Recumbent Cadence

[Jorin]

Just picked up an Optima Lynxx and feel like I am learning to ride all over again... (should I put a 650c front fork on it for speed, or is it faster with the 20" front?)

What cadence should I aim for?? On a DF bike I spin 95-105 under normal conditions. Should I work towards the same, once my muscles have adapted, or is this a totally new game?

Thanks!
Jorin

[Trsnrtr]

Just picked up an Optima Lynxx and feel like I am learning to ride all over again... (should I put a 650c front fork on it for speed, or is it faster with the 20" front?)

What cadence should I aim for?? On a DF bike I spin 95-105 under normal conditions. Should I work towards the same, once my muscles have adapted, or is this a totally new game?

Thanks!
Jorin

Not familiar with a Lynxx, so I can't answer your wheel questions. On your cadence, work up to the same as your DF spin. It may be a little tough at first with your feet up in there, but you can do it.

Back to the Lynxx... how do you like it? I saw one for sale recently on the net and thought about making an offer. It looked like a good all-around bike.

Dennis

[Jorin]

I am liking the Lynxx, but the handling is still taking time. I am moving over from a nice road DF, and having the steering point between the knees is a bit strange. I have only been on the road with it twice, but am planning on spending some grass time with it, figuring out the finer points of handling.

Seems very fast, which is what I wanted, but still workable. I was concerned that a Baron would be a bit too extreme for my biomechanial issues, though I love the thought of going that fast. I was expecially amazed yesterday at how well the Lynxx with road tires handled my gravel road.

I am a total newbie to the whole 'bent thing, but I am happy with my Lynxx. No point of reference, mind you...

Back to the wheel question. Maybe if I ask it this way. Is a 20" or a 650c front wheel preferable from a speed perspecitve on a SWB? Optima tells me that my frame will take the 650c just fine... I want to know what the advantage would be for the change, besides having an easier time getting parts at my LBS.

Have a great week!
Jorin

[sch]

The speed difference between 20" and 650c is going to be quite small. 20" have a slightly larger coeff of rolling resistance FWIW. It is unlikely you will notice much difference. The seat will be 5-6cm higher than before which you may notice if you are under 66" tall.
Steve

[Jorin]

Ok... physics makes sense on rolling resistance... the biggest difference I am aware of is that the BB height jumps up. Seat vs BB on current setup is 20" verses 24", but with a 26" they are quoting 19" verses 32". Will the increase in the BB height relative to seat/seat position warrent the change? Just wondering...

Thanks!
Jorin

[sch]

Generally speaking, the lower the BB height the more comfortable the rider is, but to some degree this a matter of accomodation, and apparently some are better at this than others. My one brief ride on a high racer (about 40km) revealed some buttock discomfort that was relieved by a few seconds of elevating the buttocks off the seat, so by the end of the ride the buttocks were not a problem. Not sure how that would translate into say a 120km ride though.
Steve