Platypus questions

[dougP]

I love my Atlantis, but it's getting harder to swing the old leg over the saddle. Time to move on to a step thru. The Platypus looks like the best option for my riding, mostly short trips around town.

The 55 cm fits my PBH (84) & saddle height. What I'm interested in doing is comparing the geometry to my 58 cm Toyo Atlantis. Specifically, I'm curious about the distance of the seat from the bars. I seem to be shrinking in my old age & the reach on the Atlantis is just a bit too far. Not unridable but a noticeable stretch, even with a short stem & swept back bars.

Let me know if you may be of assistance. Be forewarned I'll probably think of some more questions if this looks promising. It would be fantastic is you're in southern California.

Doug Peterson

 

[Kim Hetzel]

Hi Doug,

With the purchase of my Clem Smith Jr. "L" bicycle, it was the best option for me in choosing a bicycle with a step-through frame with an upright riding position as a senior cyclist. Yes, I had trouble swinging my right leg over the back end of my previous bike, as well.  I have been looking for these requirements in a bike for quite a few years.  Furthermore, I enjoy the Clem's capabilities as being a ATB. A very solid and sure-footed bike.

The Clem maybe an option for you ?

Kim Hetzel

Yelm, WA.

[dougP]

Thanks for the response, Kim. Really, any Rivendell step thru is an option. I don't do any trail riding so the Platypus is sufficient & I'm guessing will have a softer ride than one of the more trail capable frames. A major factor will be what's available, and with Riv's current delivery program one has to be ready to make a decision & commit on short notice.

doug

[mm]

Hi Doug! Although not platypuss, I have clem L in both 59cm and 52cm if you want to take a test ride. Holler at me, I'm in the Valley.
- Matt

[Eric Marth]

Hi Doug — If you haven't yet I'd recommend calling Rivendell, someone there would be happy to talk to you about the differences in the frames. 

[Johnny Alien]

From what I have seen pretty much every Rivendell has a longer reach these days vs the Toyo days because they are designed around sweptback bars. Which I am always a little confused by because you want to get the bars closer but you have to extend the reach through geometry or long stems to do it. Seems like the end result is usually the same. But yeah...I would bet the Platy has a longer reach than a Toyo Atlantis. I know my Clem L is way out there. I keep a short stem on it with Toscos to get it where it works for me.

[Mackenzy Albright]

Also note depending on the swept back bars, rivs lineup have gotten further back. 

Albatross or albastache are fairly short. Tosco, Billie, and losco are considerably more swept back. Likely in conjunction with longer top tubes. 

I have a 64cm clem jr and a 59 clementine. I find it easy to match height and reach since head tubes are pretty tall. 

[Richard Rose]

I am no bike geometry expert & I’ve really only ridden one Rivendell, my size 52 Clem “L”. I am not counting my size 57 Gus as I’ve only ridden it (sans brakes) down the street to check fit. It has a lot in common with the Clem, obviously.

I think there is a lot more to this design formula than designing around really setback bars like the Bosco. I don’t think it is accidental that these bikes feel so “roomy” and unbelievably comfortable. The long stays & resulting wheelbase are a big part of the comfort but it’s the front end that really gets my attention. That front wheel is WAY out there eliminating any possibility of pedal overlap even with one’s feet (like mine) slid forward to the mid foot position. The flat part of the bar is also way out there especially on my bike with a 135 length stem. Of course the extreme backsweep makes it all work but the end result is this incredibly roomy cockpit. It’s one of my favorite things about these bikes and it has ruined me for any bike that puts the bars & front wheel closer to me. YRMV.

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 8, 2023, at 12:30 PM, Johnny Alien <johnny....@gmail.com> wrote:

From what I have seen pretty much every Rivendell has a longer reach these days vs the Toyo days because they are designed around sweptback bars. Which I am always a little confused by because you want to get the bars closer but you have to extend the reach through geometry or long stems to do it. Seems like the end result is usually the same. But yeah...I would bet the Platy has a longer reach than a Toyo Atlantis. I know my Clem L is way out there. I keep a short stem on it with Toscos to get it where it works for me.

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[dougP]

Thanks for all the input. Note I'm wanting to compare my 58 Atlantis to a 55 Platy so I'm "downsizing". Currently the Atlantis has 70 mm Dirtdrop & MAP Ahearne bars so the hands are a bit behind the stem, & I wouldn't mind them being even closer.

Good to hear that the front wheels have gotten further away. I bop the front tire often enough for it to noticeable. Further would be better. I have ridden a long chainstay Atlantis & the ride is definitely cushier than mine.

I've inquired with Riv but understand their pretty swamped at the moment. They're moving a lot of bikes; a good problem to have.

Doug Peterson

[Kim Hetzel]

Richard...

I highly praise your words of explaining your love and appreciation for your 52cm Clem Smith Jr. "L" bicycle from the design to the specific details that makes the Clems' so wonderful to ride.

Thank-you.

Kim Hetzel

Yelm, WA.

... it is time to go ride tomorrow.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:24:21 AM UTC-8 rmro...@gmail.com wrote:

[chintan jadwani]

Hi Doug

Whats your current stem and handlebar setup? I think the platypus will have a longer reach than your Atlantis but you can get the bars closer with the Bosco/tosco handlebars (i think they come back 10 inches from the stem clamp). Another way to make the reach easier is to get your handlebars higher :) see https://www.rivbike.com/pages/the-top-tube-ruse

Good luck!

[Max Murray]

Hey Doug,

I have a 55cm Platypus with some Tosco bars. I am in Orange County. If you ever want to take a test ride and see how the reach is shoot me an email. 

Max

[Steven Seelig]

Hi Doug,

My PBH is a little higher than yours.  I just got a new Platypus, well last Fall, and followed Riv's advice in getting the 60cm size along with pretty long reach Nitto Loscoe handlebars.  Looks like the photos here: https://www.rivbike.com/products/frame-platypus-2021

My experience is that I sometimes step through to get on the bike, but it is sorta hard to do that think where you take your leg as you are about to dismount while riding and slide it through in front of you to get both feet on the ground.the gap .  The frame is just a bit too high for that.  I compare that to my first generation Xtracycle long tail, where I have to dismount that way because if I swing my leg around I would kick my kid or any cargo quite inelegantly.  

As for mounting the bike, or getting off once stopped, there is still an extra bit of leg lifting to do.  So I think Kim is onto something here with the Clem.

Steve Seelig, Wash, DC

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 9:26:37 PM UTC-5 mma...@gmail.com wrote:

[Joe Bernard]

Can concur. My 54.3cm custom (79 PBH) has a Platypus-like to toptube which I consider a "mid-tube" that falls between a traditional diamond frame and step-through. It's great for stopping for a minute to get both feet down and check my phone or whatever, but I've had very little success stepping through it to get on or off the bike. I always kick it and I paid a lot of money for all that fancy Joe Bell paint so...I don't do that anymore! Clem L is the trick for stepping through. 

Also the L is probably a softer ride. I haven't ridden a Platypus but I owned its predecessor, a 55cm Cheviot, and it was notably stiffer than the two sizes of Clem L (45 and 52) that have passed through my hands.   

[Joe Bernard]

Ack, forgot to add the pic of my mid-tuber. 

[Roberta]

Doug. 

It is easy to get on a Platy since the top tube is lower, lower than Joe’s custom.  Just tilt the bike a little (or not at all if you’re fleecy enough), although I can mount it with the foot on pedal, push off, foot over top tube method.  If you’re not careful, mixte bikes can be trip-thru rather than step thru.   Clem L is truly a step thru. 

I have Billie bars (love them) on the Nitto 100mm extra high stem and they come way back. In fact, I’ve been contemplating cutting off 1-2 cm ( 100 is the max for the extra high stem).   So, with the plethora of way-back bars-Billie, Tosco, Losco, Bosco— I think you can find something perfect. Albatross bar might also work also on shorter stem. 

My pbh is 83 and 55 Platy is perfect. Wheelbase is 47”. My MIT Homer is 43”, MIT Appaloosa is 45, Cheviot is 45.5. Clem L is 52. (Wheelbase important to me for fitting on bus bike rack). There is a website ( but I forgot the name ) that superimposes bike geometries over each other for comparison, but there’s nothing like a test ride. There’s a similar site for handlebars. 

Roberta 

Philadelphia 
 

[esoterica etc]

> On Feb 10, 2023, at 07:33, Roberta <rcha...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> There is a website ( but I forgot the name ) that superimposes bike geometries over each other for comparison, but there’s nothing like a test ride. There’s a similar site for handlebars.
>
> Roberta
> Philadelphia

The website Roberta is thinking of that superimposes bikes over each other is bikeinsights.com, and the handlebar one is whatbars.com- both excellent resources for comparison.

~Mark
Raleigh, NC

[DavidP]

On Friday, February 10, 2023 at 7:33:47 AM UTC-5 Roberta wrote:

although I can mount it with the foot on pedal, push off, foot over top tube method.

Wow, now I've got to try this!

-Dave

 

[Roberta]

Thank you, Mark!  I knew someone here would be able to supply this information.  I think some nice person on this board or the internet-bob board started the whatbar site last year or so.

Dave, you need to get your knee and foot high enough and I tuck my foot under me near the lowest point of the bar.  (I didn't name mixtes "trip-thru" on a whim!  :) ) In fact, Leah, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding had to send me a video on how to do it.  I'm more nervous about getting off that way (I'm not sure why), so just use the stop and tip the bike method.

Doug, another nice feature about mixtes is on stopping you nave no more fear of quick unexpected dismounts!  I love that living in the city.

[Richard Rose]

I enjoy both of these websites but wish they had drawings for Clem & Gus. I’ve not looked for other Riv models. Bikeinsights of course is the one I am speaking of.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 10, 2023, at 8:42 AM, esoterica etc <esoter...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 

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[dougP]

Wow! Miss a day & miss a lot. I'll try to answer / comment in order:

Current stem is an 80 mm dirt drop & Map Ahearne bars in 660 mm width. The Atlantis has a 58 cm top tube.

The issue of mounting / dismounting is helpful. That's my current problem. I have to do this gymnastic of leaning the bike WAAAAY over to get my leg over the saddle. I'm unbalanced at that point. Never thought about Roberta's method but can see myself doing the trip thru instead of the step thru. Ponder, ponder.

Roberta, that's an impressive collection of Rivendells. The fact you have the 55 Platy & 52 Clem L is interesting. More options are better.

Thanks for the links to the websites. I've checked whatbars a few times in my handlebar odyssey & will look at the frame one.

Thanks to all for your help & suggestions.

doug

[Kim Hetzel]

Hey Doug,

Let us know what decision you arrive at from all the information that you were given.

Kim Hetzel

Yelm, WA.

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[REC]

I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden all of them, but only own Homer and Platy.  I sold my Appaloosa two years ago to buy the Platy.   My test ride on an Atlantis was what sold me on Rivendell.   Leah, BBDD, has a Platy and Clem L.   Clem L rode nicely. Platy is sportier.  

I know the wheelbases because there  is a wheelbase limit to put a bike on the rather short Philadelphia bus bike racks, and I was on a search… Platy is too long. 

When I do tip the bike, I tip towards me. 

Roberta

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On Feb 10, 20236, at 9:39 PM, dougP <doug...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Roberta]

For my (Leah’s actually) trip thru method ( I’ve only tripped once and that was on my She Devil before Leah shared her video ) get your knee high and your foot back high as possible and near the lowest part of the top tube. I signed up for a cold group ride tomorrow.  I’ll get someone to take a video if I remember and can send it to you. The first time doing it is the scariest. 

[Joe Bernard]

I need this video! It's kinda silly that I have a droptube bike and still try to swing my creaky old-guy leg over the back like it's a diamond frame. Do you know how many times I've kicked that taillight on the rack and sent lens and batteries flying?? A bunch of times! 

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

When Roberta posts her nifty mounting method I’m going to post my one-of-a-kind DISmounting method. I just gotta convince someone to video it for me….

[Joe Bernard]

Hand one of them boys your phone and let's see! I'm not sure I can actually pull off the acrobatics you and Roberta are doing but it could be fun falling down trying 🤣

[Leah Peterson]

I’ve got it done. I’ll wait for Roberta to post hers tonight and then I’ll follow with my method. I told her, “We have to reach the guys to ride mixtes! It’s our sacred RivSister duty!” 

You’ll have two examples tonight. ❤️

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 11, 2023, at 6:12 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hand one of them boys your phone and let's see! I'm not sure I can actually pull off the acrobatics you and Roberta are doing but it could be fun falling down trying 🤣

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[Roberta]

"My" nifty mounting method is really Leah's.  She sent me a video about a year ago.

The trick is to get both you knee and foot high enough.  My She-Devil has a shorter ETT, but I can even do this with that bike.

BTW, I had to ask a biking stranger to video it, since I forgot to do that during my club ride.  That is because Platy met a beautiful pearl-essence organge  Rambouillet from the first Ram run!  I forget if Alan said it was SN 22 or 26, but one of those low numbers.  He also had owned an Allrounder SN 2, a prototype one. (He said it would be OK to post these pics.) Cool beans!

The video will be in next message.

[Leah Peterson]

Hi Friends,

Roberta couldn’t get her video to post so I’m trying for her here. I’ll send mine separately:

[Leah Peterson]

Since I was posting my dismount I also included my mount. Maybe seeing two examples will be good. I have dismounted this way for years and feel like I “invented” it, but this is likely a ridiculous notion. But, you don’t worry about losing your footing because you are seated atop your saddle and you can watch your foot clear the top tube before you set it on terra firma. 

Let me know if you do this!

Leah

[Joe Bernard]

I did it! The dismount thing wasn't near as graceful as you but I didn't fall down and end up lying in the street like a fool who can't get off his own bike. I call that a win! 

[JW]

Proud to say I do both of these techniques! 

Even at 30 I'm not too keen on trying to "step thru" if I can help it, lol.

Usually with the mount I'll start my pedal at 12 o'clock and stand up on the pedal to get moving then swing my leg through the frame, as opposed to starting it at 6 o'lock and shuffling to get started, but the sentiment is just the same.

Curious to see who else dismounts the in the same manner, it just feels so right.

Jared in SLO, CA

[dougP]

You gals make it look so easy. Thanks for taking the time to record & post.

There's a Dutch couple on an around the world trip that posts videos on youtube. They are perhaps mid-30s. They use the same method with high top tube bikes loaded with 4 panniers, rack bags, front bags, all sorts of stuff. There is no way they could swing a leg over either end of the bike it's piled so high.

As long as one can lift a foot over the highest tube this will work. I can see the potential for trip thru though. Definitely an improvement over the big leg swing thing. Like Joe, I've whacked my leg on the rack too many times.

doug

On Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 5:56:24 PM UTC-8 Joe Bernard wrote:

[Johnny Alien]

I will occasionally dismount that way. I first saw it in a youtube video with Bike Snob. He dismounts that way at the beginning.

https://youtu.be/as_9Pj_AD3A

[Jake Kutchins]

Hey Doug,

I have a 55cm Platypus and an 84cm pbh too. I'm running 60cm wide tosco bars with an 85mm faceplater stem and the distance between the center of the bar ends to the tip of the saddle is 53.5cm or 21 inches. I feel like this set up is really upright in a good way--I had a 110mm technomic stem and choco bars before recently making the switch.

Best,

Jake in NYC