lm/-_-lm/
02-28-06, 06:17 PM
What's the cheapest I can get a recumbent? And where from?
View Full Version : Cheap
LandLuger
02-28-06, 07:14 PM
In the States, I would look hard at Actionbent assuming that you have some mechanic skills as you are basically on your own. When the nagging need to go "bent" finally couldn't be easily quieted, I snatched up an Actionbent Jetstream off of EBAY about two years ago. More and more Actionbents are coming available used every week as the earliest models are reaching three years of age. However, you can still get a new one for around $600 bucks. While my Jetstream isn't ridden as much anymore since I got into lowracers, I won't part with it for it is still the best for cruising into town or social rides.
interceptor
02-28-06, 07:49 PM
Sun EZ-1 Super Cruzer.....499.00 brand new at Ace Hardware.
funbun
02-28-06, 09:11 PM
http://www.recycledrecumbent.com/
I just ordered a custom built frame and fork from him for $150. I'll build my own seat and use parts from several "junk" and good bikes I have. I think this is the best value in the recumbent world.
I plan to paint it Olive Drab (Army Green) for stealth camping.
Here is his parts and prices page:
http://www.recycledrecumbent.com/Parts%20Page.htm
I just ordered a custom built frame and fork from him for $150. I'll build my own seat and use parts from several "junk" and good bikes I have. I think this is the best value in the recumbent world.
I plan to paint it Olive Drab (Army Green) for stealth camping.
Here is his parts and prices page:
http://www.recycledrecumbent.com/Parts%20Page.htm
bentrox!
02-28-06, 10:55 PM
Raise the bar, guys....please!
jeff-o
03-01-06, 05:31 AM
Raise the bar, guys....please!
LOL.
The cheapest places are used (eBay, Bentrideronline classifieds, craig's list, other online classified services), Sun, ActionBent, and the "DIY" Cruzbike.
So... how much did you want to spend, anyway?
LOL.
The cheapest places are used (eBay, Bentrideronline classifieds, craig's list, other online classified services), Sun, ActionBent, and the "DIY" Cruzbike.
So... how much did you want to spend, anyway?
atombikes
03-01-06, 07:17 AM
Raise the bar, guys....please!
While some homebuilt bikes do not have the level of finish of store bought bents, there are many that are very nice. I'm not advocating that "lm/-_-lm/" build his own, as I don't know what his mechanical capabilities/facilities are, etc...
The recycledrecumbent EZ clone geometry, if done well, can be a very nice lwb bike. I have a Toureasy clone that I built from Gardner Martin's plans, and it is a very nice bike. 700c rear, 406 front. I would say this bike is faster, more stable, more comfortable, etc.. than many recumbents available under $1000.
A lot of people do homebuilts for two reasons. To cut cost, or to "roll their own". I would say those that who choose to do a little of both will create an economical, successful, good looking bike. Those who choose only to save money will typically create something less than desirable.
For the first time homebuilder, I would suggest a TE clone. Pretty fast and stable, so your success rate is pretty high for this type of bike. A TE clone will probably end up around 35lbs (or more), so choose materials wisely. For the more adventurous first timer, or the homebuilder looking for something totally unique, I suggest building a FWD lowracer from the plans I offer on my website. This bike is a sports car compared to the cadillac ride of the TE clone.
The bike in the picture, the atomBLASTER, can be built very inexpensively using old mtn bikes/bmx bikes as a materials/component source.
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/blaster.html
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/76c7re2.jpg
While some homebuilt bikes do not have the level of finish of store bought bents, there are many that are very nice. I'm not advocating that "lm/-_-lm/" build his own, as I don't know what his mechanical capabilities/facilities are, etc...
The recycledrecumbent EZ clone geometry, if done well, can be a very nice lwb bike. I have a Toureasy clone that I built from Gardner Martin's plans, and it is a very nice bike. 700c rear, 406 front. I would say this bike is faster, more stable, more comfortable, etc.. than many recumbents available under $1000.
A lot of people do homebuilts for two reasons. To cut cost, or to "roll their own". I would say those that who choose to do a little of both will create an economical, successful, good looking bike. Those who choose only to save money will typically create something less than desirable.
For the first time homebuilder, I would suggest a TE clone. Pretty fast and stable, so your success rate is pretty high for this type of bike. A TE clone will probably end up around 35lbs (or more), so choose materials wisely. For the more adventurous first timer, or the homebuilder looking for something totally unique, I suggest building a FWD lowracer from the plans I offer on my website. This bike is a sports car compared to the cadillac ride of the TE clone.
The bike in the picture, the atomBLASTER, can be built very inexpensively using old mtn bikes/bmx bikes as a materials/component source.
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/blaster.html
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/76c7re2.jpg
lm/-_-lm/
03-01-06, 09:45 AM
So... how much did you want to spend, anyway?
As little as I can. I'm only 15 and since I'm a diehard Mtb racer, I really can't afford all that much. I also don't think I would be able to build a frame. However, if I could get my hands on a frame (and fork) I could finish it w/ the parts that I have.
Thanks all.
As little as I can. I'm only 15 and since I'm a diehard Mtb racer, I really can't afford all that much. I also don't think I would be able to build a frame. However, if I could get my hands on a frame (and fork) I could finish it w/ the parts that I have.
Thanks all.
jeff-o
03-01-06, 10:14 AM
As little as I can. I'm only 15 and since I'm a diehard Mtb racer, I really can't afford all that much. I also don't think I would be able to build a frame. However, if I could get my hands on a frame (and fork) I could finish it w/ the parts that I have.
Thanks all.
In that case, definitely check out this site: http://www.cruzbike.com/ It allows you to convert a generic Y-frame Mtb to a short-wheelbase 'bent for about $350.
Thanks all.
In that case, definitely check out this site: http://www.cruzbike.com/ It allows you to convert a generic Y-frame Mtb to a short-wheelbase 'bent for about $350.
funbun
03-01-06, 10:33 AM
Raise the bar, guys....please!
He said, cheap. Raising the bar means rasing the price. and ADC1's TE clone frame aren't low quality. They are good quality frames, and he knows what he's doing.
lm/-_-lm/
Contact ACD1 at recycledrecumbent.com and ask him to build you a frame. You can then build it up like I'm doing.
He said, cheap. Raising the bar means rasing the price. and ADC1's TE clone frame aren't low quality. They are good quality frames, and he knows what he's doing.
lm/-_-lm/
Contact ACD1 at recycledrecumbent.com and ask him to build you a frame. You can then build it up like I'm doing.
atombikes
03-01-06, 11:23 AM
Or, he could learn to braze.
It's like the old saying, how does it go, "build a man a fire, keep him warm for a night....set a man on fire, keep him warm for the rest of his life". :eek:
All jokes aside, he could spend $40 on a good Bernzomatic model JTH7 mapp torch (probably alot less on ebay), get a bottle of mapp, some rod and flux, some gloves and goggles, and he's off to the races.
It's really not THAT hard! It sounds like he has some spare bikes laying around (who doesn't).
It's like the old saying, how does it go, "build a man a fire, keep him warm for a night....set a man on fire, keep him warm for the rest of his life". :eek:
All jokes aside, he could spend $40 on a good Bernzomatic model JTH7 mapp torch (probably alot less on ebay), get a bottle of mapp, some rod and flux, some gloves and goggles, and he's off to the races.
It's really not THAT hard! It sounds like he has some spare bikes laying around (who doesn't).
funbun
03-01-06, 11:29 AM
True, assuming he doesn't live in a apartment like me.
BlazingPedals
03-01-06, 02:40 PM
If we're talking about homebuilts, then you still have the same quandary - there are plans for a no-weld (but IMHO ugly) bent out there on the Net somewhere. Or you can do the old 'weld a boom on a bmx bike' recumbent, or you can build from plans like Atom's or the TourEasy clone. Unless you're going to populate the frame with junk parts that are already in your parts bin, it's usually cheaper to just buy a bike - even a bent- than to make a frame and built it up with bought parts.
LandLuger
03-01-06, 04:00 PM
If we're talking about homebuilts, then you still have the same quandary - there are plans for a no-weld (but IMHO ugly) bent out there on the Net somewhere. Or you can do the old 'weld a boom on a bmx bike' recumbent, or you can build from plans like Atom's or the TourEasy clone. Unless you're going to populate the frame with junk parts that are already in your parts bin, it's usually cheaper to just buy a bike - even a bent- than to make a frame and built it up with bought parts.
Yep, that is the conclusion that I arrived at. I would like to someone make a case for building a bike when you can find nearly perfect SWB bents on auction for $300-$400.
Yep, that is the conclusion that I arrived at. I would like to someone make a case for building a bike when you can find nearly perfect SWB bents on auction for $300-$400.
funbun
03-01-06, 04:09 PM
Yep, that is the conclusion that I arrived at. I would like to someone make a case for building a bike when you can find nearly perfect SWB bents on auction for $300-$400.
Well here's the case: I'm 6feet 2inches tall and I wiegh 270+ lbs and want to tour with 60lbs+ of gear. Not many $300-$400 swb machines on ebay that could hold up to those specs. Homebuilt mean it's built for me. I don't have to ride bike that is too short or too light in the rear.
Well here's the case: I'm 6feet 2inches tall and I wiegh 270+ lbs and want to tour with 60lbs+ of gear. Not many $300-$400 swb machines on ebay that could hold up to those specs. Homebuilt mean it's built for me. I don't have to ride bike that is too short or too light in the rear.
bentrox!
03-02-06, 12:33 AM
I would like to someone make a case for building a bike when you can find nearly perfect SWB bents on auction for $300-$400.
Perfect for $300-$400? No way! What dimension do you live in? And please don't tell me you're a Scientologist! Tom Cruise was more than I could handle!
PaPa is on the right path. If you're self-sufficient like him I can't imagine there is anything as cheap, or as personally fulfilling, than designing and fabricating your own fabulous recumbent on a few dollars and change.
Perfect for $300-$400? No way! What dimension do you live in? And please don't tell me you're a Scientologist! Tom Cruise was more than I could handle!
PaPa is on the right path. If you're self-sufficient like him I can't imagine there is anything as cheap, or as personally fulfilling, than designing and fabricating your own fabulous recumbent on a few dollars and change.
atombikes
03-02-06, 07:04 AM
I would like to someone make a case for building a bike when you can find nearly perfect SWB bents on auction for $300-$400.
As a first-time homebuilder, I didn't want to spend even $300-400 on a bike that I wasn't sure would suit my needs. By building, I am able to determine which bike is best for me, without having to go thru the hassles and expense of buying and selling to get the correct fit. As I sorted out my needs, I decided that a FWD lowracer was what I wanted. Quick, sporty handling, good on hills.
Have you checked the prices of these bikes? None available for anywhere close to $400! So by elimination, I decided that I needed to design and build something that was not available commercially, an inexpensive FWD lowracer.
To simplify the design and keep cost down, I decided on a moving bottom bracket format. This allows me to use all standard bike components. The only non-standard component is the seat.
So there it is; my case for building a bike instead of buying. You would not believe me if I told how little it cost to build the bike in the picture....
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/76c7re2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/blaster.html
As a first-time homebuilder, I didn't want to spend even $300-400 on a bike that I wasn't sure would suit my needs. By building, I am able to determine which bike is best for me, without having to go thru the hassles and expense of buying and selling to get the correct fit. As I sorted out my needs, I decided that a FWD lowracer was what I wanted. Quick, sporty handling, good on hills.
Have you checked the prices of these bikes? None available for anywhere close to $400! So by elimination, I decided that I needed to design and build something that was not available commercially, an inexpensive FWD lowracer.
To simplify the design and keep cost down, I decided on a moving bottom bracket format. This allows me to use all standard bike components. The only non-standard component is the seat.
So there it is; my case for building a bike instead of buying. You would not believe me if I told how little it cost to build the bike in the picture....
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/76c7re2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/blaster.html
funbun
03-02-06, 07:20 AM
You would not believe me if I told how little it cost to build the bike in the picture....
Try me. I'm guessing less than 50 bucks :eek:
Try me. I'm guessing less than 50 bucks :eek:
jeff-o
03-02-06, 07:38 AM
Try me. I'm guessing less than 50 bucks :eek:
It would be $53 if you used metallic paint...
It would be $53 if you used metallic paint...
bbwolfy
03-02-06, 07:43 AM
I have two homebuilt frames that can be had for cheap plus shipping if they can be shipped. both are lwb with triple chain rings .
atombikes
03-02-06, 07:45 AM
Try me. I'm guessing less than 50 bucks :eek:
Tough crowd! :)
Tough crowd! :)
atombikes
03-02-06, 07:45 AM
It would be $53 if you used metallic paint...
yeah but metallic paint weighs more... :eek:
yeah but metallic paint weighs more... :eek:
jeff-o
03-02-06, 08:31 AM
yeah but metallic paint weighs more... :eek:
Maybe, but it looks way better. If you're worried about weight, have the frame anodized. Back or purple would be nice.
Maybe, but it looks way better. If you're worried about weight, have the frame anodized. Back or purple would be nice.
atombikes
03-02-06, 08:46 AM
Maybe, but it looks way better. If you're worried about weight, have the frame anodized. Back or purple would be nice.
I was joking
I was joking
jeff-o
03-02-06, 09:19 AM
I was joking
So was I. ;)
So was I. ;)
LandLuger
03-02-06, 06:28 PM
Well here's the case: I'm 6feet 2inches tall and I wiegh 270+ lbs and want to tour with 60lbs+ of gear. Not many $300-$400 swb machines on ebay that could hold up to those specs. Homebuilt mean it's built for me. I don't have to ride bike that is too short or too light in the rear.
Homebuilding is great if you have access to the tools and skills, most people--myself included--don't. And all the little items, hardware, and components add up quick unless you are again the rare individual with boxes full of old parts. Furthermore, don't sell cheap bents--such as Actionbent--short. My Jetstream is built like a tank and almost weighs as much--ha, ha. I've got that bike setup for hauling stuff in and out of town, complete with racks, big grocery bag sized panniers, truck, etc. I have probably three hundred pounds of weight on that bike from time to time and the roads down here are not the best in the world as you know. The listed weight limit for the Jetstream is something like 275 but there are guys on the owners forum who reportedly started out 300+ on their bikes--before the pounds came off--no frame failures that I have seen. BTW, we need to ride sometime 'cause I'm just an hour or two away. My family rides the Longleaf Trace almost every weekend, come down and join us sometime.
Homebuilding is great if you have access to the tools and skills, most people--myself included--don't. And all the little items, hardware, and components add up quick unless you are again the rare individual with boxes full of old parts. Furthermore, don't sell cheap bents--such as Actionbent--short. My Jetstream is built like a tank and almost weighs as much--ha, ha. I've got that bike setup for hauling stuff in and out of town, complete with racks, big grocery bag sized panniers, truck, etc. I have probably three hundred pounds of weight on that bike from time to time and the roads down here are not the best in the world as you know. The listed weight limit for the Jetstream is something like 275 but there are guys on the owners forum who reportedly started out 300+ on their bikes--before the pounds came off--no frame failures that I have seen. BTW, we need to ride sometime 'cause I'm just an hour or two away. My family rides the Longleaf Trace almost every weekend, come down and join us sometime.
LandLuger
03-02-06, 06:36 PM
Perfect for $300-$400? No way! What dimension do you live in? And please don't tell me you're a Scientologist! Tom Cruise was more than I could handle!
Ha, ha, ha yeah Cruise has gone over the deep end alright.
PaPa is on the right path. If you're self-sufficient like him I can't imagine there is anything as cheap, or as personally fulfilling, than designing and fabricating your own fabulous recumbent on a few dollars and change.
Fulfilling sure, but not for everyone. I am not a Scientologist, but I am a perfectionist. And even if I had the skills and the tools, trying to build up a bike from scratch would drive me insane. Sure my factory built 'bents have their flaws I am sure, but I don't know about them and that makes all the difference. Humm. . . that is until my Baron's fork fails on 50+kmph descent then I will be a true believer in homebuilding for about a millisecond.
Ha, ha, ha yeah Cruise has gone over the deep end alright.
PaPa is on the right path. If you're self-sufficient like him I can't imagine there is anything as cheap, or as personally fulfilling, than designing and fabricating your own fabulous recumbent on a few dollars and change.
Fulfilling sure, but not for everyone. I am not a Scientologist, but I am a perfectionist. And even if I had the skills and the tools, trying to build up a bike from scratch would drive me insane. Sure my factory built 'bents have their flaws I am sure, but I don't know about them and that makes all the difference. Humm. . . that is until my Baron's fork fails on 50+kmph descent then I will be a true believer in homebuilding for about a millisecond.
LandLuger
03-02-06, 06:40 PM
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/76c7re2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/blaster.html
That is a sweet 'bent; I envy your skills. BTW, I may have a little used HP hardshell seat in the large size that I might be willing to part with if want it.
http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/blaster.html
That is a sweet 'bent; I envy your skills. BTW, I may have a little used HP hardshell seat in the large size that I might be willing to part with if want it.
MaxBender
03-02-06, 07:42 PM
Here's one that might do for a starter...
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/web/products/carbonaero.htm
Might be too heavy at 21 pounds, though. :)
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/web/products/carbonaero.htm
Might be too heavy at 21 pounds, though. :)
atombikes
03-03-06, 07:19 AM
Here's one that might do for a starter...
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/web/products/carbonaero.htm
Might be too heavy at 21 pounds, though. :)
Man, Bachetta makes really nice bikes. One interesting point about that link you cited; all three of the "buzz1, buzz2, feedback" links are all written about the Aero, not the carbon version. I would imagine that there would be enough difference in the two bikes that they should not be compared directly?
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/web/products/carbonaero.htm
Might be too heavy at 21 pounds, though. :)
Man, Bachetta makes really nice bikes. One interesting point about that link you cited; all three of the "buzz1, buzz2, feedback" links are all written about the Aero, not the carbon version. I would imagine that there would be enough difference in the two bikes that they should not be compared directly?
atombikes
03-03-06, 07:22 AM
That is a sweet 'bent; I envy your skills. BTW, I may have a little used HP hardshell seat in the large size that I might be willing to part with if want it.
I personally don't want it (but thanks for the offer), the anatomic (http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/seat.html) seat I show on my bike is great as my go fast seat. And I have a RANS seat that I use as my comfort seat.
However, I'm sure someone on here will want it.
I personally don't want it (but thanks for the offer), the anatomic (http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/seat.html) seat I show on my bike is great as my go fast seat. And I have a RANS seat that I use as my comfort seat.
However, I'm sure someone on here will want it.
Dr.Deltron
03-11-06, 10:39 AM
What's the cheapest I can get a recumbent? And where from?
USED...it's the only way to get quality for cheap. eBay always seems to have BikeE's for 300-500 dollars.
I recently sold an EZ-1 for $400. (it even had a FAIRING). I have aquired a Challenge Hurricane for $600 that came with a rack & panniers. I recently bought a Greenspeed GTX w/ALL the options for $2,000. According to the Greenspeed website it should have cost just OVER $7,000!
So learn what to look for & have "ready money". Good deals usually don't last.
Cheers, Dr.D
USED...it's the only way to get quality for cheap. eBay always seems to have BikeE's for 300-500 dollars.
I recently sold an EZ-1 for $400. (it even had a FAIRING). I have aquired a Challenge Hurricane for $600 that came with a rack & panniers. I recently bought a Greenspeed GTX w/ALL the options for $2,000. According to the Greenspeed website it should have cost just OVER $7,000!
So learn what to look for & have "ready money". Good deals usually don't last.
Cheers, Dr.D
bkaapcke
03-16-06, 05:19 PM
Cheap is its own punishment. When are you guys going to realize that nice equipment is just that; NICE!
funbun
03-16-06, 08:47 PM
What do you mean by cheap and nice? Just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean it's low in quality. Likewise, just because something costs a lot doesn't mean that it's good quality.
LandLuger
03-16-06, 10:04 PM
Cheap is its own punishment. When are you guys going to realize that nice equipment is just that; NICE!
I don't care how cheap it is as long as it works well.
I don't care how cheap it is as long as it works well.
funbun
03-17-06, 06:53 AM
I don't care how cheap it is as long as it works well.
Excatly, there are lots of expensive things that don't work well.
Excatly, there are lots of expensive things that don't work well.
Dr.Deltron
03-18-06, 10:12 AM
Just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean it's low in quality.
Like I said, I got my Greenspeed GTX w/ALL the options for $2,000. That's REALLY cheap (inexspensive) & VERY high quality. It only had 82 miles on the speedo when I got it. So, have money ready and look for a used QUALITY recumbent. Don't give up, good deals ARE out there!
Like I said, I got my Greenspeed GTX w/ALL the options for $2,000. That's REALLY cheap (inexspensive) & VERY high quality. It only had 82 miles on the speedo when I got it. So, have money ready and look for a used QUALITY recumbent. Don't give up, good deals ARE out there!
atombikes
03-20-06, 11:33 AM
Cheap is its own punishment. When are you guys going to realize that nice equipment is just that; NICE!
I have nothing against a person who would rather walk into a store and buy a "nice" bike. If, for whatever the circumstance, a person would rather do that and has the means to do so, OK.
But for me, designing and building recumbent bikes is an art form, it's a way for me to express myself mechanically. I take joy in building something that is not available in a store, and I take pride in the craftsmanship I put into each product. It's interesting to find solutions to problems that may not exist in the DF world, to basically engineer something from scratch.
Some people derive satisfaction in finding more economical solutions to their needs. I respect that.
I have nothing against a person who would rather walk into a store and buy a "nice" bike. If, for whatever the circumstance, a person would rather do that and has the means to do so, OK.
But for me, designing and building recumbent bikes is an art form, it's a way for me to express myself mechanically. I take joy in building something that is not available in a store, and I take pride in the craftsmanship I put into each product. It's interesting to find solutions to problems that may not exist in the DF world, to basically engineer something from scratch.
Some people derive satisfaction in finding more economical solutions to their needs. I respect that.
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