Help me justify a Clem when I have a Platy...?

462 views
Skip to first unread message

Sofie C

unread,
Oct 21, 2021, 3:48:45 PM10/21/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
My 50cm olive lime web special Platypus arrived about a week ago and I am in love. Well, the Riv gods must be smiling upon me because now I have the chance to buy a blue 45 Clem. Can I justify owning both? Leah, my #rivsister/#rivmentor, has already kindly weighed in with her thoughts -- and I would love to hear other opinions as well.

-Sofie

Joe Bernard

unread,
Oct 21, 2021, 4:09:20 PM10/21/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
Of course! If you'll ride both (yes) and one will be built up for a slightly different mission (probably) then I see no reason why not. In fact I'm currently down to one Riv and it's just not right! 

Joe Bernard

Ray Varella

unread,
Oct 21, 2021, 9:22:15 PM10/21/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
Sofia,
        I bought a Clem frame and have been riding it for a couple months, it’s one of the best utility bikes I’ve owned. 
I have 60mm tires on it now and it will easily fit 70s. 

I lucked into being on the waiting list for a Platypus and recently built it up. 
It easily fits 55mm tires. 
I’ve grappled with the the same question. 
I thought I would give the Clem to my niece but she doesn’t think a nice bike is justifiable.(crazy, right). 

So my Clem will be a more heavy duty utility bike to carry a load and have big fat tires and the Platypus will be a more elegant lighter build.  
So if you’re looking for a little nudge from the devil on your shoulder….doooo it😈

Ray

Jason Fuller

unread,
Oct 22, 2021, 1:58:46 PM10/22/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
_Leah Peterson enters the chat_

I echo what others have said - the Clem and Platy are pretty ideal companion bikes since the Clem makes a great "utility" bike which frees the Platy up to not need to accommodate the same cargo, nor be locked up for those errands etc.  Provided, of course, you would be using bikes for both errands and for joy rides.  The only thing I'll say is that a $300 Peugeot mixte would do the same job as a $2000 Clem, more or less, but if you can afford to have such a nice everyday bike, absolutely do it! Even expensive bikes are such good value in the grand scheme.  

Sofie C

unread,
Oct 22, 2021, 2:48:43 PM10/22/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
Joe, Ray, and Jason, thank you so much for weighing in. I am going for it, since I'm not sure when I'll next have the opportunity (and if I'm finding that I'm neglecting one of the bikes, I'm sure I can find a good second home!). I think I'll keep my platypus reserved for joy rides  on roads and the clem for errands, occasional off roads. 

Doug H.

unread,
Oct 22, 2021, 3:04:57 PM10/22/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
The right number of bicycles to own is n+1 with n being the number you currently own. :-)
Doug

Sofie C

unread,
Oct 23, 2021, 8:35:25 AM10/23/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
Doug, that formula is beginning to make perfect sense to me :-).

Doug H.

unread,
Oct 23, 2021, 11:04:03 AM10/23/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
I just bought a Clem from the garage sale section and plan to ride it as my all-around utility bike. Off road and on road. It will be my only bicycle for now but I'm always on the lookout for another one!
Doug


Jason Fuller

unread,
Oct 23, 2021, 11:50:22 PM10/23/21
to RBW Owners Bunch
You scored that garage sale Clem, Doug!!   Nice one! 
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages