[coffeecat]

I'm interested in knowing of any Dual 26" SWB bents with suspension. If you have experience on one of these could you please share it? I am looking into purchasing my first bent and find these configurations interesting. I'm 6', about 225# and am looking for a fast bike that can handle the rough roads, trails, streets and curbs between my house and work with a nice plush ride and good control. Is there a turning radius/manoeuverability problem with these? Any plus/minus advise and brand advise would be appreciated.
Thank - coffeecat

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[BlazingPedals]

You could get a Cruzbike kit to convert a dual-suspended mountain bike into a FWD bent. But I gotta say, if you plan on including curbs, maybe you'd be better off with a plain old mountain bike.

[jeff-o]

You could get a Cruzbike kit to convert a dual-suspended mountain bike into a FWD bent. But I gotta say, if you plan on including curbs, maybe you'd be better off with a plain old mountain bike.

Yeah, curbs are generally off-limits on a recumbent, unless you happen to have three wheels. Even then, you often risk scraping your undercarriage on the edge of the curb.

[coffeecat]

Two models that I've come across are the Optima Condor and the Azub. The latter isn't sold on this side of the pond from what I can see. Any riding experiences with 26/26 would be appreciated.

[aikigreg]

are you sure you even need suspension? The mesh backs and padded seats of most bents provide quite wonderful shock absorption all on its own, and to add a shock is sort of overkill, IMO.

..If you were willing to go without suspension and let the passive suspension of the bike plus the seats take over, there are a lot more options, like Rans.

[vik]

HP Velotechnik makes dual suspension 'bents (no 26/26 models though):

http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/index_e.html

You can buy them from the Hostel Shoppe:

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/brol.php

I have ridden my Volae Expedition off curbs with no ill effects - obviously you have to go slow and take some care.

[coffeecat]

One more I just found is the Nazca Pioneer... again not sold over here but looks nice.
http://www.nazca-ligfietsen.nl/

[BikeZen.org]

Challenge has a Seiran model with dual 26" SWB and suspension (spring std, air optional). I have one that I ride on non-technical trails occasionally. I've done a curb once: I don't recommend it!

I like the suspension for bumpy trails, but big tires (1.5 - 2") work well too.