EnigManiac
03-10-06, 06:39 PM
Last weekend I visited the Toronto International Bicycle show and test-rode the KMX semi-recumbent trikes. While they were a blast: fun and fast, I doubted their practicality considering they would be virtually invisible in city traffic and, therefore, not a wise commuting choice. But, I did like the firm support on my back and with my herniated disc and sciatica, it was an awakening to discover that I could get speed and comfort at the same time. Today, I visited one of my local bike shops that carries a selection of recumbents and, to mu initial delight, they had the top of the line KMX trike from the show. Apparently, the builder was returning to the UK and didn't want to take it back with him. I test-rode it again and was glad I did. I hadn't noticed the first time that it was made for folks about 5'6" and no more. At the greatest extension of the boom there was still a significant bend in my knee and, as a result, I wasn't able to get maximum power out of my legs.
But the store also had a slightly used BikeE semi-recumbent with the upgraded seat that provided strong, comfortable support and full leg-extension. The big advantage was, of course, sitting much higher than the kart-trikes and being visible to vehiclular-traffic. The bike looked new and I was told the previous owner only rode it for a short time before moving on to something else. In the meantime, he had equipped the big with rack and panniers, fenders, lights, mirror and the upgraded seat. He was asking for $1,200 Cdn, the same as a brand new BikeE and considering how he had outfitted it, it wasn't a bad asking price. I got it down to $900.00 and rode out the door, rather pleased with the deal.
I've been riding a 3-speed beach cruiser, a 7-speed chopper, a 3-speed stretched custom cruiser and a modified 15-speed (though slow as the others) cruiser-trike and it was nice to have 21 speeds under my feet again as well as hydraulic suspension in addition to a laid-back seating position with back support. What a wonderful ride home. It was quick, responsive, nimble and could be pushed hard for speed and a work-out or ridden casually without being too slow. I purchased it strictly for commuting, saving my other bikes for the weekends and now I'm actually looking forward to riding to work next week. LOL.
Are there any other BikeE owners out there? Anything I should be aware of or modifications you might suggest?
But the store also had a slightly used BikeE semi-recumbent with the upgraded seat that provided strong, comfortable support and full leg-extension. The big advantage was, of course, sitting much higher than the kart-trikes and being visible to vehiclular-traffic. The bike looked new and I was told the previous owner only rode it for a short time before moving on to something else. In the meantime, he had equipped the big with rack and panniers, fenders, lights, mirror and the upgraded seat. He was asking for $1,200 Cdn, the same as a brand new BikeE and considering how he had outfitted it, it wasn't a bad asking price. I got it down to $900.00 and rode out the door, rather pleased with the deal.
I've been riding a 3-speed beach cruiser, a 7-speed chopper, a 3-speed stretched custom cruiser and a modified 15-speed (though slow as the others) cruiser-trike and it was nice to have 21 speeds under my feet again as well as hydraulic suspension in addition to a laid-back seating position with back support. What a wonderful ride home. It was quick, responsive, nimble and could be pushed hard for speed and a work-out or ridden casually without being too slow. I purchased it strictly for commuting, saving my other bikes for the weekends and now I'm actually looking forward to riding to work next week. LOL.
Are there any other BikeE owners out there? Anything I should be aware of or modifications you might suggest?