I am learning perhaps too late that I may need more bike than the SUN EZ-1 is off the showroom floor.
Any one know of any structural modifications that would strengthen the frame in preps of the near 350 lb load of me(280 / 125kg) , motor, batteries and equipment? I know a few good welders, I just want to know where the gusset tabs or box tubes would be added.

I have heard of the AEROSPOKES and think those would be good for my rear wheel if I'm able to get the front hub motor.

Why? It's rated by the lawyers at 350# for the frame.....and that's likely about 2/3 of what the engineers would rate it for. The issue would be more likely to be a rear wheel rather than the frame. You aren't really going to be taking that recumbent in any conditions that would create THAT much stress, you know, it's a pavement ride, and being a recumbent, you aren't going to be bunny hopping curbs or taking jumps. :D

tom daniels here in Clyde's will hopefuly chime in here about his Sun and the rear wheel he had built for it. A Rhynolyte, if I remember correctly....

Chime in I will. I don't have a Sun, but a Rans Stratus rather. My stratus is rated to 275 or 300 and I am 350. It's a great bike and carries me pretty well.
If the Sun EZ-1 is rated for 350, I would not be afraid of it taking 450. Don't sweat the frame! And other things like bottom brackets that clyde upright riders might be hard on, are not such a big deal on recumbents as we never stand on them. Get a good LBS to build that rear wheel!

As far as wheels go, I had a Sun Mammoth 36 Hole rim built up with DT Swiss spokes and I have their tension checked regularly. Unfortunately, that rim is is no longer being made. Wish I had bought 2 rims! My LBS suggested a Salsa Gordo (available in 40 and 48 hole models.) This will probably be my next rim unless I buy a trike. The rhynolite is a great wheel as well, but seems to top out at 36 Hole. Either are great wheels

Get a good LBS to build that rear wheel!

As far as wheels go, My LBS suggested a Salsa Gordo (available in 40 and 48 hole models.) This will probably be my next rim unless I buy a trike.



Not familar with the lingo... what is "LBS" in this context?

Not familar with the lingo... what is "LBS" in this context?

Local Bike shop

LBS == Local Bike Shop.

Talk to the mechanic who builds wheels at the LBS (or several). Explain your concerns -- notably, Big, heavy, strong, bombproof wheel without breaking the bank. Note: mention this is for a recumbent so they know it will be a mountain bike spacing.

Get a quote. You might ask them for what rim they would recommend on your recumbent after explaining your concerns. If it's not one of the above, you might ask for their reasoning. This often tells you something about their skills and knowledge.
I have three excellent LBSs in 25 miles--2 in Ames, 1 in Ogden. I try to support each of them, but usually for different things. One does my recumbent specific stuff, one does my wheel stuff, and another does tuneups and works on my daughter's Raleigh 10 speed. I went with the wheel builder who was knowledgeable and seemed excited to work on building something strong enough to carry my lard ass around. :thumb:

anyone got aerospokes? at over $200 a rim, seems pricey!

Here's a thought: ditch the motor and batteries and RIDE the bike, instead of making it something it isn't. Otherwise, you're just making excuses to make you feel better.