Recumbent Tandems?

[cat0020]

Anyone have experience with one of these type of Recumbent Tandems?

http://www.bilenky.com/black%20viewpoint_files/BlackDeluxeSportVP-filtered.jpg

http://generationsfutures.chez-alice.fr/velo/tand_hase_pino.jpg

http://generationsfutures.chez-alice.fr/velo/tand_hase_pino_totale.jpg

[GreenGrasshoppr]

I bet it's awesome if your S.O. is a hardcore DF rider, while you're a recumbent aficionado

[BlazingPedals]

Not personal, but a guy in my club has one. It was a way for him to ride with his son, who has disabilities. His is an Opus Counterpoint III, but it's the same bike. Hard to tell the performance envelope, since his son turned the pedals or not, depending on his mood; so it was usually Dad powering the thing alone.

[bentbaggerlen]

Yes, I have ridden one for about 3 weeks years ago (Counterpoint) Very well built and nicely thought out. The counterpoint/Viewpoint, your top photo offers independent coasting as well as cadence. Note the extra dérailleur and cluster under the stokers seat. Its now sold as the Viewpoint and is more refined then the older Counterpoint.

[SesameCrunch]

We have had a Counterpoint tandem for many years now. Nice bike for its intended purpose - touring. Best part is that it's easy for both riders to talk, since their heads are close to one another. The person in front is completely hands free, good for looking at maps or drinking wine :-)

[Dr.Deltron]

Never tried one.
When it came time for a new tandem, I just shot the wad and got a Greenspeed!

Advantages?
~3 wheels; no falling over.
~72 speeds; so poor ol' Popi can still make it go with 4 kids on board! Does that make it a quintlet?
~Easy to transport. It fits on my Honda Accord with just a folding trunk rack. Takes maybe 3 minutes on or off. Good to 90 m.p.h. like that, but YMMV!
~Ultimate coolness factor. Everyone has a question (or 2 or more) for a tandem recumbent trike rider!
I could go on...

Disadvantages?
~$8,000+! (minor detail):rolleyes:
~who gets it when I go?

Worth it?

Every penny of it!!!

[cat0020]

I guess the main reasons I want a Hase Pino Tandem is that it is shorter than a regular tandem in overall length, narrower than a trike in width, full field view for both captain and stoker, independent pedaling action, . I prefer two wheel over three, never seem to have problem falling over.

[Dr.Deltron]

I guess the main reasons I want a Hase Pino Tandem is that it is shorter than a regular tandem in overall length, narrower than a trike in width, full field view for both captain and stoker, independent pedaling action, . I prefer two wheel over three, never seem to have problem falling over.
I'm sorry, I reread and realized I was, er .. condescending in tone, ..wasn't I?
Sorry 'bout that. No offense intended.

Excellent points you bring up.
I would love to co-pilot that Hase with you. Looks like a blast, IF you have 2 "dedicated" riders.
On the Greenspeed, I'M the dedicated rider! The other 4 (kids) are "cargo"...:p

and yes, the sheer size of the GTT, especially with the Burley trailer, is tricky on tight roads. But when I have ventured onto roads, I/we usually get PLEEENTY of room from passing motorists.
I think they just want to see it from the side, as oposed to from above. . ;)
But everyone does have a pretty good view of whats going on. Maybe the 'trailer fodder ' has a limited forward view.
And the stoker is usually playing a gameboy. . :rolleyes: . . teenagers..

Independent pedaling would be awesome, but it's not an easy modification to the GTT.
I was intrigued recently by an electric assist motor though. Looks like I just need to make a bracket, and I could bolt it on. And that's what I currently need, some assistance. It'll be a while before this Winetriko becomes a "racng" trike. And maybe by then I'll have a "dedicated" co-pilot so we can go "back" to 2 wheels. Right now, falling over would be the major issue.

Good luck with your hunt for one. If you get it, and you're anywhere near here, come on by. We can co/co-pilot the 2 tandems. Your Aston Bikin & my Winnetriko. . :D

:rolleyes:

[cat0020]

No worries, dude.
I don't have kids, my purpose for this tandem would be touring with some luggage, do another coast to coast with my SO, packing it on planes, trains and automobiles for an around the world tour.
Titanium version would certainly be nice not have to worry about paint chip or washing it ever. :D

[Dr.Deltron]

No worries, dude.
Cool! . .:)

I don't have kids, my purpose for this tandem would be touring with some luggage, do another coast to coast with my SO, packing it on planes, trains and automobiles for an around the world tour.
People ask me how is it, having 4 kids?
And I say the quantum leap was from zero to one.
After that, it's just a little more of the same.

But the 5 of us are gonna follow you on your tour! :D

at least the part on this continent. :p

the part on the West coast, down South of Santa Cruz,
and slightly North of Monterey.
Between Beach Road and Imjin Parkway,
But only on Sunday, after 11 a.m.

double :p :p

All kidding aside, good luck in you search, aquisition & travels.
I could be pretty dang envious if I thought about it too long......:D