FatA**
04-07-08, 07:53 PM
It is rare that I would spend the kind of money on a new bike like the Slipstream without
having ever ridden one, but after ordering it some time ago, and having it arrive today, I
can say that I am more than pleased with it.
The fit and finish on this bike are just A++. The welds are beautiful, and I spent a few
extra bucks for a custom color (think Candy Metallic Green) that just pops when the
sun hits it! The powdercoat paint is even overall and possibly the best paintjob I have
seen on a bike. (think of the fun colors Klein used to use in the past & you'll have an
idea of this one).
The bike arrived in two boxes by freight carrier, and about 90 minutes from opening the
first box I had it fully assembled. It would have taken less time had I had a bikestand,
but doing it on the ground and a chair and being extra careful with my new steed added
a lot more time. Once together, it takes more time to adjust it to your personal liking,
and I imagine I will be 'fiddlin' with it for some time to come! Besides the bar ends and
the angle of the USS steering bars, the seat alone is almost infinitely adjustable. Back
and forth along the frame, more or less recline, higher or lower hinge, tighter or looser
straps on the mesh seeting, etc. One really coud spend many hours on this process.
Everything went together with a few allen wrenches and a phillips screwdriver. With
the exception of one loose bolt, everything else was tight as it should be. So far,
after a few test fits/rides, the only issue has been a high spot on the rear Avid disk.
After calling Greg direct at Longbikes, he told me it would be no problem to replace it
if it didn't wear in after a little time. I have no problem with that at all.
My particular set-up not only included the custom frame color, but 40 spoke wheels and
and xtra long frame. I also sprung for the fenders, rack mount accessory and meter
mount. The seat is stock, and since I have plentyy of my own personal padding :eek:
I assume it should be just fine. Oh, and I also sprung for the custom kickstand.
The bike itself is not light (I didn't weigh it but when lifting it I could tell this was not my
previous DF bike). Yet, when one gets out on it, you really don't seem to notice the
difference. (maybe if I drop a few lbs I will feel it -- who knows).
The initial ride took a tad getting used to, but it was not overly difficult at all. In fact,
it rode pretty much just like I expected it to. The main secret to the first ride is to
definitely make sure you are in a low gear. Trying to get going in a high gear is a non-
starter as the bike is just too squirrely to start while pushing down hard as you start.
Years ago I had a friend who had a tandem that steered from the front OR the back.
We would ride it as a single from the rear just to watch the looks of those who saw us
passing by. I expected the LB Slipstream to feel that way and it did. No problem.
So what's it like to ride? FUN!
I really like the USS. It is a nice, natural position for one's hands. The brakes and
shifting are easy and convenient. The ride itself is like a 'Cadillac' -- pretty smooth
with the superlong wheelbase absorbing the bumps. Initially I tended to oversteer
a bit, but it didn't take long to get less 'reactive' in my steering. I rode it to a local
parking lot 2 blocks away, and did a few loops in the lot. No one will ever confuse
this for a tight-turning radius bike, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of leaning
over and tightening up your turns.
Would I recommend this bike to others? YUP. :D I bit because DF riding with arthitis in
my lower back was just becoming too painful, and my hands going numb was no longer
fun. Now I can genuinely look forward to riding again and without being in pain.
Longbike site: http://www.longbikes.com/
http://www.longbikes.com/Slipstreamgl.jpg
having ever ridden one, but after ordering it some time ago, and having it arrive today, I
can say that I am more than pleased with it.
The fit and finish on this bike are just A++. The welds are beautiful, and I spent a few
extra bucks for a custom color (think Candy Metallic Green) that just pops when the
sun hits it! The powdercoat paint is even overall and possibly the best paintjob I have
seen on a bike. (think of the fun colors Klein used to use in the past & you'll have an
idea of this one).
The bike arrived in two boxes by freight carrier, and about 90 minutes from opening the
first box I had it fully assembled. It would have taken less time had I had a bikestand,
but doing it on the ground and a chair and being extra careful with my new steed added
a lot more time. Once together, it takes more time to adjust it to your personal liking,
and I imagine I will be 'fiddlin' with it for some time to come! Besides the bar ends and
the angle of the USS steering bars, the seat alone is almost infinitely adjustable. Back
and forth along the frame, more or less recline, higher or lower hinge, tighter or looser
straps on the mesh seeting, etc. One really coud spend many hours on this process.
Everything went together with a few allen wrenches and a phillips screwdriver. With
the exception of one loose bolt, everything else was tight as it should be. So far,
after a few test fits/rides, the only issue has been a high spot on the rear Avid disk.
After calling Greg direct at Longbikes, he told me it would be no problem to replace it
if it didn't wear in after a little time. I have no problem with that at all.
My particular set-up not only included the custom frame color, but 40 spoke wheels and
and xtra long frame. I also sprung for the fenders, rack mount accessory and meter
mount. The seat is stock, and since I have plentyy of my own personal padding :eek:
I assume it should be just fine. Oh, and I also sprung for the custom kickstand.
The bike itself is not light (I didn't weigh it but when lifting it I could tell this was not my
previous DF bike). Yet, when one gets out on it, you really don't seem to notice the
difference. (maybe if I drop a few lbs I will feel it -- who knows).
The initial ride took a tad getting used to, but it was not overly difficult at all. In fact,
it rode pretty much just like I expected it to. The main secret to the first ride is to
definitely make sure you are in a low gear. Trying to get going in a high gear is a non-
starter as the bike is just too squirrely to start while pushing down hard as you start.
Years ago I had a friend who had a tandem that steered from the front OR the back.
We would ride it as a single from the rear just to watch the looks of those who saw us
passing by. I expected the LB Slipstream to feel that way and it did. No problem.
So what's it like to ride? FUN!
I really like the USS. It is a nice, natural position for one's hands. The brakes and
shifting are easy and convenient. The ride itself is like a 'Cadillac' -- pretty smooth
with the superlong wheelbase absorbing the bumps. Initially I tended to oversteer
a bit, but it didn't take long to get less 'reactive' in my steering. I rode it to a local
parking lot 2 blocks away, and did a few loops in the lot. No one will ever confuse
this for a tight-turning radius bike, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of leaning
over and tightening up your turns.
Would I recommend this bike to others? YUP. :D I bit because DF riding with arthitis in
my lower back was just becoming too painful, and my hands going numb was no longer
fun. Now I can genuinely look forward to riding again and without being in pain.
Longbike site: http://www.longbikes.com/
http://www.longbikes.com/Slipstreamgl.jpg