Platypus = Appaloosa/Atlantis?

[esoterica etc]

Hi folks,

I was browsing the RIv website and saw a statement that kinda caught me off guard. Under the Current Models page, the description for the Platypus reads, "Like an Appaloosa or Atlantis, but with a step through frame."

The impression of the Platypus that I've formed from reading the ride reports and praises from those on this list, is that the Platypus is a lighter and more nimble Country-type bike-- much closer to an AHH or Sam Hillborne. But after seeing that blurb, it's implying that the Platypus is more of a stouter fully-loaded touring bike, and also more capable of off-road riding than the Country bikes are.

Can those who have experience with both the Platypus and Appaloosa/Atlantis or AHH/Sam compare the ride qualities? I'm curious if folks think the Platy feels closer to a loaded touring Riv or a Country Bike.

Mahalo,

~Mark

Kailua, HI

[Hoch in ut]

It’s confusing because if you scroll down towards the bottom of the homepage, and click on “Country Bikes” link, it lists the Homer, Sam and Plat. I’ve never ridden one so I’ll let others chime in but I also thought they marketed it as a country bike. But perhaps it blurs the line a bit since it has bigger tire clearance 

[Drurad]

It definitely feels much closer to a Hillborne to me.  

-Andrew

[DavidP]

I'd guess that Riv liken it to the Appaloosa/Atlantis rather than the Sam or Homer due to tire clearances. It'll clear 2.1s, most 2.2s, and some 2.25s. 

Those tire clearances do make it pretty capable on dirt, but it's best on mild trails. The Platypus frame page suggests it's "for mostly pavement riding with loads from zero to 30 pounds". I assume the weight limit and mostly pavement designation is largely due to the step-through frame without Clem stout tubing.

Like most Rivs, where it falls on the spectrum of light and nimble vs tough and capable depends a lot on how you build it - wheels and tires, handlebar width, etc. Eben Weiss touches on this a bit in this look at how his Platypus has evolved:
https://bikesnobnyc.com/2023/09/19/evolution-of-a-platypus/#more-20233

My Platypus has 50mm tires (GravelKing SKs measuring 2") and fenders, with a light front rack and basket and is used as a cruisy allrounder. It's great around town but also at home on mixed surface outings.

-Dave

[esoterica etc]

Thanks to everyone that's chimed in so far. 

Hoch, thanks for muddying the waters even more now! And the fact that the Platypus can fit larger tires than the Homer and Sam could definitely be a reason for its association with the Atlantis/Appaloosa.

Dave, good point about how the build can really determine the temperament of the bike. And Eben's post was a good read, thanks for the link.

Michael, thank you for the link to the Blue Lug video, had not seen that before. It was really great to see the three of them discuss all the Riv models and chart them accordingly. Super helpful.

If anyone has any first-hand comparisons, would love to hear about them.

Cheers,

~Mark

Kailua, HI

On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 6:09:45 AM UTC-10 Michael Connors wrote:

Blue Lug did a discussion on youtube. Watch the Appaloosa and Platypus segments

https://youtu.be/Yx83uMhIgKA?t=3179

[Roberta]

I currently own a platypus, Homer, and Betty Foy. In the past, I’ve also owned an Appaloosa. . I’ve ridden. the Sam Hillbourne. but just for testing purposes. 

Homer rides most light and nimbly, and Appaloosa rides most “Cadillac “ like., very solid, passing over potholes as if they were not there. Platy rides more nimbly than Appaloosa but not as mich as  Homer. From my recollection, Platy ride feels lighter than Sam did. for ride quality, I’d probably liken it closest to Sam but better.   

Roberta

Philadelphia

[Tim Bantham]

I own a Sam, a Homer and a Platy. I've owned an Appaloosa in the past and have used it for loaded touring. This question is in my wheelhouse. I think all of these are different bikes. The Appaloosa is stout and rides great. I loaded mine up for a week long tour. I had front and rear panniers and a gigantic load. I knew I had way too much weight on the bike when I hit the first hill. It was my early days of touring when I thought I had to take all but the kitchen sink with me. That said the Appaloosa handled the heavy load just fine. I wouldn't have been comfortable doing that on any of the other bikes mentioned.  Since that time I've learned to take a lot less gear with me. I try to get everything in a large rear bag combined with a basket bag out front. Either the Sam or Platypus would be capable of this type of load. Technically the AHH as well but mine is stripped down and rackless as I use it as a road bike.

I'm going to take the Platypus for a week long tour this summer. I am choosing that bike over the Sam mostly because of the frame design and geometry. The combination of the slack head tube, long chain stays and convenient step thru frame makes the Platy perfect for a light tour. If I was going to ride it across the world or even the US I would no doubt want an Atlantis or Appaloosa. But for the average light load once a year tour a Platypus would perform as well as any full blown touring model.