Leah is the utmost authority on Platypus vs Clem L so take her words as certain as much as one can knowing we all seem to get something unique from the same bicycle. I had the chance to buy a Platypus but decided to get the Clem L for two reasons...cost and style. I just prefer the Clem lines. I would bet the Platypus will be around for a few years and if the Susie is on the last run buy that one. If you don't like it the resale value is superb and then you can get a Platypus in 2022.
This is a fun thread to follow as I like bicycle shopping even when I don't plan to buy one. ;-) Doug On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 4:50:58 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard wrote: > I still think you're on the right track with a Platypus. I can't remember > if I posted a pic of my custom in this thread so if I did, here's another > look! 🙂 My design criteria for Grant was a mostly-pavement frame with > v-brakes, and a low step-over that could handle less than touring loads and > less than gnarly trail riding. It's fairly light, quite zippy and has lugs > as far as the eyes can see. I think you're looking for the same ride > qualities and - from what I've heard Leah say about hers - the Platy fits > that bill closely. With lugs! > > Joe Bernard > > On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 12:43:12 PM UTC-8 me2g...@gmail.com wrote: > >> I did use the word “should” which are fighting words! Yes, I was >> describing a very non-Susie bike. For that, I stand corrected. But, I am >> someone that longed for a Susie for months only to pass on a purchase. It >> is impossible to play mental gymnastics without visualizing the bike I >> would want to buy… I seem to want Clem and Susie to get together and have a >> kid! >> On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 3:12:10 PM UTC-5 Garth wrote: >> >>> Well Laura, In the art of communication I swear it's miracle we >>> understand anything at all about anyone and anything ! Hence, I find the >>> idea that we *ought. should, could or would *know just the perfect >>> thing to say at all times, "or else" we either play the part of the >>> mis-understand-er or the mis-understood. It's akin to darned if you do and >>> darned if you don't ..... where *you're darned no matter what you say >>> or do* seems the standard bearer. Well that's just silly, it's no >>> standard at all ! >>> >>> My comment was about the nature of the Susie design to begin with in >>> response to musing about the Susie being a step-thru. That's all. It was no >>> "attack" for goodness sake as Joe assumes. My comment about Riv buyers not >>> getting what they want for a certain stock price was not a personal >>> pointing at you rather a generalized comment that I've seen it many times. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 12:37:55 PM UTC-5 me2g...@gmail.com >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Garth… I hope my post did not read as demanding or complaining! It was >>>> meant as a thoughtful opinion, especially in light of the Gus/Susie >>>> possible demise. Riv has begun to make less expensive tig-welded frames in >>>> large part, I assume, because people requested them. Enough customer >>>> opinions resulted in new stock. I wanted to show support for more variety >>>> within the HILLIBIKE category. And my appreciation for fillet brazed and >>>> lugged frames. >>>> >>>> On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 10:17:01 AM UTC-5 Garth wrote: >>>> >>>>> Laura , the reason the Gus and Susie Longbolts are so similar is >>>>> because they are of the same blueprint, with slightly\ lighter tubing and >>>>> a >>>>> threaded stem denoting the Susie. If one wants a step-thru Riv has other >>>>> bikes, or have a custom made. I know people balk at customs because of >>>>> the >>>>> price, but looking at stock frames, seeing what you don't want and then >>>>> criticizing them for it, and wishing/demanding they make it stock.... >>>>> that >>>>> seems a way of placing responsibility where it doesn't belong. I've seen >>>>> it >>>>> countless times. >>>>> >>>>> That nature of the names though are a Riv reader contribution contest. >>>>> Susie Longbolts/Wolbis Slugstone came from a set of certain letter >>>>> arranged >>>>> by readers. There was no gender intention involved or implied. What's in >>>>> name anyways ? A "Boy named Sue ?" ... that famous Johnny Cash song .... >>>>> ask him what it's about ! Hahahaha !!!! As with any bike, it's not it's >>>>> paint on the surface, it's not the letters on the paint that make or >>>>> break >>>>> it.... it's the bike in whole that is everything. >>>>> On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 8:07:49 AM UTC-5 me2g...@gmail.com >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> iamkeith, no worries… in my angst-filled journey of new bicycle >>>>>> calculations, many factors have influenced me. >>>>>> >>>>>> Leah… I favor lugs & fillet brazing! For me, it is an investment >>>>>> worth making. >>>>>> >>>>>> In my humble peanut gallery opinion, they should have made the >>>>>> differences between the Gus & Susie models more distinct. To compliment >>>>>> Gus, the Susie would have benefited if it had step-thru qualities and a >>>>>> lower bottom bracket. Making it a leisure-minded trail bike with >>>>>> hand-crafted goodness. >>>>>> >>>>>> I hope Rivendell creates another fillet brazed bike in the future. >>>>>> Trying to sell these unique frames must be extra difficult during Covid >>>>>> chaos. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 7:28:00 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding >>>>>> Ding! wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> To FURTHER foul up the decision-making process, did you all read in >>>>>>> Grant’s Blahg that they are working on the Roscopus? See below: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 3. Rosco-Plats: Like the Platypus, but less lugged, and with 100 >>>>>>> percent straight, strong, safe, beautiful CLEM forks that just happened >>>>>>> to >>>>>>> have the threaded rack bosses mis-drilled ever so slightly, to the >>>>>>> extent >>>>>>> that we couldn't sell them as perfect, but their flub is visual only, >>>>>>> and >>>>>>> we're getting deals on them and so designed frames around them, and the >>>>>>> frames are gonna be fantastic and inexpensive by our standards. Think >>>>>>> Platypus-Clem offspring. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Decisions, decisions, Laura! What will you do now? >>>>>>> Leah >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Dec 12, 2021, at 6:16 AM, Fullylugged <bruce.h...@gmail.com> >>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> To Doug's comments on Clem L: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I put a local rider with spine issues on one about 2 years ago to >>>>>>> suit her need for a comfortable upright ride. She is mostly on >>>>>>> pavement, >>>>>>> but some of that is coarse chipseal. We built the bike with Continental >>>>>>> "Basketball" tires instead of Schwalbes to get a livelier ride. She has >>>>>>> no >>>>>>> trouble doing club rides at 18 mph when desired, or tooling on gravel >>>>>>> at >>>>>>> under 10 mph. It's been a winner all around and of course, Clem is one >>>>>>> of >>>>>>> Rivs more reasonably prices models. Leah who posted about her Platypus >>>>>>> also >>>>>>> has a Clem L and enjoys it as well, though not as much as her Platy, I >>>>>>> think. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> To the earlier comment about most rivs riding anywhere: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Yes, The "Adventure bike" zeitgeist of :any bike, any road is fully >>>>>>> embraced by rivendell. All models have limits and some do one thing or >>>>>>> another better than something else, but you can't go wrong with any >>>>>>> Rivendell of any era. I have a 1995 Road model. With gravel tires on, >>>>>>> it >>>>>>> does that just fine. With fat road tires, it handles all the surfaces I >>>>>>> am >>>>>>> likely to be on. Of my 4 bikes, it is the one that gets most of the >>>>>>> miles >>>>>>> every year. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bruce >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Monday, December 6, 2021 at 7:16:14 AM UTC-6 Doug H. wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Laura, >>>>>>>> I can put the Clem L in the category you are searching just to >>>>>>>> muddy the waters. Mine is the Lime Olive and is set up 1x10 with >>>>>>>> knobby >>>>>>>> tires, 2.3 wide I believe. It is equally efficient on trails, gravel >>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>> asphalt. It climbs unbelievably for a 32 pound bicycle. In fact, it >>>>>>>> has >>>>>>>> made me rethink the weight of a bike being a significant factor in >>>>>>>> climbing >>>>>>>> and accelerating. >>>>>>>> Doug >>>>>>>> Athens, Ga >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Monday, December 6, 2021 at 7:33:05 AM UTC-5 me2g...@gmail.com >>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> EDIT… >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Jarad = Jared >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Lime green = Lime olive >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 2022 orange Platypus = my prediction >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Monday, December 6, 2021 at 6:49:28 AM UTC-5 Laura B wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Jarad, thank you for your insights. I have to laugh because the >>>>>>>>>> answers have made me confident that either bike will be a great >>>>>>>>>> all-rounder, but the answers have also made me yearn for both! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So, I am back to square one. Loving both bikes for their >>>>>>>>>> potential to compliment one another, but having no idea which one I >>>>>>>>>> like >>>>>>>>>> best as an all-rounder! Shallow me… the orange of the current Susie >>>>>>>>>> was >>>>>>>>>> easily tipping the balance in that direction. When they announced >>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> current colors, it placed both bikes on equal ground. I have no >>>>>>>>>> doubt I will sweat it out till the last minute! I also predict I >>>>>>>>>> will buy a >>>>>>>>>> lime green Susie in 2021, then go nuts when an orange Platypus is >>>>>>>>>> released >>>>>>>>>> in 2022!!! >>>>>>>>>> On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 11:27:52 PM UTC-5 duh...@gmail.com >>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Both bike will do what you're looking for, and you wont come >>>>>>>>>>> near the limitations of either. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I had a Susie and my fiancee has a Platy, both bikes handle the >>>>>>>>>>> type of riding you describe with ease. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> The Susie is more confidence inspiring off road and demands a >>>>>>>>>>> larger tire to take full advantage of its potential. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> The Platy has a more sophisticated look and handles on road >>>>>>>>>>> riding in a way that leaves you wanting for nothing. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I didn't love the way a large load felt on the front of the >>>>>>>>>>> Susie, where as the Plat handles similar loads with ease. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> All said I'll be getting another Susie this round, one size up >>>>>>>>>>> from my previous size L. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I'll also be keeping a close eye on the next bath of Platy's as >>>>>>>>>>> well, I feel there is enough difference between the two to justify >>>>>>>>>>> owning >>>>>>>>>>> both, tho I'm trying to keep it down to just one bike at a time. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Best of luck with whatever you choose >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Jared in SLO >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 7:57:40 PM UTC-8 >>>>>>>>>>> me2g...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Thank you Joe. My hunch is that you are right. All Rivendell >>>>>>>>>>>> bikes are multi-functional with the right components. I pulled the >>>>>>>>>>>> 2.2 tire >>>>>>>>>>>> size out of my head so that it would become a non-factor when >>>>>>>>>>>> making the >>>>>>>>>>>> comparison. I thought it was the largest Platypus could handle >>>>>>>>>>>> without >>>>>>>>>>>> fenders. Still curious to hear about ride quality from real world >>>>>>>>>>>> experience. Anyone riding a Susie for an afternoon over pavement? >>>>>>>>>>>> Or >>>>>>>>>>>> picking their Platypus for off-road trails? >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 10:38:02 PM UTC-5 Joe Bernard >>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Laura, welcome! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Tire size may be the decider for you since you mentioned 2.2. >>>>>>>>>>>>> The max listed for Platy is 50mm, which works out to about 1.95 >>>>>>>>>>>>> inches. The >>>>>>>>>>>>> Susie goes to 2.8 so is definitely the way to go if you wants >>>>>>>>>>>>> lots of air >>>>>>>>>>>>> between trail and rim. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> As for the question of which is a better all-rounder, the >>>>>>>>>>>>> answer is both! Just about every Riv ever made - and certainly >>>>>>>>>>>>> most of the >>>>>>>>>>>>> current models - will happily do all the riding you've described, >>>>>>>>>>>>> so I >>>>>>>>>>>>> think you'll need to weigh other factors: tire size, color, lugs >>>>>>>>>>>>> or fillet >>>>>>>>>>>>> joints, higher toptube or lower (I'm into lower), and >>>>>>>>>>>>> availability. Heck, >>>>>>>>>>>>> you can choose based on the name you like best! 🙂 >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Joe Bernard >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 7:21:57 PM UTC-8 >>>>>>>>>>>>> me2g...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thank you for the Platy feedback… Do I want to wait 6 to 9 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> months more for a bike? No! But, I will be building up a frame >>>>>>>>>>>>>> and parts >>>>>>>>>>>>>> are back-ordered as well, so buying a frame now will still >>>>>>>>>>>>>> involve waiting >>>>>>>>>>>>>> to get all of the components. Although, I am trying to make my >>>>>>>>>>>>>> mind up fast >>>>>>>>>>>>>> incase I decide on a Susie. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I love the build of both bikes. I am not sure I want a tig >>>>>>>>>>>>>> welded version. Nothing wrong with tig welded bikes, but I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> already have one >>>>>>>>>>>>>> in the vintage MTB category. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> My theoretical question is: if components and tires are the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> same, how do the two bikes ride on pavement and easy trails? Is >>>>>>>>>>>>>> one of the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> bikes a better all-rounder??? >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 9:07:15 PM UTC-5 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> bjmi...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Am I making this up, or is there going to be a Platypus >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> style frame that will be tig welded and a little stouter tubing >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> coming as >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> well? Would that possibly be something that would fit the bill >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> for Laura? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ben, who could be imagining things, in Omaha >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPad >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Dec 5, 2021, at 8:01 PM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! < >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Laura! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I have a Platypus and am a big fan of it. I have not ridden >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a Susie, but I do have a Clem (which is in the same Hillibike >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> category as >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Susie). I won’t speak to trail riding because I don’t do a lot >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> of it, and >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> my bikes are set up differently. But I see Blue Lug videos >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> showing guys >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> riding Platys all over the darn countryside, so it’s probably >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> doable. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> My point would be this: How soon are you looking to get a >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> bike? Because there is a shipment of incoming Susies heading to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rivendell >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> soon, like this month, but there will be no Platypuses until >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> middle to late >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2022. (Rivendell says May 2022, but their bikes always seem a >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> couple/few >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> months delayed. Last year they said Platys would come October, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> then >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> November, and so on and so forth. They actually came in April >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> or May of the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> next year.) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> So, if you want a bike soon, get a Susie. If you want to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> wait, Platys will arrive later in 2022. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> L >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 5:08:15 PM UTC-8 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> me2g...@gmail.com wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello, I am new to this group and still trying to decide >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> which Rivendell bike will be my first. I am torn between the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Platypus and a >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Susie Longbolts. I hope that there are people here that have >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ridden both, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> or have turned one of them into their all-around, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> multi-terrain bike. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ideally, I would LOVE to have both, but that will take a few >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> years to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> achieve! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As a note, all-terrain is pavement, gravel, fire roads, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> hard-packed sand. Not aggressive single track or severe >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> off-road. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rivendell promotes the Platypus mainly for pavement and the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Susie for trails. In theory, if both were equipped with the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> same 2.2” >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> all-terrain tire, which one would make the best multi-use >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> bike? Would the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> differences be minor or is the geometry on one better able to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> adapt? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Should I limit my expectations to what the bikes were >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> designed for? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks for your help, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Laura >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3854c011-f48f-4b08-ae6f-4e378c1d77ean%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3854c011-f48f-4b08-ae6f-4e378c1d77ean%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> >>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in >>>>>>> the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit >>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/a5Q_G831l3w/unsubscribe >>>>>>> . >>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to >>>>>>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/1b45ac89-ecd2-4ebe-ad7f-4e222e6f7113n%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>> >>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/1b45ac89-ecd2-4ebe-ad7f-4e222e6f7113n%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>> . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. 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