Who is getting a Platypus?

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I can never tamp down my excitement over the Riv mixtes and have given up trying. I’m SO excited that there is a paddle of Platypuses on the water, heading to Rivendell as I type this. I remember the excitement of the 2020 Platypuses (which were delivered in 2021); they were gone in minutes. Heartbreak and jubilee ensued and then came the waiting. 

But the wait is nearly over because the presale is the 19th. I’m keen to know if these will sell out as quickly or if demand and availability will have evened out by now. 

Who is purchasing a Platypus? 

Leah

[Eric Daume]

There is still one Rosco Plat in 60cm of each color available, so maybe supply and demand are balancing out. At least for the taller folks. 

Eric

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[Johnny Alien]

I think they will sell pretty quick but not as lightning fast as they did during the pandemic.

On Monday, October 10, 2022 at 4:13:58 PM UTC-4 Eric Daume wrote:

There is still one Rosco Plat in 60cm of each color available, so maybe supply and demand are balancing out. At least for the taller folks. 

Eric

On Monday, October 10, 2022, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

I can never tamp down my excitement over the Riv mixtes and have given up trying. I’m SO excited that there is a paddle of Platypuses on the water, heading to Rivendell as I type this. I remember the excitement of the 2020 Platypuses (which were delivered in 2021); they were gone in minutes. Heartbreak and jubilee ensued and then came the waiting. 

But the wait is nearly over because the presale is the 19th. I’m keen to know if these will sell out as quickly or if demand and availability will have evened out by now. 

Who is purchasing a Platypus? 

Leah

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[David Person]

It would seem that demand is mirroring that of the housing market.  Decidedly cooler than 12 months ago when Platys and house listing were sold out in mere hours. 

[Doug H.]

I imagine quite a few have sold but Riv not being able to offer many complete builds may be reducing sales. Hopefully they can get caught up on the backlog of builds in the queue. And, the Rosco version of the Platypus was just released recently so that fulfilled some people's wish for a mixte type road bike.

Doug

[Joe Bernard]

Are these frames being sold as unprepped? I'm not clear on where they are with that now but it would certainly slow down my "buy" finger if I knew I still had to install the fork, adjust the headset, chase the threads and check the derailer hanger adjustment. 

Joe "I don't know how to do the last two parts" Bernard 

[Joe Bernard]

I'm speaking in general terms. I'm not buying a frame! 

[Leah Peterson]

I think the presale still went really well, even if they did not sell out of frames. Honestly, I’d like to be able to send people to Rivendell and them to actually have bikes available when I do. There have been many times I’ve been asked about my bike but Rivendell doesn’t have any for purchase. I’ve spent lots of time combing through the internet in hopes of finding a used one for a friend or a stranger on the internet. So, this is good.

Side story: My best friend from Vegas (who moved out of state soon after I did) got a used Platypus from the List. She has a carbon bike and is a triathlete, so I wasn’t sure how it would go. But she loves her new bike. LOVES it. Hers is mermaid and she put pink and white accents on it.

Back to business. Did the dealers get allotments of the Platypuses? I haven’t seen anything on Instagram about it. I think Rivendell started with 50 frames per size at the presale. I hope there is an explosion in the Platypus population out on the roads soon. Which may be the case, since Riv isn’t doing the builds and probably not the prep, either. The turnaround time should be a lot faster. 

On Oct 20, 2022, at 10:22 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm speaking in general terms. I'm not buying a frame! 

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[Ryan Frahm]

I read in the email that they aren’t doing prep for now and they only took on 15 more builds. They are pretty backed up on builds! It is nice for anyone on the fence that they didn’t sell out instantly, hopefully it doesn’t hurt Riv to have some inventory for a bit. 

[Piaw Na]

Yes. They are no longer installing forks unless you're picking up in person. Nowadays there are many mobile bike shops who will come to your home to do the bike build if you can't do it yourself, though I don't know if those bike vans have frame alignment tables. But I wouldn't attribute the slower than usual sales to the lack of frame prep. It could be that they recently just sold a bunch of Rosco Platypus, and it could also be that they had a larger than usual shipment of bikes.

On Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 7:21:33 PM UTC-7 Joe Bernard wrote:

[Richard Rose]

Rivendell Instagram page indicates only “a few of each size” still available. Sounds like the sale went pretty well?

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 20, 2022, at 7:13 PM, David Person <cycli...@gmail.com> wrote:

It would seem that demand is mirroring that of the housing market.  Decidedly cooler than 12 months ago when Platys and house listing were sold out in mere hours. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/591caaa0-0d0f-41d7-bc48-161809cfe47fn%40googlegroups.com.

[Jason Fuller]

As of this moment, there are 20x 50cm, 13x 55cm and 32x 60cm available. You can tell by how many it lets you add to cart.  

Must have been a big batch! Or they're selling slowly - likely, most people who want one got one on the last sale.  I suspect there will be 60's for a while, but the 55's won't last all that long. Long enough that there's no reason to complain about missing out, which is nice.  

[Joe Bernard]

Leah, 

I totally agree that having some frames left in stock is MUCH better than what we've been looking at the last couple years, I just had this exact conversation with another list member yesterday. I think it's great that - for the moment at least - people will be able to notice a Platypus frame on the internet...and buy it! 

Joe Bernard 

On Friday, October 21, 2022 at 4:29:48 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Bill Lindsay]

I just bought a 50cm for my wife.  She had a 52cm Yves Gomez which was a hair big for her, and we wanted fatter tires.  I set up a Black Mountain La Cabra for her and she likes it OK, but really prefers a step through.  I'm going to set hers up with Rene Herse 48mm tires and she'll be in good shape.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Leah Peterson]

I’m excited to hear how she likes it, Bill. It is a long and luxurious creature; should feel very novel if she’s been riding her Yves. I hope she rides the tires bald!

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 21, 2022, at 5:17 PM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:

I just bought a 50cm for my wife.  She had a 52cm Yves Gomez which was a hair big for her, and we wanted fatter tires.  I set up a Black Mountain La Cabra for her and she likes it OK, but really prefers a step through.  I'm going to set hers up with Rene Herse 48mm tires and she'll be in good shape.  

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[DavidP]

Well, I just placed an order for a 60cm - my first Riv! Ordered 65cm Toscos with the frame and a Jim 13-34t cassette.

I have a bit of a head start on some of the other parts but am still working out some details for the build.

Excited to join the Platy bus! (Platy wagon?)

-Dave

[Luke Hendrickson]

I believe so. The der hanger adjust isn’t so bad (I work at a bike shop so there’s that!), but I didn’t know that the threading needing chasing, too. 

On Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 7:21:33 PM UTC-7 Joe Bernard wrote:

[Scott Luly]

Joe:

I talked to Riv earlier this week about purchasing an Atlantis and posed a few questions about F/F prep. I'm not here to make a blanket statement about how all F/F are handled before they depart Riv, but I was told they receive the Atlantis F/F with headset already installed and that a F/F I purchase would not have the hanger checked/aligned before sent to me. My "guess" is they may not even unpack the F/F when they receive it. There wouldn't be any reason for them to open it up, if nothing is to be done on F/F. Maybe they are so busy it's easier to just place a new shipping label on the box and out it goes. I live in rural Montana and am a little bummed I have to travel a good distance just to ensure hanger is properly aligned after spending $1750 on a new baby. And I would doubt the threads are chased.

Nothing whatsoever against Riv, just an observation. Seems it should be part of the frame making process to quickly verify proper hanger position somewhere between frame build completion and paint. I'm going to travel and pay to have it done, anyways.

https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/e4948985-b96d-4a7c-959f-898bffa50fben%40googlegroups.com

.

[Piaw Na(藍俊彪)]

Their latest newsletter notes that they open up the box to put in more packing materials (and possibly the seatpost) before repacking it and shipping it. Most bike shops should have a frame alignment table, though around here the shops are pretty impacted as well so it might take a while.

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[lconley]

I would never trust that a frame that had been shipped still has the derailleur hanger aligned. Derailleur hangers get bumped out of alignment all the time even in normal use. Even a Park hanger tool isn't that expensive - about the same price as a mid-grade derailleur, lower priced tools are about the same as an Altus derailleur. One of those tools that I can't live without now that I have one.

Laing

[John Hawrylak]

Scott

AFAIK RBW had stated in the newsletter that they do not want to open the box just to check it sicne they need to ship it in another box.  One can see their logic, especially since they are handling many more frames than 5 years ago, and can't/don't have the time to check them or feel the level of service they provided in the past is just unattainable now,

John Hawrylak

Woodstown NJ

On Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:14:06 AM UTC-4 Scott wrote:

[DavidP]

An Instagram update from yesterday shows Platypus frames are being packed and shipped!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckbmiz_S5GB/

Anyone get a shipping notification for theirs yet?

-Dave

[JohnS]

Thank you  Laing for the derailleur hanger alignment tool tip. I think I'll order this one from Nashbar, only $54.95.

https://www.nashbar.com/super-b-derailleur-hanger-alignment-gauge-silver-tb-1946/p1398199?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWgTQxYdht-0vbnpE-So3anrX8FnoYvXu0tfPrjzHaAV72CFexJOtlkaAtXGEALw_wcB

JohnS

[lconley]

There is one on Amazon for 37.50 that is a clone of the Park:

Laing

[Mark C]

My Rosco Platypus came with the fork off, but lots of extra packing added to the box by Rivendell. I ordered the Park derailleur alignment tool since that is the bike shop standard and not that much money. I was surprised how far the tab was out of alignment, but it was no big deal to put it right. It is probably a good idea to watch a couple videos if you haven't seen one used before. It took me a little longer than expected to finish putting mine together since I had a lot of parts decisions to sort out, but got to ride it the day after the frame arrived. These are amazing bikes.

BTW, I really like how Will routed the rear brake cable on his Platypus more or less straight to the V brake noodle instead of going up then down, so I did something similar. I'm surprised this isn't the standard build now. You can just barely see it with the staff bike pictures on their site.

https://www.rivbike.com/blogs/news/wills-60cm-platypus

I ran just a bit longer housing at the rear and decided that needed a wire tie or twine to bring it closer to the frame. Will's looks shorter/tighter and probably didn't need that.

[Garth]

For RD hanger alignment, I looked at all that was available for high to low. I grew up using the Campy beam style one so I was used to that method using the rear rim to measure off of, and that's the most common. Still, they're rather large and they rely on not only your rear wheel being true, but the all the tolerances of the tool being tight, without play. I bought the Wolf Tooth Pack Hanger Alignment tool instead as it uses the rear axle as the reference point rather than the rim, so it's very compact and even portable for those with bikes with aluminum hangers that go out of alignment easily. Only the quick release kit is needed for bikes like ours. It's very compact and easy to use. Here's a video with JIm Langley on how to use it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxmLuO56e4Y&themeRefresh=1

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/pack-hanger-alignment-tool?variant=14719026790435

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0230/9291/products/WT_Hanger_Alignment_Tool_QR_Kit_02_800x.jpg

[Bill Schairer]

Garth,

Thanks for posting that on the wolftooth pack hanger.  I didn't know about those.  I already have the Park tool but may get the wolftooth tool anyway - looks light, compact,  relatively easy to use, and reasonably priced.  Also, I just like tools.  Possibly something to even take on tour.

Bill S

San Diego

[Tom M]

Thanks, Garth. These are great videos, and the Wolf Tooth tool looks amazing.

Tom Milani

Alexandria, VA, USA

[Brian Forsee]

That wolf tooth tool looks pretty slick, but i'm not sure i'd ever carry one on a tour. When in a pinch, I've had good luck putting an allen wrench in the derailleur mounting bolt (still attached to hanger) and using that as a way to pry the hanger back into shape. You can usually get it good enough. Certainly good enough for friction shifting. How good this works does depend on how deep the tooling is on your derailleur mounting bolt.

Brian

[Bill Lindsay]

For what it's worth, my wife's Platypus build is complete.  Interestingly, in the time this build was in the stand, my wife elected to come out of semi-retirement and took a job.  She's interested in using this mermaid Platy as her new work-commute bike.  We're going to go for a test ride down and up our hill to see if she can manage it.  

Pics prove it's built:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/45758191@N04/52493691449/in/album-72177720303612192/

Build details: 

Pacenti Brevet Rims, Shimano Deore XT M737 hubs.  Blue Salsa Skewers.  584x48 Rene Herse knobbies

2x10 drivetrain.  10sp Shimano barcons on the stem.  Deore XT M750 rapid rise RD. Skeleton Key FD.  Crust Pedals.  Sugino Impel Crankset 170mm.  44/29 TA rings

Choco-normal cockpit from Chris H.  Deore XT M737 V-brakes

Brooks Saddle

TITANIUM King Cage

The rack and basket is going on now.

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Leah Peterson]

Well she is going to love it. And then you might love it, too, but get your own Platypus! 

How was the test ride? I feel like my Platy climbs great, and I hope she felt the same way about hers.

Leah

On Nov 11, 2022, at 7:49 PM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:

For what it's worth, my wife's Platypus build is complete.  Interestingly, in the time this build was in the stand, my wife elected to come out of semi-retirement and took a job.  She's interested in using this mermaid Platy as her new work-commute bike.  We're going to go for a test ride down and up our hill to see if she can manage it.  

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/11fb56c2-0b50-42c6-b485-7cc1a9722b5dn%40googlegroups.com.

[C Lin]

I 50cm Platypus is supposed to arrive tomorrow 11/4

-Carlos in San Diego

[Stephanie A.]

I wish! I just bought a commuter bike this spring and have been busy making changes to it--maybe next year or the year after. Rivs that I wanted were all out of stock in my size when I needed a bike a few months ago.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 9:49:28 AM UTC-4 DavidP wrote:

[Alan Barnard]

I also found the derailleur hanger out of alignment more than usual. Like you said though, not a difficult fix. I also had some brazing material leftover in the left hand bottom bracket threads that required chasing. The Phil Wood retaining cup wouldn’t go in on that side, but was fine after chasing. 

[Alan Craig Barnard]

Hi,

I picked up my 60cm Platypus frame from Riv headquarters last Wednesday (James said I was the first to pick up).

The box was sealed from Taiwan. Upon unpacking, the headset cups were installed, the fork was not, the loose headset parts were in a plastic bag. Installing the fork was not difficult, though I did look up a spec sheet for the headset to be sure I placed the seals in the correct orientation.

Both the derailleur hanger and the bottom bracket shell needed chasing. The drive side of the BB was fine, but there was some brazing material that needed cleaning on the non-drive side. Not a big deal. 

The headbadge was slightly loose, I wrapped a couple of rubber bands around the badge and head tube overnight which solved the problem.

My wheels won’t arrive for another few weeks, I’ll check the derailleur alignment then. 

These are all pretty normal little things you’d expect to encounter on a frame delivered directly from the factory. Overall I’m extremely pleased and the frame is drop dead gorgeous. I’m sort of documenting the build process on Instagram if anyone is interested: @ecovelo.us

Alan

[DavidP]

Alan - I've been following your build and it's fantastic.

Looks like I can get started on mine:

-Dave

[aeroperf]

My wife’s Platypus frame arrived this morning. Woo hoo!
It was packed in fitted cardboard, with paper stock protecting the finish, and arrived in perfect “not prepped” condition.  Kudos!  Headset and seatpost were included in a box (with a Riv bandana!).

I have not a clue about proper brakes or brake levers.  Something silver, for Albatross bars.  Any suggestions?

She wants a front basket, and I have not a clue what would be appropriate (I ride a Sam with a rear rack).  And what front light works best, with said basket?

TL;DR
I had already collected the bars, Nitto NTC110DX stem, DeoreXT FD-781 front derailleur, DeoreXT RD-M772 rear derailleur, Sugino XD2 triple front drive, and bar end shifters.  I’m in the process of building up Velocity Dyad wheels with a SON front generator hub and a DeoreLX rear hub.

[Shoji Takahashi]

To Aeroperf:

Brake levers depend on the brakes you want to install: cantilever or V-brakes use different levers (short vs long pull). The nicest levers I have are from Paul Components, but they're $$$$. Shimano brake levers for short or long pull are nice in my hand (probably better "value").

Front basket depends on how much load she'll likely put in it. For heavier loads (e.g., books, groceries), then look for a rack with supports that go to the front dropout like the Riv Basket Rack. If it's only for light weights (e.g., extra clothing layer), then Marks' rack+basket works fine. 

I think the Mark's rack still has the lightmount on front, and the Riv basket rack has mounts on the picture. With a SON generator, any of the BM front lights would be great. I like BM lights as the lens projects light on the ground with a cut-off so as not to blind path users. I have the IQ-X, which used to be a better value-- w/inflation, I'd probably pay ~$30 extra for the Edelux II. (Probably want the upside down Edelux if you're going with the basket rack, but YMMV.)

Good luck!

shoji

Arlington MA

[aeroperf]

Thanks, shoji.
My mind is still stuck in the side pull era of early Sams and Homers, so I need to get educated, and that helps.

[Scott Luly]

@aeroperf:

I'm hoping this contributes to your education of V-brakes/lever pull.

Pictured is Shimano V-brake lever (BL-950) with pen pointing to the "pitch adjusting screw," as referenced in the other picture (language in Shimano's Service Instructions for BL-950 lever). System only allows me to attach one picture. I'll send a follow-up directly to you.

I include the pictures to note user adjustment is possible, with this particular lever. It allows the rider to change the relationship between lever pull force and brake pad to rim force. For reference, I run my levers at "standard" lever pull setting (I'll call it the "weakest"), which for me allows for some "squish" and adequate progressive modulation; yet still I can easily with two fingers apply generous (dare I say too much) force into the mechanism. I haven't even tried the pitch adjusting screw at "full power" yet, because I get everything I need out of standard position. And, mind you, I like positive braking when I need/want it. "Full power" setting would probably move the braking feel more towards an all-or-nothing. It may be that full force is achievable at either setting, one setting just getting to full force sooner than the other. But I haven't tested to confirm that.

Happy trails,

Scott in Big Sky Country 

On Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 08:06:24 AM MST, aeroperf <dore...@comcast.net> wrote:

Thanks, shoji.
My mind is still stuck in the side pull era of early Sams and Homers, so I need to get educated, and that helps.

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[aeroperf]

Thanks, Scott.  That helps a lot.
I’m going for Tektro linear pull V-brakes, but no decision on levers yet.
I like the adjustable pull on those levers, though.  I hadn’t run into that before.

I’m not trying to hijack this thread, but “Who is getting a Platypus”? implies “and how are you going to build it up?”

[Leah Peterson]

Hijack away! I’m interested! I hope you get it all figured out and show us the photos!

On Nov 16, 2022, at 2:45 PM, aeroperf <dore...@comcast.net> wrote:

Thanks, Scott.  That helps a lot.

I’m going for Tektro linear pull V-brakes, but no decision on levers yet.
I like the adjustable pull on those levers, though.  I hadn’t run into that before.

I’m not trying to hijack this thread, but “Who is getting a Platypus”? implies “and how are you going to build it up?”

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[Alan Barnard]

I’ve been slowly building up my 60cm Platypus over the past few weeks as parts trickle in and I wait for delivery of the custom wheels. I’ve been posting some photos and comments on the build on my IG if anyone is interested. https://www.instagram.com/ecovelo.us/

[aeroperf]

OK, I’ll start a new thread.  Alan - great photos.

[Alan Barnard]

Have fun, David! Looking forward to seeing yours take shape. 

[Alan Barnard]

Thanks! 😊

[lconley]

I got some Shimano levers for my internal gear bikes from Peter White that have two position cable attachments for normal or linear brakes. The right side lever has an integrated thumb shifter for the 8 speed Shimano hub. I don't know if a non-integrated right lever exists.

The Paul Cross-Lever can also be used with either style of brake by repositioning the pivot pin.

Laing

[DavidP]

An update on my build experience so far - the derailleur hanger on my frame was fine, no adjustment to alignment needed. No chasing needed on the hanger threads either. The bottom bracket threads were also fine and the cups threaded in smoothly. The most time consuming part so far has been chasing the threads on the fork crown braze-ons - it took a while to get them cleaned out and accept a screw smoothly. I've never acquired chasing taps so I've always just used a steel screw, working it in and out until the threads are clear. I've seen thread clearing tools made using a sacrificial screw with a slot cut along the length of the threads to allow material to clear while threading it, which probably would've made it go faster.

Out of the box, I noticed the seat collar binder bolt was oddly resistant to turn in either direction; it took an unusual amount of force to get it to tighten and the post still had play. Then while trying to loosen the bolt it snapped in the middle of the shaft. After taking the two halves of the bolt out, I found the nylock nut was bound to the end of the bolt and I was unable to turn it loose using vice grips and a socket wrench. I replaced the bolt with a new stainless M6 x 20mm and a standard, non-locking, M6 nut (with some blue loctite on the bolt). Now everything tightens up (and loosens again) as expected.

-Dave

[Scott Luly]

Dave:

The nylock nut bonding to the bolt sounds like an unlikely phenomenon to me. I just got an Atlantis F/F with same binder bolt set-up and mine turned normally. I wonder if yours was cross threaded because the nut got set cock-eyed in its binder seat when married to bolt. I can't see how nylon would bond to a bolt shaft as to not be removable as you tried. Blue locktite on a standard not is an option, but I wouldn't be opposed to trying a nylock nut again.

Also, chasing threads can be assisted by using a little lubrication of some sort: anti seeze/thread lube compound, Sea Foam, WD-40, most any lube. Even motor oil, not that I would given other options.

Another nifty trick is to start chasing from the opposite side you would typically introduce the bolt. For example on drop out eyelets start from the inboard wheel side. That way if something binds or goes a little wrong you could have second attempt by trying from the outboard wheel side. There have been times when I've had threads start to bugger/bind for one reason or another and it's a simple way to clean things back up by running a bolt through from other side. A second shot at same task, if you will. Assuming it's possible, for example one wouldn't be able to do this on a bottom bracket type scenario since there isn't access from the opposite side.

I'm probably sharing what you already know all well. Just sharing my experiences that have helped me out of a pickle. Tips from friends are always welcome. Even If I already know them...

Scott

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[Scott Luly]

Good idea marking the bolt end. That's clever!

I bet the bolt was shearing when it turned with difficulty despite no change on the end.

I'm always very vigilant and pay critical attention to ensuring threads are engaging before giving it the onion. At times it can be hard to tell given a certain scenario when it's hard to get a good tactile feel.

If I were to install a new bolt and nut, I'd make sure I use tip of my index finger to ensure nut is seat completely and flush with mounting surface. One should be able to feel through a hex wrench the bolt threads passively engaging nut a few rotations before some resistance when the bolt encounters the nylon segment. Sometimes it's helpful to, while lightly applying pressure  to one another (bolt and nut), to rotated the bolt counter clockwise until one feels a very light click. At that point the threads would be very close to engaging and then I would return to a very light clockwise rotation and use the tactile thing to ensure threads are engaging passively.

Blabber, blabber

Again, just my friendly input...

Scott

On Friday, November 18, 2022 at 03:13:03 PM MST, Mark C <wvfi...@comcast.net> wrote:

Oddly enough, I had the same experience with my Rosco Platypus. The seatpost bolt was very tight to turn, but worked sort of okay for almost a week through a few adjustments due to trying different saddles. Then as I was turning onto my street after a ride, the seatpost slammed down. The bolt still seemed to be tight, but I finally marked it and could see that it wasn't turning in the nut even though the bolt turned with difficulty. Then, as I was suspecting and sort of hoping, the bolt broke. I never found the nut so don't know what was up there, but it sure seemed like the threads slipped enough to jam. I don't know how else the post would suddenly slip and the bolt still feel very tight. It was such a freak thing I didn't mention it, but now I hear of another case.

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[lconley]

The problem could be that the nut and bolt are both stainless steel. Stainless on stainless can "gall", basically cold welding themselves to each other. Lubricant / anti-seize on the threads can help prevent this.

Laing

On Friday, November 18, 2022 at 5:12:58 PM UTC-5 Mark C wrote:

Oddly enough, I had the same experience with my Rosco Platypus. The seatpost bolt was very tight to turn, but worked sort of okay for almost a week through a few adjustments due to trying different saddles. Then as I was turning onto my street after a ride, the seatpost slammed down. The bolt still seemed to be tight, but I finally marked it and could see that it wasn't turning in the nut even though the bolt turned with difficulty. Then, as I was suspecting and sort of hoping, the bolt broke. I never found the nut so don't know what was up there, but it sure seemed like the threads slipped enough to jam. I don't know how else the post would suddenly slip and the bolt still feel very tight. It was such a freak thing I didn't mention it, but now I hear of another case.

On Friday, November 18, 2022 at 8:31:11 AM UTC-5 DavidP wrote:

[Scott Luly]

You get the "Knowledge" badge, Laing. Thanks for sharing. I didn't even know such a phenomenon existed.

I'll add that to my experience tool box.

Much appreciated!

Scott

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[Scott Luly]

Ima take mine apart and add some anti seeze. Hope it's not galled like the others experienced. Simple fix though...

Scott

On Friday, November 18, 2022 at 03:33:52 PM MST, lconley <lco...@brph.com> wrote:

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[lconley]

I have busted multiple stainless steel nuts and bolts. The old chrome ones from Cinelli and Campagnolo, etc. never froze and broke, nor did the galvanized ones on lesser bikes. Then I 'upgraded' to Stainless Steel, and started having problems.

Google this: Pepto Bismol works as anti-seize if you don't have anything else around.

Laing

[Scott Luly]

I always have a tube of anti-sieze laying around. I love the stuff not just for anti-seize properties but also for thread lubrication to get things to seat nicely, especially if I've got the torque wrench in play.

Pepto is multi purpose...how about that?! Didn't know that either!

Thanks again, Laing

Scott

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[Scott Luly]

Laing, I've heard the term "galling" before, but I always thought it meant threads were somehow corroded, filled with debris, or buggered from cross threading.

I've also heard the term used to describe my personality...hehe...but that's a thread for elsewhere.

It's Friday afternoon. Can you tell? Yee-haw!!!

Scott

On Friday, November 18, 2022 at 03:33:52 PM MST, lconley <lco...@brph.com> wrote:

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[Ryan Frahm]

I was randomly on the Rivendell site last night just checking on parts and what not. Checked and was a bit surprised to see the Platypus was still available in all sizes! I showed them to my wife again just because. “It want one, that is my perfect bike!” I laughed a bit and said we should go ahead and get one since you never know when they’ll be gone or come back! She doesn’t ride very much and so I was a bit shocked to find out that she was serious!

So, a quick PBH double check later we had a 55 in the cart. I kinda hoped she’d be on 650b wheels this time but the size is the size. And I just so happen to have some “extra” 700c wheels to use at first. Very excited to get it and build it up! It will be a nice fi my to my Clem and Susie in the soon to be all Rivendell garage!

On a side note with the seatpost binder bolt, my Susie was very difficult to loosen when I got it. I finally worked it loose though and put anti seize on there, no problems since. They should not be assembling anything dry at the factory. The cranks were almost seized from assembly as well. I had a heck of a time breaking the chainring bolts loose on a new set (with proper tools). I learned from a previous set that I had to drill out to always disassemble and reassemble with some anti seize.

[Leah Peterson]

Ryan, how wonderful! Yes, you are exactly right - if she wants a Platypus, now is the time. I remember when April 2021 happened and all the Platys were gone within the span of a few minutes and SO many were disappointed. That crowd has been waiting from then until now, the end of 2022 to get a Platypus of their own. 

Re: 700c wheels, I love mine. I have 650b on my Clem and I love the big hoops on my Platy. The Platypus is so elegant with big wheels - they remind me of a ballgown, or a woman holding up her skirts, ready to go. With swept-back bars the bike looks like it is ready to take flight. I just love everything about it, and so will she. In fact, you mentioned she doesn’t ride much. Well, what was her bike before this? The Rivendell mixtes make a person ride more. Perfect comfort, so effortless, fits like your favorite outfit…you just rack up the miles. I won’t be at all shocked, nor will I say that I warned you, when you put another one in your size in the cart!

Leah

On Nov 21, 2022, at 9:51 AM, Ryan Frahm <fra...@gmail.com> wrote:

I was randomly on the Rivendell site last night just checking on parts and what not. Checked and was a bit surprised to see the Platypus was still available in all sizes! I showed them to my wife again just because. “It want one, that is my perfect bike!” I laughed a bit and said we should go ahead and get one since you never know when they’ll be gone or come back! She doesn’t ride very much and so I was a bit shocked to find out that she was serious!

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[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you Leah! I am happy to hear how you feel about the 700c wheels! Her bike right now is a Surly Bridge Club with 700x43 tires. I built it up after showing her the frame color (looks is how she picks a bike). It is the first bike she has ever enjoyed riding so she trusts me to put this together and knows it will be much nicer. I definitely hope she wants to ride more with it! I can say that after owning quite a few very nice bikes, I ride both of my Rivendell bikes more. The ride quality has been better than anything I’ve ridden by far. 

I wish I could say that we added another in my size, maybe next time around. Only so many Riv’s a year! And for me, they’ll need to offer another color. As beautiful as the Mermaid color is, it is all hers.

[Ryan Frahm]

The frame shipped out yesterday and should be here tomorrow! I guess it helps make up for the months I waited for my Susie! Haha. And wouldn’t you know it, Black Friday sale at AVT bike so she’s getting some Paul brake levers and a White Industries ENO crank. I couldn’t resist! Unfortunately, the wheels I have are black Dyad’s not silver, but that will have to wait until after the holidays for the wallet to recover… 

[Patrick Moore]

Now that someone mentioned it, stainless steel bolt also in my instance.

On Mon, Nov 21, 2022 at 9:40 AM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Both of these are very good tips. I will add: patience. Chauncey Matthews didn't chase the brazed-on boss threads and I had a bolt break off just shy of the surface of one of them, forget which, after I stupidly installed a bolt dry and tried to force its removal. Panic and anguish. I was able to get a tenuous grip on the remaining 1/8" stub with needlenose Vise Grips, and after liberally dousing the bolt with spray lube, I spent 30 minutes rocking it gently back and forth in minute arcs until it finally worked its way out. That exercise did serve to chase the threads.



On Fri, Nov 18, 2022 at 12:12 PM 'Scott Luly' via RBW Owners Bunch <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com> wrote: 
> ... Also, chasing threads can be assisted by using a little lubrication of some sort: anti seeze/thread lube compound, Sea Foam, WD-40, most any lube. Even motor oil, not that I would given other options.

>
> Another nifty trick is to start chasing from the opposite side you would typically introduce the bolt. For example on drop out eyelets start from the inboard wheel side. That way if something binds or goes a little wrong you could have second attempt by trying from the outboard wheel side. There have been times when I've had threads start to bugger/bind for one reason or another and it's a simple way to clean things back up by running a bolt through from other side. A second shot at same task, if you will. Assuming it's possible, for example one wouldn't be able to do this on a bottom bracket type scenario since there isn't access from the opposite side.

--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Patrick Moore]

Both of these are very good tips. I will add: patience. Chauncey Matthews didn't chase the brazed-on boss threads and I had a bolt break off just shy of the surface of one of them, forget which, after I stupidly installed a bolt dry and tried to force its removal. Panic and anguish. I was able to get a tenuous grip on the remaining 1/8" stub with needlenose Vise Grips, and after liberally dousing the bolt with spray lube, I spent 30 minutes rocking it gently back and forth in minute arcs until it finally worked its way out. That exercise did serve to chase the threads.



On Fri, Nov 18, 2022 at 12:12 PM 'Scott Luly' via RBW Owners Bunch <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com> wrote: 

> ... Also, chasing threads can be assisted by using a little lubrication of some sort: anti seeze/thread lube compound, Sea Foam, WD-40, most any lube. Even motor oil, not that I would given other options.

[Masa]

Hello, I live in Tokyo and have been a fan of Rivendell since luckily my local bike shop is Blue Lug! The other day I finally got my Platypus as my first Riv.

I found that Leah mentioned about my Instagram post on the other thread and really appreciate that.

It was just my understanding what Grant (and the mechanic who built my Platty from Blue Lug) like to tell the owners of  Riv. So it’s not my original but just a reflection :)

Masa

[Leah Peterson]



Hi Masa, so good to “see” you on this forum! Yes, your quote and photo were so memorable it simply needed to be posted here. You are so lucky that Blue Lug is your local shop; they are creative geniuses. I love that two-color bar tape on your bars. How do you like your new Platypus? You said it’s your first Rivendell - does it live up to your expectations? Thank you for posting and sharing your new bike with us. Hope to hear more from you on this forum!

Leah

On Nov 25, 2022, at 8:42 PM, Masa <msts...@gmail.com> wrote:



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<IMG_9988.HEIC>

<IMG_0002.HEIC>

[Takashi]

Masa,

Congrats on your new bike!

I'm looking forward to hearing from you about how the bike feels.

Takashi

[Richard Rose]

I missed it - where can I find this quote?

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 25, 2022, at 10:47 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[DavidP]

Leah posted it in the "Using Your Rivendell Vs. Being Precious" thread:

https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/fBVXpMqGxr8/m/eQx-N_ckBQAJ

-Dave

[Leah Peterson]

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 26, 2022, at 8:58 AM, DavidP <dphi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah posted it in the "Using Your Rivendell Vs. Being Precious" thread:

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ce9e5f25-7860-46f4-8ca8-3d5aed6d2a9dn%40googlegroups.com.

[Richard Rose]

Perfect!! Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 26, 2022, at 10:07 AM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Ryan Frahm]

I had the tires sitting around and donated my Rich built Cliffhanger wheels for now. I think I’ll go for something a bit narrower and lighter eventually though. I had the 85mm FacePlater so we’ll see how everything works out when she can ride it. Now I have to wait for the parts I didn’t have sitting around. I do have brakes but waiting on some Paul levers so no rush. So far so good I think!

[DavidP]

It looks great already - love the saddle! Going to narrower rims should also give a few more millimeters for fenders.

[Ryan Frahm]

Thank you David! I have that saddle broken in now but found it too wide for me. Hopefully it works for her! No way she spends over 500 miles to break in a saddle. Haha. 

[Roberta]

Congratulations on your new ride. I love it and the sentiment in your post. And, welcome to the forum. 

Can you share the mirror brand and model? I like it’s extension. 

I wish you many, many happy hours of riding. I’m looking forward to hearing your impressions.  

Roberta 

[Masa]

Thank you Leah! I like the bar tapes too. They are varnished and it turned out really nice colours. The mechanic advised me to put the more different colour on the drive train side so that it gives contrast in photos. As you said Blue Lug staff are geniuses, they care about every small detail. I like your Platypus as well, really beautiful colour!

I used to ride Surly Cross check which I still love it but I think the Platypus fits better than the Surly for my purpose to ride.

The platypus is really smooth and fun to ride as well as runs at very comfortable speed to commute in Tokyo.

There are lots of traffic signals here and you have to stop many times so it really doesn't matter how fast you are.

My platypus runs neither fast or slow but just comfortable and stable. It is flexible on unpaved roads, pushes me up with the long chain stay to climb up. I love the bike.

I will keep posting how I enjoy riding my Platypus!

Masa

2022年11月26日土曜日 12:47:39 UTC+9 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!:

[Masa]

Thank you Takashi. As I replied to Leah, the bike is really comfortable and fun. I feel like I can ride it all day and I want to do it!

I saw your Hunqapillar on the other thread, it is a really cool bike! (also you live in Japan too!)

Here's the link for the Flicker photos of my Platypus taken by Blue Lug.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/blk20221121pl2

Masa

2022年11月26日土曜日 19:43:50 UTC+9 Takashi:

[Masa]

Hi Roberta, thank you for welcoming me to the forum!

The mirror on my bike is Busch + Muller Cycle Star.

I like the extension too, it's flexible so it's easy to adjust the angle when you climb up, going down and turn corner.

Some people might feel that it is wobbly but I'm fine, it's useful.

Thank you for your words! I hope to find how you enjoy riding your bike on the forum too.

Masa

2022年11月28日月曜日 20:34:35 UTC+9 Roberta: