Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Garth 
I can relate to options. I ride my Bombadil with 50mm Big Bens the same as 
I ride my custom Franklin with 33mm tires. They're just two distinct 
variations of a bicycle. I ride both on the road, regardless of it's 
quality of surface. I don't consider one good for this, or the other good 
for that, I'll ride either anywhere I ride the other. The Bombadil design 
and tubing is thicker than 531ST, but so what ? It's not like we're 
comparing a feather to a tank. 

I also bought a Susie when they came out. I have yet to build it, I'm in no 
hurry to either as I have two working bikes already. I thought about 
selling it for a Rosco Platy as it was purple. The rationale was as you, I 
don't "need" the wide tire capacity of the Susie. After getting the 
geometry and thinking it over . nah ... what was I thinking ? It 
offered nothing that the Susie didn't, and it had all the same to me, 
limitations., a 26.8 post and no rear canti cable stop, plus the bb is 
lower. I bought the Susie over a Clem because the BB was 70mm and not 80mm. 
My Bombadil is 80mm also and sometimes I wish it was higher. Not for 
clearance, just the feel. Plus the names Rosco nor Platypus don't do 
anything for me. Neither did the look of the Rosco or the Platypus. Susie 
Longbolts  that I just smile with when I think of that name, I can't 
help it. I think of all those women during the WWII years that did all the 
jobs that they guys away at war did. The "Longbolts" being a complimentary 
nickname. Platypus ? I don't relate to.no affinity for it... and all 
the sales pitching just made it more obvious. Like taste in foods, one 
likes what they like and that's that. Both Gus and Susie are fictional 
names, that leaves them open to using the imagination to relate. 

I don't ride upright like driving Miss Daisy either and like being 
stretched out, and the Susie/Gus has all the real estate I would need. I 
have some 52mm and 55mm tires for the Susie and that's fine with me. Is 
that too wide, too narrow ? Compared to what, and when, and how ? Are 
comparisons ever valid ? Is one ever two ?  Challenge the cliche's and 
so-called ways of convention. Repeating them doesn't make it so. 

Giddyup Gus and Go !

-- 
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/219939d3-9bce-49cf-9eab-30eb9a56d572n%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Joe Bernard 
Jacob, 

I like em, too, and wish I'd kept my Susie for these crazy-choppy roads I 
ended up moving to less than a year after selling it. I really liked that 
huge floaty tire thing, plus the fillet welds are very pretty. If I ever 
find a Gus (or another Susie) in my size at a time when I can cough up the 
cash, that baby is MINE. 

On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:46:35 PM UTC-8 jacob...@gmail.com wrote:

> @Mack- Wow that's great to hear. At 6'7'' that's longer than me. The 
> stiffness of the Bridge Club is nice when loaded down but it's not 
> something I look for in a frame. The Lighting Bolt will flex and rides 
> really nice. It's nice to hear that you have the Juan Martin bar. I've been 
> using it on my Trucker and really like it. Thanks for the points of 
> reference! 
>
> @Joe- You are dead correct. 
>
> @Eric- I saw the ad. That's a great looking bike! I'm really looking to 
> build a frame up. I think I enjoy tinker with bike as much as riding them. 
> Good luck with your sale!
>
> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:25:58 PM UTC-5 Eric Daume wrote:
>
>> I'll just plug that I have a 60cm Rosco Plat for sale 
>> , only 
>> one state away :)
>>
>> [image: IMG_4997.JPG]
>>
>> Eric
>> Plain City, OH
>>
>> On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 8:55 AM Jacob Byard  wrote:
>>
>>> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a 
>>> Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or 
>>> other always came up. 
>>>
>>> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved 
>>> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff 
>>> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike 
>>> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride. 
>>>
>>> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town 
>>> rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding 
>>> usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry. 
>>>
>>> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the 
>>> Gus has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a 
>>> fan of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last 
>>> year so I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful). 
>>>
>>> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road 
>>> as the Platypus?  
>>>
>>> Thanks for the help! 
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> Jacob
>>>
>>> -- 
>>>
>> 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/9c2c5d11-d7ff-45b7-a872-13389b34d872n%40googlegroups.com
>>>  
>>> 
>>> .
>>>
>>

-- 
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/3133aa29-0ed7-47c0-a97d-c4038ae47f7fn%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Danny 
@Mack, what's your saddle height? At 6'3" w/ a 97cm pbh, I never thought
I'd fit all that well on a Platy, but you've got me reconsidering that.

-Danny

On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 4:46 PM Jacob Byard  wrote:

> @Mack- Wow that's great to hear. At 6'7'' that's longer than me. The
> stiffness of the Bridge Club is nice when loaded down but it's not
> something I look for in a frame. The Lighting Bolt will flex and rides
> really nice. It's nice to hear that you have the Juan Martin bar. I've been
> using it on my Trucker and really like it. Thanks for the points of
> reference!
>
> @Joe- You are dead correct.
>
> @Eric- I saw the ad. That's a great looking bike! I'm really looking to
> build a frame up. I think I enjoy tinker with bike as much as riding them.
> Good luck with your sale!
>
> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:25:58 PM UTC-5 Eric Daume wrote:
>
>> I'll just plug that I have a 60cm Rosco Plat for sale
>> , only
>> one state away :)
>>
>> [image: IMG_4997.JPG]
>>
>> Eric
>> Plain City, OH
>>
>> On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 8:55 AM Jacob Byard  wrote:
>>
>>> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a
>>> Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or
>>> other always came up.
>>>
>>> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved
>>> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff
>>> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike
>>> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride.
>>>
>>> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town
>>> rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding
>>> usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry.
>>>
>>> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the
>>> Gus has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a
>>> fan of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last
>>> year so I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful).
>>>
>>> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road
>>> as the Platypus?
>>>
>>> Thanks for the help!
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> Jacob
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>> 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/9c2c5d11-d7ff-45b7-a872-13389b34d872n%40googlegroups.com
>>> 
>>> .
>>>
>> --
> 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/e99e9526-658c-48dc-bdad-9743250ee037n%40googlegroups.com
> 
> .
>

-- 
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/CAJrvVQLHV-tTP9B29AVM5SvpTrqo8G7pS3XOfci-AyAfc12bnw%40mail.gmail.com.

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Jacob Byard 
@Mack- Wow that's great to hear. At 6'7'' that's longer than me. The 
stiffness of the Bridge Club is nice when loaded down but it's not 
something I look for in a frame. The Lighting Bolt will flex and rides 
really nice. It's nice to hear that you have the Juan Martin bar. I've been 
using it on my Trucker and really like it. Thanks for the points of 
reference! 

@Joe- You are dead correct. 

@Eric- I saw the ad. That's a great looking bike! I'm really looking to 
build a frame up. I think I enjoy tinker with bike as much as riding them. 
Good luck with your sale!

On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:25:58 PM UTC-5 Eric Daume wrote:

> I'll just plug that I have a 60cm Rosco Plat for sale 
> , only 
> one state away :)
>
> [image: IMG_4997.JPG]
>
> Eric
> Plain City, OH
>
> On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 8:55 AM Jacob Byard  wrote:
>
>> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a 
>> Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or 
>> other always came up. 
>>
>> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved 
>> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff 
>> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike 
>> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride. 
>>
>> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town 
>> rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding 
>> usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry. 
>>
>> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the 
>> Gus has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a 
>> fan of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last 
>> year so I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful). 
>>
>> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road 
>> as the Platypus?  
>>
>> Thanks for the help! 
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jacob
>>
>> -- 
>>
> 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/9c2c5d11-d7ff-45b7-a872-13389b34d872n%40googlegroups.com
>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>

-- 
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/e99e9526-658c-48dc-bdad-9743250ee037n%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Mack Penner 
Hi Jacob,
Based on the kind of riding you describe, I'd lean Platy. I have had mine 
set up mainly with the Juan Martin's (100mm stem), which are great on 
trails for the control I get from the width, and also good on roads because 
of the hand position at the bend. I have never felt too upright on them. I 
also have a long torso (6'7"). I have mostly run 2.2 inch mtb tires, but 
with tires in the mid-40s it feels plenty quick. Your RH tires would be 
great on a platy, imo. 
If you like the stiffness you get from the Bridge Club, though, watch out. 
I call the plat my dual suspension bike! Lots of flex (I'm 210 pounds). I 
think Will has described it's ride as kinda feeling like surfing, which is 
true to my experience although, come to think of it, I've never surfed. 
Mack 


On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:39:19 AM UTC-7 jacob...@gmail.com 
wrote:

> That’s a valid point. I hate valid points. The head says Platy and the 
> heart says Gus. 
>
> I run the 700x55 Rene Herse on the BC most of the time. My alternative 
> wheelset is 27.5x2.8. Sometimes it feels like the 55’s are too plush? That 
> probably sounds crazy but I’ve never cared for them. Too expensive to not 
> use though. 
>
> I wonder what the wheelbase is on an XL Gus? The Ibis is a long bike. 
>
> I like fenders but never seem to use them. I’ve got a 1Up rack and the 
> arms clamp on the tire. 
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 12, 2022, at 1:10 PM, Brian Turner  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Another factor of Gus to consider: tire size. You say you would be riding 
> the largest frame size in either, but would want tires suited more for 
> paved riding. The Gus is such a huge bike ( I feel like my Medium 54cm is 
> massive), and the XL sizes just furthers their massiveness. No slight to 
> anyone running an XL Gus, but I think even with 2.5 - 2.8 tires, they look 
> small and disproportional on the XL size because everything is so spread 
> out. Maybe fitted with some fenders to take up some of the room it could 
> look better, but I just find it a bit odd-looking and I would say the same 
> for all the long wheelbase Riv models and skinny(er) tires. All that extra 
> space just begs for fat rubber, IMO. I know it probably comes across as 
> superficial and picky, but I'm a stickler for function and the form of 
> proportion when it comes to bikes.
>
> On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 12:36 PM Jacob Byard  wrote:
>
>> Thanks for all the replies. It has given me some new things to consider. 
>>
>> @Mark C- I'm tall enough to ride the largest frame in either the Platy or 
>> Gus. Then reach comes into play. Right now I'm using a 120mm stem on a 
>> large Surly Bridge Club and could probably stand a 130mm or even a 140mm. 
>> I've also got an Ibis hardtail in an XL size. With the sloping top tube I 
>> clear the stand over and I'm able to use a short 60mm stem for a very 
>> comfortable reach. The high bottom bracket doesn't bother me and in my 
>> local area it's a plus. All the trails here are very rocky so the extra 
>> height is welcomed. The Ibis would be the bike normally ride on those 
>> trails but at times I do pick the wrong bike. 
>>
>> @Brian- I've used Billie bars on my Long Haul Trucker and found them 
>> comfortable but they made me so upright that I never got out of the wind 
>> and it felt like my pedaling changed to a less efficient position. I had 
>> Doom Bars make me a copy of the Uncle Ron's Ortho bars and put them on my 
>> Crust Lighting Bolt and ran into the same problem. True those bikes are not 
>> designed around a hugely sweptback bar so the Gus/ Platy would be better 
>> suited. I like the width and angle of the Jones bar or even the Crust Juan 
>> Martin bar. Those are probably my first choice. I don't think I'd be as 
>> upright with either. 
>>
>> I can't imagine any bike being more overbuilt than my Bridge Club. I've 
>> loaded that thing down with full racks/ panniers with zero flex. I'm heavy 
>> and have never managed to get disc rub. Have to say it's a well built bike. 
>> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:40:57 AM UTC-5 Mark C wrote:
>>
>>> The Platypus sounds perfect for you. I got the Rosco Platypus with the 
>>> same geometry and am amazed at how versatile it is. It is turning into my 
>>> favorite mountain bike, and for everything else too. Yes, the "top tube" is 
>>> shorter than the Gus, but far longer than most bikes. I was surprised that 
>>> I needed about a 110 stem extension, but that is with Bosco bars; you 
>>> should be able to use about anything on a Platypus with the right stem, at 
>>> least if you don't buy too small a size. 
>>>
>>> The other big thing is bottom bracket height (drop). You don't need the 
>>> higher bottom bracket, and I certainly prefer the lower one. If you do 
>>> still want the longer reach and longer wheelbase, it would be worth 
>>> conidering the Clem too.
>>> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00:30 AM UTC-5 rmro...@gmail.com 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 This will be interesting to

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Jacob Byard 
That’s a valid point. I hate valid points. The head says Platy and the heart says Gus. I run the 700x55 Rene Herse on the BC most of the time. My alternative wheelset is 27.5x2.8. Sometimes it feels like the 55’s are too plush? That probably sounds crazy but I’ve never cared for them. Too expensive to not use though. I wonder what the wheelbase is on an XL Gus? The Ibis is a long bike. I like fenders but never seem to use them. I’ve got a 1Up rack and the arms clamp on the tire. Sent from my iPhoneOn Nov 12, 2022, at 1:10 PM, Brian Turner  wrote:Another factor of Gus to consider: tire size. You say you would be riding the largest frame size in either, but would want tires suited more for paved riding. The Gus is such a huge bike ( I feel like my Medium 54cm is massive), and the XL sizes just furthers their massiveness. No slight to anyone running an XL Gus, but I think even with 2.5 - 2.8 tires, they look small and disproportional on the XL size because everything is so spread out. Maybe fitted with some fenders to take up some of the room it could look better, but I just find it a bit odd-looking and I would say the same for all the long wheelbase Riv models and skinny(er) tires. All that extra space just begs for fat rubber, IMO. I know it probably comes across as superficial and picky, but I'm a stickler for function and the form of proportion when it comes to bikes.On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 12:36 PM Jacob Byard  wrote:Thanks for all the replies. It has given me some new things to consider. @Mark C- I'm tall enough to ride the largest frame in either the Platy or Gus. Then reach comes into play. Right now I'm using a 120mm stem on a large Surly Bridge Club and could probably stand a 130mm or even a 140mm. I've also got an Ibis hardtail in an XL size. With the sloping top tube I clear the stand over and I'm able to use a short 60mm stem for a very comfortable reach. The high bottom bracket doesn't bother me and in my local area it's a plus. All the trails here are very rocky so the extra height is welcomed. The Ibis would be the bike normally ride on those trails but at times I do pick the wrong bike. @Brian- I've used Billie bars on my Long Haul Trucker and found them comfortable but they made me so upright that I never got out of the wind and it felt like my pedaling changed to a less efficient position. I had Doom Bars make me a copy of the Uncle Ron's Ortho bars and put them on my Crust Lighting Bolt and ran into the same problem. True those bikes are not designed around a hugely sweptback bar so the Gus/ Platy would be better suited. I like the width and angle of the Jones bar or even the Crust Juan Martin bar. Those are probably my first choice. I don't think I'd be as upright with either. I can't imagine any bike being more overbuilt than my Bridge Club. I've loaded that thing down with full racks/ panniers with zero flex. I'm heavy and have never managed to get disc rub. Have to say it's a well built bike. On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:40:57 AM UTC-5 Mark C wrote:The Platypus sounds perfect for you. I got the Rosco Platypus with the same geometry and am amazed at how versatile it is. It is turning into my favorite mountain bike, and for everything else too. Yes, the "top tube" is shorter than the Gus, but far longer than most bikes. I was surprised that I needed about a 110 stem extension, but that is with Bosco bars; you should be able to use about anything on a Platypus with the right stem, at least if you don't buy too small a size. The other big thing is bottom bracket height (drop). You don't need the higher bottom bracket, and I certainly prefer the lower one. If you do still want the longer reach and longer wheelbase, it would be worth conidering the Clem too.On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00:30 AM UTC-5 rmro...@gmail.com wrote:This will be interesting to watch. I’ve not ridden either but; Platy is prettier (lugs), a true step through (bonus!), maybe a bit lighter, in stock, less $$ & on paper more “roadish”. But, extra long wheelbase of Gus/Suzie might give an even smoother ride, along with bigger rubber. I assume the bottom bracket is lower on the Platy - again more roadish. Can’t go wrong…Sent from my iPhoneOn Nov 12, 2022, at 8:55 AM, Jacob Byard  wrote:I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or other always came up. The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride. I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry. My torso and arms are long so reach

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Brian Turner 
Another factor of Gus to consider: tire size. You say you would be riding
the largest frame size in either, but would want tires suited more for
paved riding. The Gus is such a huge bike ( I feel like my Medium 54cm is
massive), and the XL sizes just furthers their massiveness. No slight to
anyone running an XL Gus, but I think even with 2.5 - 2.8 tires, they look
small and disproportional on the XL size because everything is so spread
out. Maybe fitted with some fenders to take up some of the room it could
look better, but I just find it a bit odd-looking and I would say the same
for all the long wheelbase Riv models and skinny(er) tires. All that extra
space just begs for fat rubber, IMO. I know it probably comes across as
superficial and picky, but I'm a stickler for function and the form of
proportion when it comes to bikes.

On Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 12:36 PM Jacob Byard  wrote:

> Thanks for all the replies. It has given me some new things to consider.
>
> @Mark C- I'm tall enough to ride the largest frame in either the Platy or
> Gus. Then reach comes into play. Right now I'm using a 120mm stem on a
> large Surly Bridge Club and could probably stand a 130mm or even a 140mm.
> I've also got an Ibis hardtail in an XL size. With the sloping top tube I
> clear the stand over and I'm able to use a short 60mm stem for a very
> comfortable reach. The high bottom bracket doesn't bother me and in my
> local area it's a plus. All the trails here are very rocky so the extra
> height is welcomed. The Ibis would be the bike normally ride on those
> trails but at times I do pick the wrong bike.
>
> @Brian- I've used Billie bars on my Long Haul Trucker and found them
> comfortable but they made me so upright that I never got out of the wind
> and it felt like my pedaling changed to a less efficient position. I had
> Doom Bars make me a copy of the Uncle Ron's Ortho bars and put them on my
> Crust Lighting Bolt and ran into the same problem. True those bikes are not
> designed around a hugely sweptback bar so the Gus/ Platy would be better
> suited. I like the width and angle of the Jones bar or even the Crust Juan
> Martin bar. Those are probably my first choice. I don't think I'd be as
> upright with either.
>
> I can't imagine any bike being more overbuilt than my Bridge Club. I've
> loaded that thing down with full racks/ panniers with zero flex. I'm heavy
> and have never managed to get disc rub. Have to say it's a well built bike.
> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:40:57 AM UTC-5 Mark C wrote:
>
>> The Platypus sounds perfect for you. I got the Rosco Platypus with the
>> same geometry and am amazed at how versatile it is. It is turning into my
>> favorite mountain bike, and for everything else too. Yes, the "top tube" is
>> shorter than the Gus, but far longer than most bikes. I was surprised that
>> I needed about a 110 stem extension, but that is with Bosco bars; you
>> should be able to use about anything on a Platypus with the right stem, at
>> least if you don't buy too small a size.
>>
>> The other big thing is bottom bracket height (drop). You don't need the
>> higher bottom bracket, and I certainly prefer the lower one. If you do
>> still want the longer reach and longer wheelbase, it would be worth
>> conidering the Clem too.
>> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00:30 AM UTC-5 rmro...@gmail.com
>> wrote:
>>
>>> This will be interesting to watch. I’ve not ridden either but; Platy is
>>> prettier (lugs), a true step through (bonus!), maybe a bit lighter, in
>>> stock, less $$ & on paper more “roadish”. But, extra long wheelbase of
>>> Gus/Suzie might give an even smoother ride, along with bigger rubber. I
>>> assume the bottom bracket is lower on the Platy - again more roadish. Can’t
>>> go wrong…
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Nov 12, 2022, at 8:55 AM, Jacob Byard  wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a
>>> Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or
>>> other always came up.
>>>
>>> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved
>>> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff
>>> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike
>>> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride.
>>>
>>> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town
>>> rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding
>>> usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry.
>>>
>>> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the
>>> Gus has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a
>>> fan of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last
>>> year so I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful).
>>>
>>> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road
>>> as the Platypus?
>>>
>>>

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Jacob Byard 
Thanks for all the replies. It has given me some new things to consider. 

@Mark C- I'm tall enough to ride the largest frame in either the Platy or 
Gus. Then reach comes into play. Right now I'm using a 120mm stem on a 
large Surly Bridge Club and could probably stand a 130mm or even a 140mm. 
I've also got an Ibis hardtail in an XL size. With the sloping top tube I 
clear the stand over and I'm able to use a short 60mm stem for a very 
comfortable reach. The high bottom bracket doesn't bother me and in my 
local area it's a plus. All the trails here are very rocky so the extra 
height is welcomed. The Ibis would be the bike normally ride on those 
trails but at times I do pick the wrong bike. 

@Brian- I've used Billie bars on my Long Haul Trucker and found them 
comfortable but they made me so upright that I never got out of the wind 
and it felt like my pedaling changed to a less efficient position. I had 
Doom Bars make me a copy of the Uncle Ron's Ortho bars and put them on my 
Crust Lighting Bolt and ran into the same problem. True those bikes are not 
designed around a hugely sweptback bar so the Gus/ Platy would be better 
suited. I like the width and angle of the Jones bar or even the Crust Juan 
Martin bar. Those are probably my first choice. I don't think I'd be as 
upright with either. 

I can't imagine any bike being more overbuilt than my Bridge Club. I've 
loaded that thing down with full racks/ panniers with zero flex. I'm heavy 
and have never managed to get disc rub. Have to say it's a well built bike. 
On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:40:57 AM UTC-5 Mark C wrote:

> The Platypus sounds perfect for you. I got the Rosco Platypus with the 
> same geometry and am amazed at how versatile it is. It is turning into my 
> favorite mountain bike, and for everything else too. Yes, the "top tube" is 
> shorter than the Gus, but far longer than most bikes. I was surprised that 
> I needed about a 110 stem extension, but that is with Bosco bars; you 
> should be able to use about anything on a Platypus with the right stem, at 
> least if you don't buy too small a size. 
>
> The other big thing is bottom bracket height (drop). You don't need the 
> higher bottom bracket, and I certainly prefer the lower one. If you do 
> still want the longer reach and longer wheelbase, it would be worth 
> conidering the Clem too.
> On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00:30 AM UTC-5 rmro...@gmail.com 
> wrote:
>
>> This will be interesting to watch. I’ve not ridden either but; Platy is 
>> prettier (lugs), a true step through (bonus!), maybe a bit lighter, in 
>> stock, less $$ & on paper more “roadish”. But, extra long wheelbase of 
>> Gus/Suzie might give an even smoother ride, along with bigger rubber. I 
>> assume the bottom bracket is lower on the Platy - again more roadish. Can’t 
>> go wrong…
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Nov 12, 2022, at 8:55 AM, Jacob Byard  wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a 
>> Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or 
>> other always came up. 
>>
>> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved 
>> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff 
>> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike 
>> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride. 
>>
>> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town 
>> rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding 
>> usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry. 
>>
>> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the 
>> Gus has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a 
>> fan of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last 
>> year so I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful). 
>>
>> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road 
>> as the Platypus?  
>>
>> Thanks for the help! 
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Jacob
>>
>> -- 
>>
>> 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/9c2c5d11-d7ff-45b7-a872-13389b34d872n%40googlegroups.com
>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>>

-- 
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

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Mark C 
The Platypus sounds perfect for you. I got the Rosco Platypus with the same 
geometry and am amazed at how versatile it is. It is turning into my 
favorite mountain bike, and for everything else too. Yes, the "top tube" is 
shorter than the Gus, but far longer than most bikes. I was surprised that 
I needed about a 110 stem extension, but that is with Bosco bars; you 
should be able to use about anything on a Platypus with the right stem, at 
least if you don't buy too small a size. 

The other big thing is bottom bracket height (drop). You don't need the 
higher bottom bracket, and I certainly prefer the lower one. If you do 
still want the longer reach and longer wheelbase, it would be worth 
conidering the Clem too.
On Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:00:30 AM UTC-5 rmro...@gmail.com wrote:

> This will be interesting to watch. I’ve not ridden either but; Platy is 
> prettier (lugs), a true step through (bonus!), maybe a bit lighter, in 
> stock, less $$ & on paper more “roadish”. But, extra long wheelbase of 
> Gus/Suzie might give an even smoother ride, along with bigger rubber. I 
> assume the bottom bracket is lower on the Platy - again more roadish. Can’t 
> go wrong…
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 12, 2022, at 8:55 AM, Jacob Byard  wrote:
>
> 
>
> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a 
> Platypus. The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or 
> other always came up. 
>
> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved 
> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff 
> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike 
> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride. 
>
> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town 
> rides to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding 
> usually sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry. 
>
> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the 
> Gus has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a 
> fan of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last 
> year so I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful). 
>
> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road as 
> the Platypus?  
>
> Thanks for the help! 
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jacob
>
> -- 
>
> 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/9c2c5d11-d7ff-45b7-a872-13389b34d872n%40googlegroups.com
>  
> 
> .
>
>

-- 
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/b91440be-60b1-4ac2-9292-fe3d10d0005dn%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [RBW] Is a Gus the right choice for me? Would a Platypus be better?

2022-11-12 Thread Richard Rose 
This will be interesting to watch. I’ve not ridden either but; Platy is 
prettier (lugs), a true step through (bonus!), maybe a bit lighter, in stock, 
less $$ & on paper more “roadish”. But, extra long wheelbase of Gus/Suzie might 
give an even smoother ride, along with bigger rubber. I assume the bottom 
bracket is lower on the Platy - again more roadish. Can’t go wrong…

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 12, 2022, at 8:55 AM, Jacob Byard  wrote:
> 
> 
> I've got the new bike itch and have shortlisted a Gus or possibly a Platypus. 
> The Gus has called to me for a couple of years but something or other always 
> came up. 
> 
> The purpose of the new bike would be mostly to ride 25-35 miles on paved 
> country roads. I live in central Pennsylvania and most of the unpaved stuff 
> is rougher than I care to ride. There's trails that I do ride but any bike 
> with 45mm tires can handle that. Once a month I'll do a 50-60 mile ride. 
> 
> I do C level group rides but nothing over 12-13 mph. Frequent in town rides 
> to get food/ coffee. Maybe some overnight camping. My solo riding usually 
> sits around 11 mph unless I'm in a hurry. 
> 
> My torso and arms are long so reach has always been an issue. I know the Gus 
> has a long toptube and I think the fit would be a bit better. I'm not a fan 
> of super upright positioning. My hand/ wrist got broke in a fall last year so 
> I like bars with lots of sweep (Jones Loop is wonderful). 
> 
> Gearing and tires being equal would the Gus perform as well on the road as 
> the Platypus?  
> 
> Thanks for the help! 
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Jacob
> -- 
> 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/9c2c5d11-d7ff-45b7-a872-13389b34d872n%40googlegroups.com.

-- 
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/BE361A8A-04A9-433D-B795-82705723D312%40gmail.com.