Hi Matt — Welcome! And I hope you find a Platypus that fits you well. Where are you located? Maybe we can help find someone in your area so you can have a test ride before you buy a frame. I think a 55, as you say, would be more versatile.
I have a 2009 Hillborne that's a 57cm and a 2021 Appaloosa that's a 54cm. Got the Hillborne used and the sizing worked out. Before I bought the Appaloosa I called Riv and I was between sizes. Grant said to go 54 instead of 57. I'm glad I did, that was the right call for me. As far as saddle height, it can take some time to figure it all out. Fore, aft, tilt, setback, height! For years I was convinced I needed tons of setback to be comfortable. But recently on my Hillborne I set my saddle higher than normal and moved it closer and now I'm more comfortable and markedly *faster*. No science or precision details to share but do experiment. I find the PBH minus 10-11cm to be a good starting place. The thickness of the soles of your shoes makes a difference, too. Best of luck and let us know if you find a bike! On Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 8:08:52 AM UTC-4 Johnny Alien wrote: > It may work for some but I have never been comfortable going by riv's > sizing standards of going big. > On Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 1:30:23 AM UTC-4 Matt wrote: > >> I just pushed my saddle height to 73 and was pretty comfortable, so the >> 60 might be within reach according to Will. I've spent so long on >> recumbents and Bromptons that I haven't really needed to know the optimum >> height. >> >> On Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 4:58:38 PM UTC-7 Roberta wrote: >> >>> Tall guy! >>> >>> If you’re in NJ or eastern PA, Delaware area you’re welcome to try my >>> bike. At that height, you might be able to do a 60. It is pretty big >>> though. I’m 5’7”. Maybe my pbh is 82? It’s one of those two numbers. I’ll >>> post pics and measurements when I can get to my bike. >>> >>> Roberta. >>> >>> On Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 7:37:24 PM UTC-4 Matt wrote: >>> >>>> Thanks, Roberta. This experiential data is very useful. I'm 5'11 with >>>> long-ish arms and torso, but a 60cm does look a little too large. I can >>>> ride a saddle height of 73cm, but I'm just as happy at 72cm, so the 55cm >>>> seems to be more versatile. >>>> >>>> On Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 7:56:21 PM UTC-7 Roberta wrote: >>>> >>>>> Welcome. >>>>> >>>>> I use the heel to pedal method also for saddle height, and modify as >>>>> needed. >>>>> >>>>> My PBH is also 83 and I ride a 55 Platypus, which is perfect. Years >>>>> ago I test rode a 60 Cheviot and it was way too big. I think 55 is your >>>>> size. >>>>> >>>>> Roberta, Philadelphia >>>>> >>>>> On Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 7:46:05 PM UTC-4 Matt wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Newb here, but long time Rivendell lurker. Chatted to Will today >>>>>> about a Platypus and he mentioned saddle height. My BPH is 83cm (self >>>>>> measured - pretty sure it was to bone but maybe another cm?). Currently >>>>>> riding an ebike, which feels like driving an automatic only worse, so >>>>>> I'm >>>>>> not sure the saddle height is a good indication of what's ideal with a >>>>>> real >>>>>> bicycle. Any thoughts on measuring or extrapolating from PBH? >>>>>> >>>>>> btw looking for 55/60cm Platypus, but may well wait for the next >>>>>> stock. >>>>>> >>>>>> Lovely group, this. Thanks for the edification. >>>>>> >>>>> -- 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-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3ee47ad0-26ac-466e-bca9-c1c4161b917bn%40googlegroups.com.