I just recently started commuting by bicycle (in April), and bought a recumbent a few weeks ago. I love the comfort.

You can see pictures of the bike here:
http://fatguy.org/archive/2008/07/27/watch-for-me-on-the-road.aspx

A local TV station did a story on my commute yesterday. You can find links to the story, and the video here:
http://fatguy.org/archive/2008/07/30/media-attention.aspx

Thanks!

Congratulations. Video was great, no details left out. Looks like, as you say, you still need some gear to be more comfortable but overall you are moving forward...pun intended... Yes you will need more cover for the cold. I have found that I can be comfortable down to 40 degrees with no 'special' equipment, but that is me.
keep up the good work.

Fenders would help, of course. How's your commuting time compare on the Agio versus your previous bike?

Fenders would help, of course. How's your commuting time compare on the Agio versus your previous bike?


I have fenders on my other bike, I just got caught in an unexpected downpour.

I'm a little faster on the recumbent, but not a lot. I'm still not a strong rider. I could barely go a mile or two when I first bought a bike in April. It's taken some hard work to get where I'm at. It'll take more before I'm "fast".

I intend to use the hybrid bike with fenders when I know it's going to rain. However, the recumbent is so much more comfortable, that I may not. I haven't decided to get it outfitted with fenders.

Hang in there. With continued riding, you'll get faster and faster. Wish I had a major river and bridge to ride over. So dull on my commute in Indy. (Probably wouldn't want the bridge if I had to do it every time.)
PlanetBike.com has a complete selection of fenders to fit anything. If you are a member of a bike advocacy group, they ship free.

Congrats! I don't own a recumbent but I'm flirting with the idea of buying one. They just interest me for some reason. The more I lurk here, the more it looks like I'll be getting one to commute on.
Ernest

I have fenders on my other bike, I just got caught in an unexpected downpour.

I intend to use the hybrid bike with fenders when I know it's going to rain. However, the recumbent is so much more comfortable, that I may not. I haven't decided to get it outfitted with fenders.

I purchased fenders for my Bacchetta Giro 20 from the company. Good customer service, etc. I felt funny putting them on the bike. Sort of whimpy to need fenders but got over that when riding in the rain.

I also wanted to comment on your slow moving vehicle reflector. I have the same thing on our Rans Screamer. It's decidedly low tech but should be effective, day or night.

Jack

I purchased fenders for my Bacchetta Giro 20 from the company. Good customer service, etc. I felt funny putting them on the bike. Sort of whimpy to need fenders but got over that when riding in the rain.

I also wanted to comment on your slow moving vehicle reflector. I have the same thing on our Rans Screamer. It's decidedly low tech but should be effective, day or night.

Jack

I'm not worried about looking wimpy or geeky... did you watch the video? I'm am horribly geeky and I know it :)

Yep, the triangle is great for traffic behind me. I'm still looking for more reflective stuff for the front and sides. I need more visible clothing. My panniers have reflective strips, but they're not great.

I intend to put more lights on the thing. I will definitely need them later in the year when it gets dark earlier.

Nice video!

Have you considered getting bike shoes & clipless pedals?

Nice video!

Have you considered getting bike shoes & clipless pedals?

Considered? Yes. I want to research it a bit more first. I really don't understand how they work, or how quickly I could get in or out. I'd hate to fall over because my foot is stuck to the pedal :)

I'm not worried about looking wimpy or geeky... did you watch the video? I'm am horribly geeky and I know it :)

.

OK ..... if I have to ask what was geeky about someone riding to work on a recumbent ..... does that make me geeky too? :D

Considered? Yes. I want to research it a bit more first. I really don't understand how they work, or how quickly I could get in or out. I'd hate to fall over because my foot is stuck to the pedal :)

I've been riding "SPD" clipless pedals for 17 years on a couple different recumbents. I've been down a couple times, but only once was the pedal a factor in the crash. I was at a near standstill, so it was more embarrassing than anything else.

Most clipless systems are adjustable for tension. Leave them at the lightest setting, and it's easy and natural to pop your foot out in an emergency. You'll probably want to practice a couple times- hold yourself stationary against a wall or hold onto a post.

You are awesome! A true inspiration!

Personally, I wouldn't worry about foot gear. I always just wear old ladies' jogging shoes, with the velcro straps, whether I am riding or not. (Obviously I'm not worried about looking like a geek here, either. :D ) Maybe I'm missing something, though, since you are going a much longer distance than I am.

By the way, you did not look at all geeky in that video to me. I was downright impressed by the leg muscles and the distance you have learned to cover in such a short time.

I'm not flirtin' or anything, I swear! Just overall impressed by what you are doing. :thumb:

You are awesome! A true inspiration!

Personally, I wouldn't worry about foor gear. I always just wear old ladies' jogging shoes, with the velcro straps, whether I am riding or not. (Obviously I'm not worried about looking like a geek here, either. :D ) Maybe I'm missing something, though, since you are going a much longer distance than I am.

By the way, you did not look at all geeky in that video to me. I was downright impressed by the leg muscles and the distance you have learned to cover in such a short time.

I'm not flirtin' or anything, I swear! Just overall impressed by what you are doing. :thumb:

Cool! Thanks!

I occasionally get a numb foot, so maybe I should look into cycling shoes and clipless pedals. It'll wait a while though, I'm on a bit of a spending freeze for a while :)

I just finished riding into work this morning, and I felt stronger than any other time. I just need to keep doing this to make better time. Thanks for noticing my muscles... and I don't mind if you flirt :D

As far as geekiness, there is always a difference between the way we perceive ourselves, and the way others see us. Watching myself on TV showed me how others see me.

I've been riding "SPD" clipless pedals for 17 years on a couple different recumbents. I've been down a couple times, but only once was the pedal a factor in the crash. I was at a near standstill, so it was more embarrassing than anything else.

Most clipless systems are adjustable for tension. Leave them at the lightest setting, and it's easy and natural to pop your foot out in an emergency. You'll probably want to practice a couple times- hold yourself stationary against a wall or hold onto a post.

Yeah, I am leaning toward getting a set now. The SPD ones are interesting because you can still walk in the shoes without much difficulty.

I started riding in April, and I haven't fallen yet (looks for piece of wood to knock on), but I know I will. I almost did over the weekend, because I hadn't ridden my "wedgie" bike in a while, and I took it for a trip to the grocery store. I wasn't used to how it handled.

Yeah, I am leaning toward getting a set now. The SPD ones are interesting because you can still walk in the shoes without much difficulty.

Speedplay Frogs - extremely easy to get out of, with a low profile cleat.

Considered? Yes. I want to research it a bit more first. I really don't understand how they work, or how quickly I could get in or out. I'd hate to fall over because my foot is stuck to the pedal :)

Am on Time Axion pedals with filed cleats at the mo. Walkable (with Mtb) shoes and SUPER speedy to get out off. Have some Speedplay on order though cuz i like the sound of the non-centering float

I occasionally get a numb foot, so maybe I should look into cycling shoes and clipless pedals.
I have clipless pedals for my recumbent, and still get numb feet occasionally.

When I first got the trike I have (Greenspeed GT5) I took it in to get a professional fitting. The guy at the shop talked about how people are used to working out while being upright. That is, throughout history most of the work we do is done while standing. So it's a bit of a change to lose the gravity-assist for circulation to our lower legs and feet.

I am not a biologist, or even an expert recumbent rider, but this explanation did make sense. I was also told that as time goes on, I'll get more used to the riding position and get numb feet less frequently.

I just recently cleared the 400 km mark (over a year of riding, so I've been pretty casual about things). And it's true that numb feet happen less frequently for me, but they still happen.

I have clipless pedals for my recumbent, and still get numb feet occasionally.

When I first got the trike I have (Greenspeed GT5) I took it in to get a professional fitting. The guy at the shop talked about how people are used to working out while being upright. That is, throughout history most of the work we do is done while standing. So it's a bit of a change to lose the gravity-assist for circulation to our lower legs and feet.

I am not a biologist, or even an expert recumbent rider, but this explanation did make sense. I was also told that as time goes on, I'll get more used to the riding position and get numb feet less frequently.

I just recently cleared the 400 km mark (over a year of riding, so I've been pretty casual about things). And it's true that numb feet happen less frequently for me, but they still happen.

I see. It's just the "feet higher up" thing then. Luckily, my long-wheelbase bike doesn't bring my feet higher than the seat, so I'll probably have fewer issues. It doesn't happen everyday. It didn't on my ride into work this morning.

I'm still going to look into the clipless pedals. I hope my bike shop has something I can try.

Oh I love the clipless pedals, especially since I'm riding a trike (don't have to unclip when I stop). My point is that I don't think it'll be the solution to the numb feet.

Again, just based on what I've been told, not because this is my field of expertise by any stretch.

Though I suspect that if I rode more often, I'd get numb feet less frequently.

Thanks for sharing your journey! It's very impressive and motivating! I'm currently biking to work also, 20 miles round trip daily and it feels good. I'm riding a Rans Rocket.

Loved the video!

Here's the bridge I get to bike over every morning and afternoon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/51942191/

Doug

Thanks for sharing your journey! It's very impressive and motivating! I'm currently biking to work also, 20 miles round trip daily and it feels good. I'm riding a Rans Rocket.

Loved the video!

Here's the bridge I get to bike over every morning and afternoon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/51942191/

Doug

Cool bridge! My bridge is ugly compared to that.

Oh I love the clipless pedals, especially since I'm riding a trike (don't have to unclip when I stop). My point is that I don't think it'll be the solution to the numb feet.

Again, just based on what I've been told, not because this is my field of expertise by any stretch.

Though I suspect that if I rode more often, I'd get numb feet less frequently.

Well, I'm still using my plain platform pedals. The numb foot issue is getting better. I think it's just a matter of how I pedal.

I did go to the LBS to look at pedals & shoes. They didn't have shoes in my size, which is just as well, I need to leave the credit cards alone for a little while.

David:

I noticed in the video that you are smack-dab in the middle of the lane on some sections of your ride.

That would get me killed in my area! :eek:

How does it work for you? Or was your position in the lane just for purposes of the video?

David:

I noticed in the video that you are smack-dab in the middle of the lane on some sections of your ride.

That would get me killed in my area! :eek:

How does it work for you? Or was your position in the lane just for purposes of the video?

No, I didn't do it for the video. My lane position varies upon the road I'm on. On the divided highway, I'm on the shoulder. Multi-lane in-town roads, I take the middle of the lane. Two-lane in-town roads, I stick to the right, unless it's narrow, then I'll take the lane.

If there isn't room to safely pass within in the lane, it's safer to take the lane, and force drivers to pass in another lane. It also makes you more visible to traffic turning at intersections.

I try to be courteous, yet assertive in traffic.

Nice video. Do your feet slip a bit on the plain platforms? If they do, you might keep an eye on Nashbar and Performance for a big discount sale on the BMX platform pedals with the pins sticking up to snag the bottom of your shoes better. I've seen guys doing flips with these pedals and they had no problems. That would be cheaper than clipless and good shoes for now.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000108&subcategory=60001181&brand=&sku=8042&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Platform%20Pedals

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20732&subcategory_ID=10045

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14780-240_WELLA5-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/Wellgo-LU-A52-Flat-Pedals.htm

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16873-240_DMRV87-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/DMR-V8-Pedals.htm

Just an update... I pulled the trigger and bought clipless pedals and shoes (SPD). I haven't installed them yet. I'll install them after work, so I have the weekend to get used to unclipping before commuting on the bike on Monday.

when I bought my Giro 20 last year I immediately bought clipless pedals and biking shoes. Last weekend I went back to the stock pedals/

Why?

My feet kept falling asleep!

I am not a world class biker (hah!) so I don't really notice any reduction in speed.

great job!
I liked you lane position>

when I bought my Giro 20 last year I immediately bought clipless pedals and biking shoes. Last weekend I went back to the stock pedals/

Why?

My feet kept falling asleep!

I am not a world class biker (hah!) so I don't really notice any reduction in speed.

I'm far from a strong rider. I went with the clipless pedals because my feet would slip off :)

I installed them this evening, and took a spin around the neighborhood. After several adjustments to cleat position and release tension, it still feels... odd. I dunno. I haven't dumped it yet, but I'm afraid I will on my way to work Monday.

I still have the stock pedals in a box if I need them.

great job!
I liked you lane position>

Thanks!

I'm just trying to be seen.

No, I didn't do it for the video. My lane position varies upon the road I'm on. On the divided highway, I'm on the shoulder. Multi-lane in-town roads, I take the middle of the lane. Two-lane in-town roads, I stick to the right, unless it's narrow, then I'll take the lane.

If there isn't room to safely pass within in the lane, it's safer to take the lane, and force drivers to pass in another lane. It also makes you more visible to traffic turning at intersections.

I try to be courteous, yet assertive in traffic.

You are absolutely right to take the lane if there is no room to pass. Above all stay visable

Kudo's to you for your decision on riding and better fitness. I also have a LWB and found I like the combo standard / SPD pedals. It allows me to not have to worry about clicking in right off of the start, but do so after some speed is built. We all know how much fun LWB bents are at low speeds. It also allows those with standard shoes to ride if they want to give it a try. T
I am looking forward to keep track of your progress.

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/250/NS-ROP-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

Kudo's to you for your decision on riding and better fitness. I also have a LWB and found I like the combo standard / SPD pedals. It allows me to not have to worry about clicking in right off of the start, but do so after some speed is built. We all know how much fun LWB bents are at low speeds. It also allows those with standard shoes to ride if they want to give it a try. T
I am looking forward to keep track of your progress.

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/250/NS-ROP-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

That pedal looks exactly like what I have. I've gotten better about clipping in and out. I have fallen over at low speed twice now, but I think I'm passed that (loosened the tension for easier unclipping).

So far, I've been lazy this week. I took a nice ride through some hilly areas on Sunday (it was a blast), and rode to work and back on Monday, but haven't been on a bike since.

I'll be riding to work tomorrow though.

Thanks!