Giant Revive Steering problem?

[cjscott]

Anyone that has a Giant Revive notice a problem steering especially turning on the bike. I had this problem when I test rode, I liked the bike a lot but even the guy that worked there rode on it and said it had a strange feel when trying to turn, the bike would not turn, it was strange. My husband said the same thing. I was wondering if it was just something I would get used to. The person at the store said it functions like a motorcycle and you have to lean into the turn a little more. I didn't notice this on the couple recumbants we rode. I'm short 5 ft 1" and liked the feel of it, it fit me well but just had this strange steering problem. Thanks CJ

[cjs1948]

Anyone that has a Giant Revive notice a problem steering especially turning on the bike. I had this problem when I test rode, I liked the bike a lot but even the guy that worked there rode on it and said it had a strange feel when trying to turn, the bike would not turn, it was strange. My husband said the same thing. I was wondering if it was just something I would get used to. The person at the store said it functions like a motorcycle and you have to lean into the turn a little more. I didn't notice this on the couple recumbants we rode. I'm short 5 ft 1" and liked the feel of it, it fit me well but just had this strange steering problem. Thanks CJ
We had two Revives. You do get used to the steering. It exhibits what has been called flop because the angle of the steering head is steep--similar to a chopper motorcycle. The little spring that is between the fork and the frame is there to keep the fork stable when parked because of this. It is not an issue when riding where the bike is designed to be ridden--urban hard surfaces. It can be a problem in soft dirt/gravel because when turned the front tends to plow which, if not guarded against, can put you down. We rode ours everywhere including off-road trails without incident. We had trikes at the same time and preferred those so I sold the Revives. One was bought by a woman for her seventy-something mother and reported back that she loved it. I changed the gearing (since changed by the company) and installed better tires. If you like this bike, I recommend the one with the derailler--it's not only cheaper, the gearing has a much better range. (And no, you don't "lean" on this bike any more than any other bike. Get on it, peddle it, steer it--don't oversteer in slippery or soft conditions. Heavy, but nice ride.)

Chip
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO
303-618-5711

[older_than_dirt]

I ride a Revive, and have to admit that it seemed a little strange at first. I had to play with the handlebar adjustment for a couple of days to find the "sweet spot", but now it just seems natural. Give it a chance! :D

[BK Xray]

If you want to really improve the Revive, try some good quality, high pressure tires. We switched tires on my wife's Revive and it really woke it up. She was able to maintain a much better pace with it.

[charlie's dad]

I purchased the Revive as a way to get some exercise. Conventional bikes don't suit me very well and I felt if I was going to "stick to it' and get in shape I needed a "comfort" bike. The Revive certainly fit the bill. The first thing I noticed when I took it for my first real ride was the "lack" of low speed stability. You really need to be moving and looking down the road to avoid flopping around. That is my only complaint. The bike is indeed a great substitute for a "health club" indoor recumbant and so far I have ridden every day with a noticable improvment in stamina. I view this bike as a tool that I hope to eventually graduate beyond. I know it is not a serious distance runner nor a serious recumbent but as an exercise tool for an out-of-shape middle ager it is perfect.

[packerfan]

I purchased the Revive as a way to get some exercise. Conventional bikes don't suit me very well and I felt if I was going to "stick to it' and get in shape I needed a "comfort" bike. The Revive certainly fit the bill. The first thing I noticed when I took it for my first real ride was the "lack" of low speed stability. You really need to be moving and looking down the road to avoid flopping around. That is my only complaint. The bike is indeed a great substitute for a "health club" indoor recumbant and so far I have ridden every day with a noticable improvment in stamina. I view this bike as a tool that I hope to eventually graduate beyond. I know it is not a serious distance runner nor a serious recumbent but as an exercise tool for an out-of-shape middle ager it is perfect.

I agree with you 100% My wife and I each ride a Revive and throughly enjoy it. Remember, if your into biking for the exercise, like I am, it's not how far or how fast you go..........but it's the leg power that keeps the wheel turning. The more you ride it, the more you will like it.

I have some interesting comments on the Revive in the 50+ Forum. Check it out! Happy riding!

[packerfan]

If you want to really improve the Revive, try some good quality, high pressure tires. We switched tires on my wife's Revive and it really woke it up. She was able to maintain a much better pace with it.

BK Xray,
Can you give me an idea of what type of tires you are referring to? Are they strictly for paved surfaces or for graveled trails as well?

[cjs1948]

BK Xray,
Can you give me an idea of what type of tires you are referring to? Are they strictly for paved surfaces or for graveled trails as well?
There are many that you can try. Maxxis Hookworms or Ringworms are high pressure, have some tread, are indestructable, and are inexpensive (a bit heavy). Tires such as Schwalbe Marathons, Schwalbe Marathon Plus, Kenda Kwest, IRC Flatlander, Primo VMonster, etc. all have some tread and would work very well. As long as there is some tread--I wouldn't use slicks--any recumbent or BMX high pressure tire will work better than the stock tires. This site has the most of the ones I mentioned and more: http://www.gaerlan.com/bikeparts/parts/406wheel/wheelbmx.html

When my wife and I had Revives, I used Maxxis tires on them (Warning: these are very fat tires). They worked well and rode better, faster and more securely. We did some trail riding on the Revives without problem.

Chip