Chance to buy a 'Bent

[Bearonabike]

I have an opportunity to buy a ReBike recumbent (2 wheel) Bicycle. Looks like a 20" wheel in the rear and a much smaller one up front. Anyone know anything about this type of 'bent? They're asking $150.00 and it's in very good condition.

[BlazingPedals]

Oh, where is Mooky when ya need him???

ReBike (RIP) was a low-end maker. Construction was of heavy mild steel and unknown componentry. There was at least 3 models, including a delta trike. Although they were classed as 'bents' at the time, they would fit into the current 'semi-bent' category better (along with Giant Townie, Quetzal, and a few others.) Seating positions were fairly upright and they had a hip support in lieu of a full backrest. In 2000 or thereabouts, they were bought out by Sears. A few made it into stores, but didn't sell as well as expected, whereupon they sort of faded away.

[Dr.Deltron]

ReBike (RIP) was a low-end maker. Construction was of heavy mild steel and unknown componentry. There was at least 3 models, including a delta trike. Although they were classed as 'bents' at the time, they would fit into the current 'semi-bent' category better (along with Giant Townie, Quetzal, and a few others.)
I had them in my recumbent shop ('97-'98) as a price point example. I believe the model you are looking at was $289 new. The model w/26" rear wheel was $329 and the delta trike was $519.
And YES, they were HEAVY, mild steel bikes. Good for going 6 blocks to the store maybe. They were recumbents, even by todays standards and NOT LIKE Giants Townie at all. Or a Quetzal either. Quetzals are (were) recumbents. The one in the shop had 105 speeds, BTW! (that's RIGHT one hundred & five speeds! w/4 shifters)

The next price point recumbent was a 7 speed BikeE at about $800. The BikeE was a much better bike and they can be found on eBay for around $300. I would say skip the ReBike and find a BikeE somwhere.
I still have and ride my BikeE because the seat is easily adjustable. And the rear suspension makes for some fun offroading!:D

If you can get the ReBike for $100 or less, at least it's the most affordable. But it may not "sell" you on recumbents very well.:rolleyes:

[jeff-o]

At $150 it's not a big loss, but remember that the ReBike is really not a good reperesentative for what the recumbent world can offer. Compared to a ReBike, the Cruzbike (http://www.cruzbike.com/) may actually be a better investment.

[BlazingPedals]

DD, we're not talking about the same animals. The C-105 is indeed a bent in every respect. It's the re-badged Peugeot C-105. Maybe I got the relationship wrong, but CCM also markets the Evox, which I though was also sold under the Quetzal brand name. These were reviewed by Bentrideronline and classified as 'semi-bents.'

[aikigreg]

+1 to DD. If I were looking for a bent on the cheap, I'd snag a bike E on ebay...

[Dr.Deltron]

DD, we're not talking about the same animals. The C-105 is indeed a bent in every respect. It's the re-badged Peugeot C-105. Maybe I got the relationship wrong, but CCM also markets the Evox, which I though was also sold under the Quetzal brand name. These were reviewed by Bentrideronline and classified as 'semi-bents.'
You are probably more correct than I. When I got the"Quetzel" for my shop, it came through a Peugeot distributor and had Quetzel decals. It was definetly a recumbent. But that was back in '97-'98. So what has Quetzel decals today, I have no idea.
Thanks for the update.