I'd guess that Riv liken it to the Appaloosa/Atlantis rather than the Sam or Homer due to tire clearances. It'll clear 2.1s, most 2.2s, and some 2.25s.
Those tire clearances do make it pretty capable on dirt, but it's best on mild trails. The Platypus frame page suggests it's "for mostly pavement riding with loads from zero to 30 pounds". I assume the weight limit and mostly pavement designation is largely due to the step-through frame without Clem stout tubing. Like most Rivs, where it falls on the spectrum of light and nimble vs tough and capable depends a lot on how you build it - wheels and tires, handlebar width, etc. Eben Weiss touches on this a bit in this look at how his Platypus has evolved: https://bikesnobnyc.com/2023/09/19/evolution-of-a-platypus/#more-20233 My Platypus has 50mm tires (GravelKing SKs measuring 2") and fenders, with a light front rack and basket and is used as a cruisy allrounder. It's great around town but also at home on mixed surface outings. -Dave On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 8:00:21 AM UTC-4 Hoch in ut wrote: > It’s confusing because if you scroll down towards the bottom of the > homepage, and click on “Country Bikes” link, it lists the Homer, Sam and > Plat. I’ve never ridden one so I’ll let others chime in but I also thought > they marketed it as a country bike. But perhaps it blurs the line a bit > since it has bigger tire clearance > > On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 2:15:04 AM UTC-6 esoter...@gmail.com wrote: > >> >> Hi folks, >> >> I was browsing the RIv website and saw a statement that kinda caught me >> off guard. Under the Current Models page, the description for the Platypus >> reads, "Like an Appaloosa or Atlantis, but with a step through frame." >> >> The impression of the Platypus that I've formed from reading the ride >> reports and praises from those on this list, is that the Platypus is a >> lighter and more nimble Country-type bike-- much closer to an AHH or Sam >> Hillborne. But after seeing that blurb, it's implying that the Platypus is >> more of a stouter fully-loaded touring bike, and also more capable of >> off-road riding than the Country bikes are. >> >> Can those who have experience with both the Platypus and >> Appaloosa/Atlantis or AHH/Sam compare the ride qualities? I'm curious if >> folks think the Platy feels closer to a loaded touring Riv or a Country >> Bike. >> >> Mahalo, >> >> ~Mark >> Kailua, HI >> > -- 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/81a617c9-d28f-47f7-97b7-161001c5c5f6n%40googlegroups.com.