OK I already did alot of research, and I am looking for opinions. Is this bike as nice as what reviews seem to suggest, even though it costs a heap? I want it for touring and rides in the country, possibly to be used on a brevet or two maybe more.


There used to be a phrase "question authority" So I am.

kinda heavy.........might not want to lug it up hills. You may want to take a look at one of the new challenge bikes .......super light series. Do any of the sl series in challenge have suspension?

For touring on the faster side, you could always concider an optima baron and throw some pantour hubs on it.

I have the Speedmachine and it is AWESOME! I think that HP Velo makes excellent recumbents with really well thought out engineering. There was a Streetmachine in the shop as well. Didn't ride it, but it was a really nice looking bike.

OK I already did alot of research, and I am looking for opinions. Is this bike as nice as what reviews seem to suggest, even though it costs a heap? I want it for touring and rides in the country, possibly to be used on a brevet or two maybe more.


There used to be a phrase "question authority" So I am.

For touring, the HP Streetmachine is indeed hard to beat. For racing it would be a different story.

Although relatively compact (as an SWB design) you might want to consider something with OSS steering if you'll have to manouver the bike in tight spaces e.g. parking, in your garage, to cross highways etc.. USS steering always seems a bit cumbersome when you're off the bike.

The Street Machine GTe is available with OSS (though it's a cost-option).

You may consider upgrading one of the http://actionbent.com bikes if money is an issue. However, the street machine's suspension it apparently something noone can touch.