Blackbent 3--is it really that bad?

[js11]

Neck and back pain are compelling me to think recumbent. There are not many bikes local (NE CT). Some one has a BB3 they are asking $400 for, but I've read some nasty things about this bike on line. Is it really something to avoid? If so, what are other options? I'd like to stay under $1000. What's a good bike to start with in that price range.

Thanks.

Jim A

[cat0020]

I have an excellent condition 2001 TREK R200 Recumbent for sale at $500, all original equipment, ridden less than 200 miles. Bike is located near King of Prussia, PA.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/cat0002/eBay/SUC50116.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/cat0002/eBay/SUC50115.jpg

Email if interested.
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[BlazingPedals]

If you read any reviews, you probably read one by Zach Kaplan. Zach is good enough that he charges for his consultation time, and he didn't like it at all. I would stay well away from it unless your intended use is nothing more than cruising around the trailer park.

If I were you, I would contact the folks at MARS (Metro Area Recumbent Society.) They might be able to line up test rides, recommend shops, and help you out in your search.
http://www.recumbents.com/mars/

Having a $1000 budget doesn't cramp your style quite as much as it used to do. With that much to play with, you should find either a new low-end bike or a nicer used machine. But don't settle for a used low-end one. The biggest thing wrong with the Trek R200 was that Trek oversold its capabilities and of course charged too much for it. In contrast to the Blackbent, the Trek was a great little bike that didn't deserve to go out of production.

[jeff-o]

$1000 is plenty of breathing room to find a great used 'bent, or a very decent new one.

[Doug5150]

Neck and back pain are compelling me to think recumbent. There are not many bikes local (NE CT). .... what are other options? I'd like to stay under $1000....

Sun and Cycle Genius have new bents for under $1000, they are dealer-only sales (-if you have to make a day-trip to get to a recumbent dealer, you certainly aren't alone!)....

Actionbent sells online/mail-order.
~

[JanMM]

The Rans Rocket is just under $1000 new.

[vik]

The Rans Rocket is just under $1000 new.

+1 on the Rans Rocket great bike. It is my GF's first bent and she is motoring on it no problems. In fact she is fast enough that it is starting to worry me - might have to put water in her tubes or something!....:eek: :D

http://bp0.blogger.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/RoBK9UkhFhI/AAAAAAAACCA/m7nafuqVJMw/s400/bragg+3.jpg

[gew0419]

my Sun EZ Sport was just over 900 with the extra stuff I put on it. Got it in Feb and LOVE it!!!

[Pockets]

New SUN Tomahawk $999.00 coming out this month

[Dchiefransom]

You might find a Rans Tailwind still hanging out in a shop. A used one in good shape would be a nice ride.

[Dahon.Steve]

Having a $1000 budget doesn't cramp your style quite as much as it used to do. With that much to play with, you should find either a new low-end bike or a nicer used machine. But don't settle for a used low-end one. The biggest thing wrong with the Trek R200 was that Trek oversold its capabilities and of course charged too much for it. In contrast to the Blackbent, the Trek was a great little bike that didn't deserve to go out of production.

I suspect the R200 rode very similar to the Rocket. In fact, the Trek used two derailluers instead of a tripple chain ring which is fine. The R200 just needed more development.

[bookishboy]

Don't be afraid to post a "wanted" ad online. Craigslist, bentrideronline, bikeforums, and hostelshoppe are all good resources to put buyers and sellers in contact. Plenty of recumbent riders (just like every other bike rider) change over bikes as they get closer and closer to their ideal bike. I'd bet that there are a few recumbents in your area that are sitting in garages or basements, not getting used because they've been replaced by a newer, younger brother or sister, and their owners just haven't gotten around to the hassle of trying to sell them.

Define the type of recumbent you want (bike, trike..... OSS, USS..... SWB, LWB.... tire size, brand/model preferences). Figure out your budget, and put out a request on CL that is slightly lower than what you want to spend. You can always negotiate upwards.

You can sometimes get a feel just from email responses how well the bike's been taken care of. I'd say to give some preference to sellers who are active on boards such as bikeforums or bentrideronline. Also, you can google up reviews and info on the bike model before even committing to a meet-up.

This is how I got a Lightning Stealth for a reasonable price. I'm now it's 3rd owner, it's been well taken care of though will be needing some attention to parts, and completely rideable.

[aikigreg]

+2 on the rocket, or even better, a used V-rex.

[thelazywon]

What about the RecumbentUSA, TrikeX? I think it looks awesome. Is it?
http://www.recumbentusa.com/so20tr.html
It's about 1200 on ebay