Recumbent - Let's talk about Bacchetta Aero...

Since MG is here, I'd like to get opinions from him. Or any other highracer riders out there.

I rode an Aero at the '02 Bentrider Rally. At that time, the Aero was a new design. I found that when I pushed on the pedals hard, the bike twisted indescribably. It was like riding one of those mechanical bulls. I've heard a few - but VERY few - others say the same thing. Other than that, I liked the ride. So the questions are: 1. was this a problem with early models that was fixed once production started? 2. Maybe it was something else in the setup? Or my imagination? 3. At 200 lbs, would I be better off on a stiffer (steel) frame?

Speaking as a lowracer rider & without the benefit of highracer experience, I'm looking at the highracer format because I think it'll be higher off the pavement on hot sunny days, and it'll work better in mixed recumbent/DF groups - DF riders can get a little draft and I'd be at a better height to actually talk with them while riding. I'm also hoping the larger front wheel will ride more smoothly on the copious amounts of chipseal the road commision so dearly loves to spread around here. Are there other benefits you can think of?

I find it hard to believe that the frame of the Aero can be 'flexy'. The tube diameter and not the material determines the bending moment of the frame and the monotube on the Aero is big and short enough that flex seems unlikely under even strong riders torque. A friend, who is a much stronger cyclist than I am, has not noted any twisting on his Aero, which was a very early model as well, about that vintage ('02).
My Rotator Pursuit, also a monotube, but much longer and smaller in diameter was originally shipped as 1.75" D tubing. This had problems at the BB weld and was replaced with a frame with 2.125" D, still smaller than the Aero tube and a foot or so longer to boot. The early frame could be deviated 1-2cm to the L or R by putting a foot on the crank with the crank at 10-12 o'clock postion, full brakes and just pushing on the crank. The newer frame moves about 0.5cm with the same maneuver. May have been something else about the bike you rode, but I don't think it is the monotube or the metal. As to draft, the Aero will provide draft to a DF behind, not as much as another DF, but there is some. I have drafted behind my friend's Aero on downhills but I ride 54cm frame. One thing you lose with high racers: you crash harder if you fall. OTOH SWB is more stable than LWB.
Steve

Since MG is here, I'd like to get opinions from him. Or any other highracer riders out there.

I rode an Aero at the '02 Bentrider Rally. At that time, the Aero was a new design. I found that when I pushed on the pedals hard, the bike twisted indescribably. It was like riding one of those mechanical bulls. I've heard a few - but VERY few - others say the same thing. Other than that, I liked the ride. So the questions are: 1. was this a problem with early models that was fixed once production started? 2. Maybe it was something else in the setup? Or my imagination? 3. At 200 lbs, would I be better off on a stiffer (steel) frame?

Speaking as a lowracer rider & without the benefit of highracer experience, I'm looking at the highracer format because I think it'll be higher off the pavement on hot sunny days, and it'll work better in mixed recumbent/DF groups - DF riders can get a little draft and I'd be at a better height to actually talk with them while riding. I'm also hoping the larger front wheel will ride more smoothly on the copious amounts of chipseal the road commision so dearly loves to spread around here. Are there other benefits you can think of?

John,

Very nice and civil post. I wish you the best in that search for the perfect bicycle.
I have not found it yet. But the Aero seems to fit smaller riders such as myself better due to the things you have mentioned. So maybe the new aluminim frameset might interest you. Almost as light as the Ti but much stiffer.
Another thing you should consider about the highracer is bike transport. The Aero fits in a standard DF car rack either car top or trailor hitch models. Something to think about.
Very fast and very practicle bikes these pesky highracers can be.

Magilla

John,

If I lived closer to you I would let you borrow my Aero for an extended test drive of a few hundred miles. I am sure after that you would find that the bike is usefull and fast.
And the dreaded chip seal. Seems like all the county's are using that dreaded stuff to save a few bucks on road maintenance.
The Aero per Rich Pinto's design has some built in suspension since the purpose of this bike is riding on real roads so maybe it might be a little more lively than your baron which is designed for a track environment and for sprinters.
I have a very high rpm spin when I ride so maybe this is the reason why I have never noticed this problem on the Aero. But DF roadies advocate spinning as the way to cover ground in the most effecient manor. Just something to think about John.

Magilla

I've never noticed any twisting in my Aero under any pedaling conditions, but I have noticed a sort of vertical resonance or bounce under rare conditions like really crappy roads combined with high cadence. It's not a problem, but something that happens occasionally. I should point out that my current weight is 206 and may contribute to the sensation.

-Dennis

That's surprising to hear Dennis. Doesn't the Aero have a teardrop-shaped tube? That would make it stiffer vertically than if it were plain-old round. I'm thinking it may have been the wheelset that was doing it to me, since you or Kevin don't have the problem. Something that gives a lot laterally, like Shimano R500s, might cause the phenomenon; and frankly I didn't notice what wheels it used.

That's surprising to hear Dennis. Doesn't the Aero have a teardrop-shaped tube? That would make it stiffer vertically than if it were plain-old round. I'm thinking it may have been the wheelset that was doing it to me, since you or Kevin don't have the problem. Something that gives a lot laterally, like Shimano R500s, might cause the phenomenon; and frankly I didn't notice what wheels it used.

The Aero uses a huge round tube. As for wheels, I have noticed that the stock Velocity Spartacus Pros are somewhat springy. I also use a set of Ksyriums, mainly on my Volae Team, and they seem stiffer.

-Dennis

I have both the Strada and Aero, and have not noticed any difference in boom movement. Both are large size. I am not a strong rider, and I spin up hills instead of mashing.