Any short LWB riders out there?

[Freshaire]

I want to know what you ride! I'm evaluating the Tour Easy, Rans Stratus, and Burley Canto - need advice on these bikes. Thanks! Bent rider wanna-be.

[nedgoudy]

I am 5'6" and ride an Easy Racer's
EZ-1 which is considered a CLWB.
(I forget what the C stands for.)

I think that the Easy Racers bikes
are totally negotiable whether you
are 5' tall or 6'6". I would just go
to a shop where you can ride one
of each (Burley, Easy Racer and Rans)
and see which one you like.

I can recommend Easy Racers
for a nice ride and decent service.
I have called them several times
for after market stuff like a new
kick stand and touch up paint,
and even got a free set of tires
out of Gardner Martin before his
passing.

[bobkat]

I'm 5 9 and ride a Burley LWB. They seem to be adjustable for just about any sized person. There are a few possible advantages in their frame slopes downward toward the front so it compensates for varrying leg length to the bb, as the seat is slid forward.

[Freshaire]

yes, I've tried the EZ-1 CX (I think it is) and AX. They fit perfectly, but the 2 20" wheels really get on my nerves! I felt like a gerbil running on a very small wheel that went around numerous times without getting anywhere fast. Besides that, I'm riding with someone who will running with at least a 26" on the back...it's something like work to keep up!

[Freshaire]

yes, I've ridden one of those and look forward to riding the Canto...

[rnorris]

Short and small here, 5'3" and 105 lbs. in usual riding gear. In my search for a bent, I found very few SWB bikes that would work... either the seat height was more than I was comfortable with, or I had to position the seat so far forward that the handlebars (OSS) were right in my chest. I overlooked LWB bikes at first and later was sorry I did; they tend to have low seat heights, making them user-friendly for us vertically challenged folk. I've owned a small/medium Gold Rush for a year and it's worked out great; the ability to choose among 5 different sizes in the Easy Racers LWBs was a big help. The RANS Stratus is another good choice; its seat height actually gets lower when the seat is moved forward to accommodate shorter legs. Wanted to try one out, but couldn't find one anywhere near where I live.

On a slightly different note- the crank forward bikes by RANS also adapt well to the smaller rider, particularly the Fusion and Cruz models.

[bent4me]

I am 5'6" and ride a Rans Stratus. Over 18k miles and the most comfortable ride ever. I love my Stratus but after test riding the XP, that would be my next choice. Every bit as comfortable, especially for smaller riders, but faster and better climber. IMHO a superb machine.
Marty

[PuttPutt]

I am 5'6" and ride a Rans Stratus. Over 18k miles and the most comfortable ride ever. I love my Stratus but after test riding the XP, that would be my next choice. Every bit as comfortable, especially for smaller riders, but faster and better climber. IMHO a superb machine.
MartyThe XP is arguably faster, but suffers low speed handling quirks *because* of its jumbo front wheel, excessive trail and tiller. Not a bike I would recommend for busy, city commuting.

[gjshawk]

I am 5 ft 7 and have a 29 inch inseam. I recently purchased an Actionbent Manta Ray lwb. 20 inch front wheel and 26 in rear. There is not a lot of adustment room, but I fit fine.

[Freshaire]

I am 5'6" and ride a Rans Stratus. Over 18k miles and the most comfortable ride ever. I love my Stratus but after test riding the XP, that would be my next choice. Every bit as comfortable, especially for smaller riders, but faster and better climber. IMHO a superb machine.
Marty
Hey Marty thanks! Question: did you do any comparing with the Tour Easy when you were buying your Stratus (or afterward)? I'm leaning toward the Stratus but can't put my finger on why I favor it over the Tour Easy. So many folks swear by them but I'm not seeing 300+ dollars of difference between the two. I'm not an expert on componentry - is the difference there?

[Sandwarrior]

I am 6'-0 and ride the Bacchetta Agio. I didn't like the way the SWB handlebars (oss) were positioned. At the store where I bought my recumbent, there were no USS models. It seemed they simply got in the way of my ability to turn. I am clumsy enough without added distractions. The seat will adjust forward and my wife (5'-1) has ridden it without any problems (other than HER lack of balance). It was quite a bit of work thought to adjust the seat with the rack on the back, so if she wants to ride, I guess I will have to buy one just for her.

[Freshaire]

Interesting, but the Agio did not adjust well for me. Guess those 2+ inches shorter make big difference!