bright lime cog, filigreed metal that is the pulley/cage, mismatched brakes and bolts…

On Dec 21, 2021, at 8:07 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Joe, that mismatched bolt and brake bridge are my favorite details!

[Leah Peterson]

The Secret Platy is finally home and it’s too cold and icy to ride it. But, it’s a Platy so it gets 5 stars. Here are some glamour shots of my favorite things about the Secret Platy, as well as photos of my Pair ‘O Platys and my trio of Rivendells. I’ll do this in a few posts, since it’s going to be photo-heavy…

Favorite things: new green and gold bags, gold headlight, colorful, earthy spoke nipples, gold chain…

On Dec 21, 2021, at 8:07 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Joe, that mismatched bolt and brake bridge are my favorite details!

[Leah Peterson]

I forgot the green taillight!

And lastly, the group:

On Jan 11, 2022, at 5:07 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



[Joe Bernard]

Do the kids still say legit? Your new Platy is LEGIT! 🙌

[Doug H.]

Strangely enough the kids around here say 'sick', so the Play is sick!  And that's supposed to be a compliment but that just sounds wrong though to my ears. It is too legit to quit!

Doug

[Joe Bernard]

The three of them all lined up together is a LOT. All so tastefully and brilliantly executed by Leah and the Analog crew.. excellent work! 👏👏👏🏆🏆🏆

Joe "bows down" Bernard 

[Roberta]

I'm aging my self, but we used to say "cool." But in your case if one could extrapolate English,  "freezing x 3"  :)   All beautiful.

I love the color and the placement on the headlamp on the mermaid green bike. 

[JAS]

Just a beautiful trio of Riv-ish-ness!  It's a home-run, a hat trick, a swish....whatever the sport analogy of excellence, you've done it and I'm really happy for you.  Thanks for the photos of all the cool parts (yes, Roberta, I think we're in the same age range) and colors.  What creativity from Analog...so well done.

I recently got a grey/silver saddle bag from a list member for my Platypus and it's very handy but doesn't give me a thrill like blue.  Leah, since you've got the blue bags and that's my favorite color, would you be willing to post a photo of your mermaid Platy with the blue bags attached?  I'd love to see the color combo; it would help me consider the option of a blue bag for my Platy instead of the grey/silver.  It's all about the color you know....I should be happy with the grey/silver BagBoy and just go ride but my color sense is beckoning for something else.  I haven't sprung for a blue one thinking it might detract from the frame color which is somewhat subtle.  There's also fun options from Swift.   Here's a photo from a recent ride to demonstrate my color dilemma.

BTW, pictured here is my new Klean Kanteen thermos which is a fantastic way to carry a hot drink on a cold-weather ride.

#RivSisters,

Joyce

[Ryan]

I always thought the raspberry Platypus was a stunner but that mermaid one is something else with those nifty color accents!  I can't decide which one I like the best! 

Nice job, Leah and Analog!

As Bill Lindsay says...APPROVE👍👍👍👍❤

[Leah Peterson]

Joyce: here’s a blue bag. I didn’t attach the Backabikes because it’s cold out here! But here is my aqua Clementine with the blue bags attached. Hope this helps…

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 12, 2022, at 10:22 AM, Ryan <ryte...@mts.net> wrote:

I always thought the raspberry Platypus was a stunner but that mermaid one is something else with those nifty color accents!  I can't decide which one I like the best! 

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[JAS]

Thanks, Leah!  I appreciate your help and now I will contemplate my options.