new to recumbents

[kenseth03]

Just testing the waters here. I am dabbling with the idea of getting a cheaper priced recumbent just to see if I like it. I will always be dedicated to my traditional bikes, however, there are times that I think a recumbent would be a nice change of pace. Any suggestions on a entry level recumbent?

[charly17201]

I got mine - a lower cost/entry level 'bent at ActionBent.com. $705 delivered. Course you gotta put it together.

I'm happy with mine. Got it a month ago and have about 300 miles on it now. You might be better off, if you're not sure you want a bent, to find a LBS that sells bents and take a test drive. They do take some getting used to, and from what I've read on here there are some people that can't make the change over adjustment to a bent.

[Recumbomatic]

I will always be dedicated to my traditional bikes, however, there are times that I think a recumbent would be a nice change of pace.

Of course, there's always the chance you'll love the recumbent too much to ever go back. :D

+1 on Actionbent. Inexpensive, good frames, great platform for upgrading components. But maybe hold off, as new AB models are coming out soon.

[kenseth03]

Recumbomatic, you could be right. I'm always willing to try something new in the bicycleing world. I guess my biggest concern is being so low to the ground when riding with automobiles. It's bad enough dealing with the idiots in cars now on a "regular" bike, but putting me lower where it's even harder for them to see me REALLY bothers me.

[bobbycorno]

Rather than buying a new, "entry level" 'bent, I'd recommend that you shop around for something higher quality and used. It's pretty common to find an essentially new (under 1000mi), mid-range bike like a RANS VRex or Lightning Stealth/Phantom for the same price as a new low-end Taiwan bike. For some reason, a lot of folks buy 'bents and end up never using them. Craigslist is a good source, as is the classifieds section of bentrideronline.com. But be warned - I picked up a used VRex 6 months ago as a "change of pace" bike, and haven't ridden my uprights since. This could happen to you!

Scott P
Bend, OR

VRex
Force 5

[Giro]

... the classifieds section of bentrideronline.com. But be warned - I picked up a used VRex 6 months ago as a "change of pace" bike, and haven't ridden my uprights since. This could happen to you! Scott P, Bend, OR
As Scott suggests, definitely go to www.bentrideronline.com (http://www.bentrideronline.com/), not only for the classifieds but for lots of information on recumbents including reviews and a dedicated new to recumbents section.

[Pockets]

I would have to repeat what bobbycorno said. I bought a Rans Stratus for a change of pace and to work different muscle group and now also have a Rans V2 and have not touched my Specilized Roubaix in over six months.

[BlazingPedals]

I got my first one with the same intent - ride both - and had the same results. Two years after getting the 'bent, I'd only ridden the roadie 3 times, and spent most of those 3 rides wondering why I hadn't ridden the 'bent. So, the roadie is now gainfully employed elsewhere.

Bents are relatively heavier than uprights, but don't go nutz in either direction. A 30 pound recumbent should give roughly the same feel as a 23-24 pound upright like your Fuji.

[kenseth03]

I greatly appreciate everyones input. I really never had given too much thought to one of these bikes, however, now I think I will visit some dealers for some test rides and do a little studying on recumbents and then I may take the plunge.

[sonatageek]

A little late in the thread, but chipping in my 2 cents for buying a slightly used better recumbent. I just did that, picking up an 07 Catrike for my wife, and found the searching and bit of travel to pick it up to be well worth the trouble. Got a nicer bike for the same money, and if we ever need to sell it, should be able to recoup most of what we paid.

[aikigreg]

second to the used bent idea. Plenty good bikes to be had. Or better yet, find someone locally to let you borrow theirs for a couple days, and you'll likely be hooked enough to want to spend the big bucks! :)