Clem vs Platypus vs Yellowwolley complete bikes: $2,400 to $3,000

[Patrick Moore]

Complete bikes are all within a $600 price gap, so economically more or less (more or less) fungible.

So: why would you buy one rather than another?

Or, to put it another way, what kind of riding is each of these complete builds meant for?

Patrick Moore, who needs another bike like he needs yet one more hole in his head, but keeps a mental short list anyway, in 100* but 10% ABQ, NM.

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Patrick Moore

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

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[Joe Bernard]

YWY and Platy are variations on the same pavement/light trails bike IMO; choose your price, tube-joining method and tolerance for yellow. I would pick the Clem if I planned to do a fair amount of dirt riding and wanted the super easy step-through ability*

*spoiler: I have a Clem and have to have those features 

Joe Bernard 

Clearlake CA 

[Ron Mc]

Between the three, Platypus has the nicest-looking frame, and brazed RBW lugs at every joint.  

[Josh C]

In my opinion, none of the above are true off-road bicycles. I feel like all three would fit the same use for me; which would be around town/commuter. If I were looking at the three of them, I would probably pick the Clem, that said the platypus is the prettiest of the three. The platypus has lugs galore, and that might push me over the edge if that were what I was looking for. 

[Joe Bernard]

Clem L: Long wheelbase, slack angles, slightly flexy frame, miles of standover clearance, fits big tires. It's very good on the steep fire roads I ride 
and handles the singletrack we have on the same mountain, I just don't ride that part much cuz my risk aversion instincts at 64 kick in fast. 

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, all. So generally speaking, all are functionally equivalent, the principal differences being stepover height and aesthetics: joinery and paint?

I’ve read many good reviews of the Clem, and I would not choose the Platypus simply for looks, so between the 2 I’d choose the Clem. I’ll have to wait to read reviews of Big Yellow.

Patrick “just day dreaming out loud, at this point” Moore

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[Steve]

Of the three - YWY, Platypus & Clem - the Platy is the only one I've had experience with, having owned it for nearly three years now. I'm currently riding it with 48mm RH slicks and full fenders, but have also ridden it sans fenders with semi-knobby tires. Without fenders it will accommodate 55mm lugged tires.

I find the Platypus to be sublime on pavement, and more than happy on gravel roads. The limiting factor for trail riding is its looong wheel base, which makes tight switch backs a bit tricky. What still impresses me about the Platy is its crisp response to input on the pedals while still providing a smooth, cruise-y feel.  I attribute it to the mixte design's additional pair of stays at the rear end. Maybe the YWY and Clem possess the same magic, but I'd have to experience them first hand before I'd be convinced. And of course, there's always that eye candy factor. It doesn't hurt to be beautiful. 

Steve in AVL

[Joe Bernard]

Clem + dirt 👍

[Drew Fitchette]

Having ridden a Platypus and a Clem, I agree with most here. I did feel more comfortable on trails and bigger gravel with my Clem with 2.2’s than my platypus with 48’s, but both rode beautifully in all other functions. 

My Clem was a 59 and a little too big for me, though I’m planning to get a 55.5cm frame from the next batch!