Stephen Martinez <dogj...@gmail.com>: Feb 12 08:12AM -0800
*OP here with a quick update:*
I recently picked up a *Heron *touring frameset (Waterford/Riv/Grant
mashup) and will post about that build soon.
As for the *Platypus *— I bought it last year as a fully built adventure
setup (*38/24, 11–32, Cliffhangers w/ dynamo, ~55mm tires*). In reality,
I’ve mostly used it for slower paved endurance miles around the park.
Out of curiosity, I mounted a pair of *38mm Schwalbe Pro Ones* (intended
for the Heron) and took it out.
*Big difference*.
Holding 15–18 mph felt easier, and tapping into 20+ came more naturally
compared to the 55s. For my current paved riding, the 38s feel much more
aligned with how I’m actually using the bike. I still plan to move them to
the Heron, but now I’m considering something similar for the Platypus —
maybe the new *Michelin Pro 5 in 40mm *(if anyone has feedback).
I also ordered a *165mm New Albion XDD 46/34 crankset*. The 173mm arms felt
long, I’d occasionally spin out the 38–11, and I rarely used the 24–32. The
new gearing should better match my riding.
Lastly, I’m considering a lighter *135mm rim-brake road wheelset *for paved
duty. The Cliffhanger/dynamo setup is great, just too robust for my mostly
road miles.
I'll attach photos of the Heron, current Platypus, and a mock-up with
lighter wheels.
*TL;DR:* 38mm tires feel much better than 55mm for how I’m riding the
Platypus right now.
[image: 617473740_3099066500271185_4740946772037065320_n.jpg]
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Stephen Martinez <dogj...@gmail.com>: Feb 12 08:13AM -0800
[image: IMG_1432.jpeg]
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Stephen Martinez <dogj...@gmail.com>: Feb 12 08:14AM -0800
[image: Gemini_Generated_Image_n4rhcyn4rhcyn4rh.png]
Sorry for multiple replies, I'm getting errors for the messages being too
long (combined file sizes might be too high?)
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Piaw Na <pi...@gmail.com>: Feb 12 10:01AM -0800
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 9:39:47 AM UTC-8 carm...@gmail.com wrote:
Of course, none of this means that they didn't do robust studies and
publish their results in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. And it does not
mean that their tires aren't faster, grippier and more comfortable than any
other tires available. I was just making a wisecrack about the tendency to
reference science that indicates you should buy their products if you like
things like speed, comfort or traction without sharing the actual science
(on the parts of the website I've been too, at least).
EIther way, I definitely want to try their extralight tires at some point.
I've just been intimidated about them being "fragile," especially because
me plus my bike weigh about 270lbs.
I don't trust anything Rene Herse says about their tires. (The tread
pattern in particular is a bunch of hogwash, as I'll describe below) For
instance, I think that at 32mm or less, there are plenty of other
comparables from major manufacturers at 1/2 to 1/3 the price that will work
well for most riders. I run Michelin Power Cup 28s on my single bikes ($35
each) and are very happy with them.
Having said that, for 35mm tires and up, there really aren't any
comparables that are as light. And at the prices RH is charging there's no
point (for my use cases) to using anything other than extralights, since if
you're happy to carry extra weight there are plenty of large sized tires
that are heavy.
As for your weight and size, I use extralight Bon Jon Pass tires on my
tandem/triplet. When we're unloaded as a 2-seat tandem the bike is 250
pounds, when fully loaded we're 270 pounds. The bike survived last year's
tour of the dolomites and alps (including off roading) for 730 miles and
over 57000' of climbing and the tire still hasn't worn off the center tread
pattern yet. The year. before that, we did 823 miles and over 73000' on a
much tougher tour with 700x32 Stampede pass extralights. Within 4 days of
that sort of treatment the center tread pattern disappeared (which is why I
think the center tread is just marketing --- how could it make any
difference if it wore out after 4 days into an 800+ mile tour), but the
tire kept going. We got the bike home, put the bike into 3-seat
configuration and it wore out when we rode it in Santa Cruz on a day ride.
(In triplet we were 350 pounds) That was when I started shopping for the
Bon Jon Pass 700x35 tires, which measure 38mm on our tandem. So if you want
to try the extra-light Rene Herse tires I think we've tested that tire way
beyond your weight class for you and you can buy with confidence. I'd wager
that I'm also a much more aggressive rider off road than most folks. :-)
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