New bike day: 60cm Sergio Green Platypus complete

[BrettG]

Picked up RBW HQ this morning, put on pedals, grips, saddle, etc. and rode it back to SF (no BART or ferry...took the long way via Richmond and GG bridges - so all day shake-down ride!).

Here are my initial thoughts after the first 6 hour ride and some additional info some may find useful, plus a photo I took along the ride (somewhere around Martinez).

- I have a 86 PBH which puts me in-between 55 and 60 but I absolutely agree about sizing up to a 60cm.  It feels like the perfect size and I like less seat post showing.  I don't see any need at this point for a stem swap.

- It is very "roomy" and has a completely different feel that riding my 2017 Sam or 2003 Romulus.  As expected it does feel slower than my other bikes but is so comfortable I feel like I could ride all day and had no problems on the long initial ride home.

This is my 4th Rivendell over a span of 20 years and my first "complete"  as I normally build-up frames.   I don't buy new bikes often but this one I couldn't resist.  Thanks to everyone's info in the forums which help tip me towards buying.

- Brett in SF

[Ryan]

Nice...glad it worked out so well for you!

[BrettG]

Some additional info some may find useful (I couldn't put in original message because too long)

- Roman confirmed this morning it does not come with a saddle so I think website description wrong (there was a discussion about this somewhere).

- Cranks are 173s (for 60cm anyway).

- Tires are 48mm and awesome!  Perfect for this bike.

- Gearing was also perfect- 42/30 with 11-34.  I used the full range on the ride and didn't need anything higher or lower.

- "Lower end" Sunrace drivetrain worked really well.  Not sure about longer term durability but I was impressed.

- The cheaper V-brakes/levers always worked really well.  Felt great.

- Even though wheelset is  "machine built" they seemed to fine to me.  Perfectly true and even tension.  Will just have to monitor longer term.

Brett.

[Tim Bantham]

Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing the ride report. I look forward to the arrival of my Sergio green Platy even more now!

[Steve]

Brett, Congrats on the new Platypus. I built one up this past summer (50cm with 650b wheels) and have been loving it. I have to concur with your first impression - not particularly fast, but supremely comfortable. And I'll add "capable and sure footed' to the descriptors. It has acquitted itself well on everything from big climbs and descents on the Blue Ridge Parkway to light gravel and single track, all on 38mm slicks. It's a definite keeper!

On Monday, December 11, 2023 at 8:48:09 PM UTC-5 BrettG wrote:

[DTL]

Seems like a perfect fit - to think a 55cm frame would result in 50mm more seatpost (and the stack would be a few cm's lower)

This looks great, not to mention proportional and comfortable

Congrats!

[BrettG]

Yes, although I'm in range for a 55cm it would have required a longer stem and huge amount of seat post showing for the same setup.  I always go as a big as possible with Riv frames.

I forgot to mention 2 things:

- The novatech rear hub with the stock wheelset is one of quietest hubs I've ever used.  Even a bit quieter than shimano.  I don't care for noisy hubs so was quite pleased.  Hopefully they stay silent.

- The sergio green color is even better in person than in photos.  Has a certain "shimmer" in the sunlight I didn't expect.  

I'm impressed with the parts they chose for the completes.  I would have picked the exact same stem/bar/crank/tires if I was building myself.   The rest of the sunrace and tektro components are an excellent value.

[Tim Bantham]

Thanks for your comments on the drive train. I somehow missed the part about the rear derailleur being a SunRace I thought it was one of the Shimano variants that Riv carries. I'm a little disappointed by that since I have always gravitated towards Shimano.  I thought the front derailleur was the one they called the Skeleton Key. I was going to swap the front out right away. Maybe now I'll keep both and see how I get along with them.

[BrettG]

I've always gone Shimano as well, but I've read positive things about Sunrace (Taiwan-based) and the quality of their "lower end" components.  When I was at RBW they mentioned it's a new thing going to Sunrace with some of the completes and I trust they would only spec them if they were good.

Of course a brand new drivetrain always feels great so the real test is how the components hold up after a few thousand miles.  Front derailleur is the Skeleton Key one - not very attractive but works perfectly.  In any case, those components are easily replaced if necessary but will definitely leave it as-is for now.

Can't wait to hear what you think when your Green one arrives!

Brett.

[Roberta]

Very nice. Six hour first ride. I guess you like the bike!  Many happy miles to you.