Canadian cyclists: We carefully match RBW's pricing: our retail price is basically the same as the final price you'd pay Riv and the government all-in, no extra duties or tariffs beyond the displayed price will crop up! Riv frames also benefit from our very reasonable flat rate shipping. International cyclists: yep, we can ship to you too.
The Platypus, in few ways, is the most all-around useful, comfortable and democratic bike that Rivendell Bicycle Works has to offer. Over the next 30 years of your life, it is the bike that is most likely to carry you anywhere, anytime.
It's a country bike like the Sam Hillborne or the A. Homer Hillsen. But most people don't know what it is exactly so to kowtow to categorization here we go: Road tourer. All-Road. Gravel Grinder.
Everything that makes it a great touring bike also makes it a great commuter, camper, or all-rounder.
The Platypus like most Rivendell bicycles are/have:
Tough steel frame
Comfortable seating
Rack Mounts in the right place
Fender Mounts in the right place
Room for big tires 2.2" (up to 48mm fendered)
Wiggle room for those big tires
SPECS
Three available sizes:
PBH's are lightly flexible because of the step-through
The use of cantilever brakes is also possible by using cable hangers (not included).
The chainstays are a hair longer on the 50 and 55cm.
** Each frame includes a FSA Duron X headset and a Kalloy seat post (26.8) ** Contact us if you have special requests for parts other than those included or a complete build.
Bassi frames ship for flat rates in Canada, the US, and Europe. Please contact us for a quote in other regions.
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Assembly tips
Some frames, such as Bassis, have an anti-rust E.D. coating covering inside and outside surfaces. This very thin coating is slick and hard - if your seatpost is very smoothly polished (like a Bassi or Nitto) there can be some slippage. You can add some carbon grip paste (available at all bike shops) or rough up the texture inside the seat tube with a hone or some fine sandpaper. You don't need to get down to the metal, just add some texture to the coating!
Modern frame manufacturers have excellent quality control, and great tooling to face and ream the head tube and bottom bracket, but some paint overspray can occur after fabrication. Consider adding the frame preparation labour add-on to ensure all the frame bearings are coplanar and coaxial, ensuring long service life.
