Recumbent - FS Frame for MTB parts?

Hi,

I'd seriously consider start riding recumbents if I could buy a frame only, with a rear swingarm for suspension and made to be used together with standard mountainbike parts, 26" mtb wheels etc. I guess that the seat and steering column would have to be included also. I think that it should be a SWB with USS but I've never ridden a recument so I don't really know.

Then I'd build it with parts from a second hand MTB, including a suspension front fork and have it servicable everywhere with spares that are cheap and easy to find. Would probably start off with a cheap setup, shimano deore throughout and possibly later upgrade step by step.

Would be used for touring, sometimes on pretty bad roads and maybe even dirt trails.

Is this an option offered by many recument companies or do most only offer complete bikes? If you could throw in a few links to websites that offers what I'm talking about, I'd be greatful.

How much do you want to spend?

And since you asked for a link, visit the one in my signature. :)

Check this out. www.cruzbike.com

that cruzbike conversion kit is actually pretty neat! Maybe a bit too upright riding position and I'm not sure I'd like FWD though.

I think that my ideal recumbent would look somethink like the Azub Max: http://www.azub.cz/en/max.asp
http://www.azub.cz/cz/lehokola/img/galerie/30.jpg
http://www.azub.cz/cz/lehokola/img/galerie/32.jpg

i've emailed them about buying the recumbent-specific parts only but no reply yet.

If you guys know of more manufactors with a model very similar to the Azub Max, let me know. Thanks.

I guess I'm on the other end of the spectrum...I offer plans to build a front wheel drive lowracer style bike, mainly using parts sourced from mtn bikes/freestyle bmx bikes. Definitely not dual suspension, and not meant for offroad. The plans offer both dual 20" and dual 26" versions, however. I have built several of these, and they are definitely fun to ride!

For light offroad and dicey surfaces, you are going to want a more upright position for the better balance it'll give. Most manufactures will allow you to buy a frameset, which you can the build up any way you wish. But just as in buying uprights, buying the frame alone is a significant % of the cost of an entire bike. I take it you're not into welding, else you could do a variant on my homebuilt high racer,
http://www.bikejournal.com/images/jfoltzjunk06b.jpg
choosing an appropriate suspension frame and perhaps a Bike-E type seat.

I've always admired your homebuilt highracer, isn't it called the J-Rex? Anyway, it looks like a great bike.

Thanks! It shouldn't surprise you for me to admit that I'm STILL fiddling with the handlebar arrangement! :o

Thanks! It shouldn't surprise you for me to admit that I'm STILL fiddling with the handlebar arrangement! :o

Yeah, I started cabling my bike the other night before I realized that I really should have FIRST rotated the stem around 180 degrees to see if I could get the handlebars a bit lower. Now a couple cables may be too short. DOH! :eek: