Recumbent - Sub-25-pound bent?

Just out of idle curiosity, is it possible, and does anybody already make a sub-25-pound recumbent - a sub-20-pound one? If so, do the bikes give away significant durability to meet those weight points? Where is the major weight savings to be had - frame-wheels-drivetrain?

I can certainly appreciate your concern, however, for example, my heavy lwb slices through the headwind while my pal on an upwrong struggles and simply can't keep up. Down here we have significant winds most of the time.

My point is, weight isn't everything, but certainly a worthy goal. I was worried about the weight of my lwb, but after riding it, it just doesn't matter to me anymore.

Weight is only not an issue if you live somewhere relatively flat. A heavy bike (recumbent or upright) will be harder work to pedal up hill relative to a lighter one. So I think it's a valid concern.

Challenge make SL (super light) versions of several of their models:
http://www.challengebikes.com/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=recumbentmodels
about half-way down the page.

Optima also started a range of lightweight bikes last year:
http://www.optima-cycles.nl/eng/1.htm

The weight limit on the Challenge bikes is 95 kg / 210 lbs. I don't know the price of the Optima bikes, but the Challenge SL series is good value.

Before spending megabucks though, loosing weight off the "engine" is equally effective and effectively free performance gain..

Just got a Lightning P-38 and it comes in under 30 lbs. Actually picking it up I did not think it weighed even that much. Maybe I am not weight consious [for the bike that is] but for me unless you talking mega pounds it does not seem to make that much difference. Peace el padre

I know what you seek: A carbon fiber Velokraft (http://www.velokraft.com/)

Possibly the ultimate in drool-worthy recumbents...

There are a number of high-racer style bents that are sub-25 pounds - Bacchettal Aero & Corsa, Volae Team, and I believe the Rans Force 5 XP. These tend to be high end component fairly expensive bikes, but really, really good rides.

The Fujin SL-II seems to be all the rage - it is sub-20 pounds and a scorcher, although as a low-racer certainly not for everyone.

Carbent makes one that is only 16.9 pounds!

Carbent makes one that is only 16.9 pounds!

Yeah, check out:
http://www.carbent.com/

And Reynolds has a 700/20 at 24lbs
and a dual 700c lowracer at 23lbs
http://www.reynoldsweldlabs.com/

And Reynolds has a 700/20 at 24lbs
and a dual 700c lowracer at 23lbs
http://www.reynoldsweldlabs.com/

I thought Reynolds shut his doors.

Wow, I just read his website. Too bad. I guess Carbent is the way to go..

WAY cool suggestions, folks. Thanks for the feedback. I'll check these all out soon.

There are a number of high-racer style bents that are sub-25 pounds - Bacchettal Aero & Corsa, Volae Team, and I believe the Rans Force 5 XP. These tend to be high end component fairly expensive bikes, but really, really good rides.

The Fujin SL-II seems to be all the rage - it is sub-20 pounds and a scorcher, although as a low-racer certainly not for everyone.

For the budget minded lightweight bent, one can look at the BikeE CT at just over 25 lbs.

www.rotatorrecumbent.com has both SWB and LWB Ti bikes that are in the 22-23# range, but priced above $5k. They are made to order. Edit: Haven't checked the website in a while and it is completely different, somewhat screwed up and slow to load on my DSL connex, a bit obtuse if you aren't familiar with their standard lineups.
Steve

My home-made LaBent by LaDue cost me a little over $500 (extra shipping because it's so long because I'm 6'6"/230lbs.). I really don't care if it's 10lbs. too heavy. There aren't any hills in South Florida. And I slice right through the headwinds. It's a pure pleasure to ride.

I'm sure I'll try to lighten up my bent someday. But I'm gonna add a bunch of pounds in gear anyway, so...

Im working on losing some weight off the engine. Hopefully by just riding my bent I will reduce the whole package weight by 25 or more lbs. That's the plan anyway.

Ciderbob

Just got a Lightning P-38 and it comes in under 30 lbs. Actually picking it up I did not think it weighed even that much. Maybe I am not weight consious [for the bike that is] but for me unless you talking mega pounds it does not seem to make that much difference. Peace el padre

Yeah the Lightning R-84 is only 19lbs. The Calfee Stiletto is also around that I think.

Here's an 18 pounder , it's called a Trisled Nitro
http://www.trisled.com.au/proto.html

Rotator's Titanium Tiger comes in at 21 lbs. and has 48 gears

http://www.srcc.com/forsale.html

http://rotatorrecumbent.com/main_content.html

http://www.ihpva.org/pipermail/hpv/2000-June/006241.html

I suspect real weight will be a # or so more than 21# and the 48 gear version was in '02, it will be either a 9 or 10spd in the rear (at $5k+ probably 10spd.) for 54 or 60spd, of course with a lot of overlap. The way they are set up you get a nice tight rear cluster and still get a 7:1 range in inch gearing from ~22 to 144" .
Steve

Rotator's Titanium Tiger comes in at 21 lbs. and has 48 gears

http://www.srcc.com/forsale.html

http://rotatorrecumbent.com/main_content.html

http://www.ihpva.org/pipermail/hpv/2000-June/006241.html