Recumbent - Full-sized wheels

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View Full Version : Full-sized wheels


EnigManiac
01-30-09, 04:13 PM
I currently ride a BikeE semi-recumbent with a 16" front and 20" rear. Naturally, while the bike is comfortable, exceptionally reliable and very well made, it is slower than I'd like, particularly uphill. I am looking for a reasonably-priced semi or fully recumbent with 26" rims. Any recommendations?


Doug5150
01-30-09, 06:49 PM
I currently ride a BikeE semi-recumbent with a 16" front and 20" rear. Naturally, while the bike is comfortable, exceptionally reliable and very well made, it is slower than I'd like, particularly uphill. I am looking for a reasonably-priced semi or fully recumbent with 26" rims. Any recommendations?
Cycle Genius is one I know right off:
http://www.cyclegenius.com/models.html

RANS (http://www.ransbikes.com/) has three too, for more money, $2K-$3K+. The Stratus XP, V3 and X-Stream all run 26" or 700c wheels front and rear.

These are primarily US/North America companies. I dunno much about the Euro or Pacific Rim stuff, except it'd probably cost quite a lot just for the boat ride over.
~

15rms
01-30-09, 07:56 PM
I ride a Lightfoot Ranger and purchased a World Traveler for my son. http://www.lightfootcycles.com/bikes.htm
I am very happy with both bikes. Very well made and quality design.


JanMM
01-30-09, 08:21 PM
Hostel Shoppe sells a couple of RANS V2 variantions with dual 26" wheels for less than you would think.

aikigreg
01-30-09, 10:03 PM
there are tons of that kind of bike. depends on a great many factors and what you consider reasonable.

Doug5150
01-31-09, 04:22 AM
there are tons of that kind of bike. depends on a great many factors and what you consider reasonable.
When the OP asked the question and mentioned a BikeE, I assumed that they wanted a big-wheel recumbent that still had a low standover height--and that means a LWB. I did forget to mention the Lightfoots, but beyond that and the others I mentioned there's not a lot of choices.

If he was willing to ride a highracer, then there are more choices,,, -but their riding position is also very-much-unlike the BikeE.
~

gcottay
01-31-09, 09:32 AM
I currently ride a BikeE semi-recumbent with a 16" front and 20" rear. Naturally, while the bike is comfortable, exceptionally reliable and very well made, it is slower than I'd like, particularly uphill. I am looking for a reasonably-priced semi or fully recumbent with 26" rims. Any recommendations?

Recommendations:

Rethink your requirements. Climbing is about weight and engine. Tire size makes very little difference. For most of us, reducing the weight and increasing the power of the human engine offers the best uphill improvements.
Read a bit at BentRider Online (http://www.bentrideronline.com/).
As soon as you begin to narrow your choices, begin test riding. Even if you have to travel, test rides are worth it. As a bonus, the dealers with a wide variety of models and a liberal test policy tend to be excellent sources of information.

makeinu
02-01-09, 10:32 AM
I am looking for a reasonably-priced semi or fully recumbent with 26" rims.

Why stop at 26", when by your logic, 36" should be even faster?

:rolleyes:

unixpro
02-01-09, 10:35 PM
Bacchetta Giro 26

EnigManiac
02-02-09, 08:27 PM
Thanks for all the tips, folks. Much appreciated.