Which ´bent for a newbie?

[Bikkhu]

Hi there

I am 35 year old bike messenger vet from Helsinki, Finland, currently doing a summer stint as a pedicab driver. I currently ride touring bikes and fixed gears, but am increasingly drawn to recumbent bikes, after I tried a friend´s Challenge model.

So, I am trying to decide between two models and wondered if anyone here has experience with them? Any insights would be welcomed!

I am currently considering

Nazca Ligfiesten "Paseo"

HP Velotechnik "Grasshopper"

models. The bike should have reasonable cargo capacity and light off-road capability, as I am planning to tour the countryside with it, as well as commute.

Thanks for your help!

- b -

[aikigreg]

I've never cared for the looks of the nazca, but never tried one. I have seen severl grasshoppers and almost bought one as my first bent. I've never heard a complaint by those that have them. I think the hopper would be a good choice for light offroad use.

[jeff-o]

I've never cared for the looks of the nazca, but never tried one. I have seen severl grasshoppers and almost bought one as my first bent. I've never heard a complaint by those that have them. I think the hopper would be a good choice for light offroad use.

Agreed. The Grasshopper is a very popular model, for good reason.

[Bikkhu]

Yep, I think the Grasshopper is it. Altough I don´t know much about ´bents, I test drove one and found it both fun and comfy. Thanks

[GreenGrasshoppr]

I have a grasshopper and I love it!

However, I'm not sure it's a good idea to go offroad with it. If the trail is dry, packed dirt, it should be ok, though.

[somersetflyer]

I too have a Grasshopper, the full suspension works well especially here in the UK with the state our roads are in. extremely well built, never tried it offroad but I am sure it will handle it
Andrew