Recumbent - Which is the best recumbent for me ?

Hi,

I have no idea of which recumbents are currently the best.

I think I'd prefer fast rather than slow, I don't mind it being low, I'd like plenty of gears and I don't mind if it's a trike.

Any recommendations as to which recumbent would be the best choice ?

TIA.

Oh, I've had a recumbent before, a Peter Ross Crystal Recumbent by Orbit, one of the very last ones, custom spec. If you aren't familiar with it it's short wheelbase, over seat steering 700C rear, 20 x 1 1/8" front, 21 gears on thumbies, M series type brakes, can't remember the rest of the specs.

Help much appreciated.

:)

From the online research I have done, when I change over I am leaning towards the Cruzbike line. Their go-fast machine starts with the letter "S" and sells for around 2K. Currently I ride an OCR2 outside and a recumbent inside after dark. This way I can semi-watch the kids after they start snoring.

Bill

there are so many different styles that are equally fast, it's hard to give you a straight answer,

trike: catrike 700
high racer: bacchetta corsa, or challenge seiran sl (there are others)
low racer: optima baron seems to be a standard "go fast" low racer

challenge also has some other options that are very fast, but these are very expensive, and hard to come by even with the money, i mention that brand only because i like the way they look : P they're way over priced for what you're getting

lightning bikes are also supposed to be very fast, and very versatile as well, p38 or go crazy with an f40 (full fairing)

there are so many options out there, you may have to narrow your needs before choosing.

i myself have not owned a recumbent, and can't afford one, trying to save for a touring bike (which won't be a recumbent) but i have looked into a ton of them

keep in mind, that faster bikes generally have a rougher ride, and if you're on a bumpy road, forget about it : /

The current fastest machine for the 1 hour record unfaired is the Velokraft NoCom. There are about a dozen in North America, if you can get one. There are also a couple builders that make clones, but I don't know what the waiting lists look like.

:)ensen.

The current fastest machine for the 1 hour record unfaired is the Velokraft NoCom. There are about a dozen in North America, if you can get one.

TBH I'd rather buy UK or Europe, import duty and transport cost would probably be crippling on a US recumbent.

Are any of the suggested recumbents available in Europe ?

TBH I'd rather buy UK or Europe, import duty and transport cost would probably be crippling on a US recumbent.

Are any of the suggested recumbents available in Europe ?

Velokrafts are made in Poland. But I'm not too sure about the current record. Wasn't it set last year by someone on an MT highracer? (checks...) Yep, Gert-Jan Wijers Riding an M5-High. M5 is also made in Europe.

Rather than re-edit, I'll just do another post for this. Any low or high racer will be relatively fast. The Nocom is very fast, but it has its own issues, like severe chain interference which impacts turning radius. I like the looks of the Slyway Alaric LFS, but at least for now it remains vaporware. Challenge and Optima make fast 'bents. Rather than try to make a prediction of what's 'best' for you, I'll just say, do your research and try to finagle as many test rides as possible. To make a generalization, the faster bikes will have more reclined seating, and more reclined seating results in a steeper learning curve; but once you learn how, they all handle pretty well.

Looking at some of these recumbents I guess I'm looking more at entry level to midrange.

I want something for day to day use rather than racing.

I've just been looking at this one: Ratobike (http://www.raptobike.nl/lowracer.php)

How does the steering work, the front part of the chain appears to be fixed and the bottom part obviously has to move with the steering ?

Surely it doesn't twist the chain ??

Has anyone got any idea how the raptobike would compare to the Orbit Ross ?

The Orbit Ross is surprisingly light for a steel frame and has similar size wheels but a higher seating position.

Is the Orbit Ross still worth anything ?

:)

Surely it doesn't twist the chain ??

Yes it does twist the chain. Twist-chain designs have been around for years. Barcroft Cycles in the US and ZOX in Europe also have twist-chain FWD bikes in production - I'm sure there's others too.

There's an ongoing thread (http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=46739)on BROL about the Raptobike, and a few posters there have framesets in the mail to the US.

I'm not very convinced that chain twisting is a good idea.

:(

Would the raptobike bike be much of an improvement over the Orbit Ross ?

Hi,

I have no idea of which recumbents are currently the best.
"Best" means different things to different people.


...I think I'd prefer fast rather than slow, I don't mind it being low, I'd like plenty of gears and I don't mind if it's a trike.

Any recommendations as to which recumbent would be the best choice ? ...
The main thing that makes a recumbent particularly fast is how reclined the riding position is, because the riding position determines the amount of aero drag caused by the rider. Some bikes allow you to adjust the angle of the seat-back but you still have a limited range of adjustment--because if the seat is too reclined, you cannot push effectively against the pedals. When you push hard you just slide up the seat back.

A trike is always going to be slower than a bicycle with a comparable riding position; most people who have both admit they're 3-5 kph slower on the trike. The trike has 50% more wheels (more weight) and 50% more rolling resistance, and there's no escaping that, it doesn't matter who built the thing or how much you paid for it. Also you often cannot steer a trike's tires through road debris as easily as you can a bicycle. In fact,,, a tricycle's main advantage is not in going fast, but in going slow. Without the need to balance, you can putter along and gawk at the scenery, or switch to a super-low gear to grind up a hill, with no worries of falling over.
,,,,,
The only time people commonly prefer trikes is if they want to run a velomobile/full fairing bodywork. Pretty much all commercially-produced velomobiles you'll find are three-wheelers, because two-wheelers are generally too unstable in crosswinds to work well for this.

A riding position that is very reclined can cause problems of its own, with foot circulation (otherwise known as "numb feet") where your feet sting or tingle while on longer rides. I don't know of any way to predict how much of a problem any person will have with this matter. Bikes with pedals set higher (relative to the seat) cause it more and bikes with lower-set pedals cause it less.

I started out on a short-wheelbase bike with 406/559 wheels (see example here (http://www.bentrideronline.com/reviews/sun_bicycles_ez_speedster.htm)) and got numb feet often. Wiggling your toes inside your shoes tends to help relieve it, but doesn't eliminate it. The pedals on this bike were not even really high, they were only at a "medium" level. I switched to a long-wheelbase with the pedals set low (see example here (http://www.cyclegenius.com/falcon_ls.html)) and don't have it at all anymore, ever.
,,,,,
Probably the worst part about numb feet is, you won't get it to happen on a brief test-ride around the block. It may take 30 minutes or an hour or more. If you were planning multi-hour rides, having your feet start to hurt after 45 minutes isn't going to work out well. I used the same pedals and shoes on both bikes, so I am certain that was not the difference. I also rode regular bicycles for years, and never ever got numb feet on any of those. And I haven't ever had any other non-bicycling problems with foot circulation at all..... so this is just a brief explanation of how sensitive one can be to pedal height.

It might even make more sense to look for a cheaper bike that has a riding position you want to try out, ride that for a few months, and then upgrade to a more-expensive bike (that offers the same riding position) if it works for you. The problem with this is that when you get into bikes like lowracers, there really aren't any cheap versions, at least in the US.

Usually the reason people mention "a lot of gears" is that they live in hilly terrain.
I have never had a lowracer, but I have also read it more than a few times that lowracers are really poor at climbing hills. I suspect that this has to do with the leg-circulation issue; if the legs don't work well when elevated, then riding a lowracer up a hill is going to elevate them above the heart even more.


Finally the bike you pick might not just be right for you.
I have a semi-recumbent (http://www.ransbikes.com/Fusion09.htm) that almost everyone who tried it loved--except for one guy, who had a bad back, and said that the angle his back was at was exactly wrong. The riding positions that recumbents put you in varies much more than upright bikes do. You pretty much just have to try one and see.
~

"Best" means different things to different people.
Finally the bike you pick might not just be right for you.
I have a semi-recumbent (http://www.ransbikes.com/Fusion09.htm) that almost everyone who tried it loved--except for one guy, who had a bad back, and said that the angle his back was at was exactly wrong. The riding positions that recumbents put you in varies much more than upright bikes do. You pretty much just have to try one and see. ~

I think that's the problem, I don't know which one to go for.

When I bought my Orbit Ross the choice was considerably easier, SWB or LWB and in any case most recumbents were too expensive to consider.

One thing is certain, I really don't want a semi-recumbent.

I'm not very convinced about the twist-chain designs and I believe any bicycle (but especially a recumbent) needs more gears than the reptobike has.

I guess to narrow my search down I need to ascertain which recumbents are available to the UK.

I was hoping for recommendations as I'd really like something that is nice to ride.

:)

http://www.challenge-ligfietsen.nl/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=fujinsl

if you want a straight, "you should get this bike" suggestion, this would be mine, they also make a less expensive (but heavier) model, though weight probably won't affect you as much as you may think, especially if you're a stronger rider

there's even a pic on their site of someone touring with one of these : ) though i think it was the heavier model, either way, it's supposed to be a good all around, but fast bike

twist chain designs seem to be designed for track riding in my opinion, i agree, they look fishy to me

"Best" means different things to different people.................................A trike is always going to be slower than a bicycle with a comparable riding position; most people who have both admit they're 3-5 kph slower on the trike. The trike has 50% more wheels (more weight) and 50% more rolling resistance, and there's no escaping that, it doesn't matter who built the thing or how much you paid for it. Also you often cannot steer a trike's tires through road debris as easily as you can a bicycle. In fact,,, a tricycle's main advantage is not in going fast, but in going slow. Without the need to balance, you can putter along and gawk at the scenery, or switch to a super-low gear to grind up a hill, with no worries of falling over.
,,,,,
The only time people commonly prefer trikes is if they want to run a velomobile/full fairing bodywork.......... ~

I ride both DFs, Recumbents and Trikes and while I agree that a Trike can be slower than bicycle with a comparable riding position, I don't agree with the rest of your premise. My findings are as follows based on riding a performance Trike (Catrike 700 )

1. Performance Trikes are slower while climbing.

2. Performance Trikes are faster going down hill.

3. Performance trikes can be 1.5 mph slower to equal to similar performance 2 wheelers on level ground once the rider has a chance to develop their trike leg muscles. The motto here is don't base your conclusions on a single ride.

4. They are better when riding into headwinds.

To say that there is 50% more rolling resistance is of course totally not correct and the same obiviously applies to your statement ( The only time people commonly prefer trikes is if they want to run a velomobile/full fairing bodywork).

Ride Safe!!!!!!

I'm not very convinced that chain twisting is a good idea.

Too bad, your choices for speedbikes go way up. FWIW, the Varna 3 uses a twist chain FWD. At 82.33 mph, it is the currently the fastest HPV in the world.

Just so you know, the reason twist chain even came around is because somebody figured out that the deformation of the chain caused by a rear derailleur is actually harder on the chain than twisting it, and an MTB doing it while climbing under power was the worst of all.

:)ensen.

Just so you know, the reason twist chain even came around is because somebody figured out that the deformation of the chain caused by a rear derailleur is actually harder on the chain than twisting it, and an MTB doing it while climbing under power was the worst of all.
:)ensen.

Erm....

'Somebody' ?

I hate to state the obvious, but...the deformation caused by a rear derailleur 'might' be worse, apart from the very basic fact that it is not 'deformation' it's a mechanical movement that the chain is purposely designed to deal with - somewhat unlike twisting.

However, that recumbent has a rear derailleur (albeit front mounted) so the chain is actually taking the punishment from chain twist AND the 'punishment' from the angular movement of the derailleur, hardly a beneficial situation.

In any case, the 'deformation' of the chain on a MTB while climbing under power is very likely to be minimal if the gears are being used correctly and a good chain line is maintained (obviously).

Sounds more like 'somebody' realised that a modern chain could (short term at least) withstand the deformation caused by chain twist and took advantage of that.

Ho hum....

To say that there is 50% more rolling resistance is of course totally not correct and the same obiviously applies to your statement ( The only time people commonly prefer trikes is if they want to run a velomobile/full fairing bodywork).

Ride Safe!!!!!!

I would think the rolling resistance would be lower per tyre on the trike as the load per tyre is lower.

That said, why do some people (full bodywork not withstanding) prefer trikes ?

Just to answer your question of why people prefer trikes at least in my case they are FUN. You get the illusion of a higher speed. Like riding a go cart as a kid. I have LWB recumbents and a trike. I just seem to enjoy the trike. My speed on the trike is maybe 1/2mph slower just because I don't push it. A lot less wind resistance and a head turner. I get more room from cars and stay clipped in at lights

Just to answer your question of why people prefer trikes at least in my case they are FUN. You get the illusion of a higher speed. Like riding a go cart as a kid. I have LWB recumbents and a trike. I just seem to enjoy the trike. My speed on the trike is maybe 1/2mph slower just because I don't push it. A lot less wind resistance and a head turner. I get more room from cars and stay clipped in at lights

You don't mind not being able to filter ?

You don't mind not being able to filter ?

You lost me?

You don't mind not being able to filter ?


Filtering to the front of the queue is often done, but it's illegal almost everywhere in The States and unsafe everywhere. California is the only place I'm aware of where it is specifically allowed by code; otherwise it comes under the definition of passing on the right, which is the drivers' blind side.

I can't speak for UK laws, though. Maybe where you ride, drivers routinely check their blind sides for objects that may have appeared there after they stopped.

Ok now I understand. No I don't filter even though I am in California and it is allowed. I just take my place in line

I can't speak for UK laws, though. Maybe where you ride, drivers routinely check their blind sides for objects that may have appeared there after they stopped.

Filtering, while allowed is a little grey here.

:)

By it's nature you don't only filter on the blind side, some junctions even have boxes for cyclists to wait in after they have made their way to the front.

I've even seen some rather poor attempts at cycle lanes around here.

Filtering to the front of the queue is often done, but it's illegal almost everywhere in The States and unsafe everywhere. California is the only place I'm aware of where it is specifically allowed by code;

Bikes are allowed by code in Texas to ride on the shoulder so that allows legal 'filtering' in many situations. It was the main reason I got back into commuting. I work on a military installation and a construction project at the gate caused huge back-ups in the morning. I routinely passed 50-60 cars getting to the gate--sometimes many more.

I routinely passed 50-60 cars getting to the gate--sometimes many more.

On a recumbent ?

On a recumbent ?

When this was going on, I was riding an old hybrid. But it could have been a kid's tricycle--the cars were inching forward. Now I hit the gate at a time where traffic is slow so the advantage of being able to shoot down the right side isn't as important, but it still comes in handy from time to time.

I'm not very convinced that chain twisting is a good idea.You're right, a twisted chain is not the best idea, but the 'twist' on most intelligently designed FWDs isn't significant enough to cause undue concern. Just to be clear, we're talking derailleur chains here, NOT BMX or single speed chains. I just pulled a NEW, Sachs 8spd derailleur chain from the box, layed it on the table with the pins horizontal, and easily created a 20" radius. I've also seen a 30 yo Schwinn Le Tour, with many many miles on it, that had the 'original' chain installed with half a twist on the return side. Trust me, you'll spoil a perfectly good chain far easier by lack of cleaning and lubrication, than by mild twisting.

I've also seen a 30 yo Schwinn Le Tour, with many many miles on it, that had the 'original' chain installed with half a twist on the return side.

There is no load on the return side.

Try it the other way round and see how long it lasts.

There is no load on the return side.

Try it the other way round and see how long it lasts.You appear to be leaning on theory - absent of both controlled testing and knowledge of bushingless chain construction. So I suggest that you take a break from this thread for a moment, and read this: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

"Since the "bushing" of a bushingless chain is made up of two halves that don't connect directly with each other, this type of chain is more flexible sideways than a conventional chain. This is because the two halves of the "bushing" have a bit of "wiggle room" with respect to each other."

If the twisted chain really worries you that much, then by-all-means, avoid all twisted chain bikes. I ride'em, and don't have the premature wear or failure problem(s) you seem so concerned about.

I would think the rolling resistance would be lower per tyre on the trike as the load per tyre is lower.

That said, why do some people (full bodywork not withstanding) prefer trikes ?


Regarding rolling resistance; you are right.......However, most do not realize this.

Your second question: Why do some people prefer trikes?

1. They are safer than 2 wheeled for the obvious reasons. Braking, Stability etc......

2. They are more comfortable, if that is a concern.

3. Because of 2 you can ride longer distances.

4. They are fun and can bring a real grin to your face.

In saying all of the above 2 wheeled cycles also have their advantages which is why I ride them also
.:p

Your second question: Why do some people prefer trikes?

1. They are safer than 2 wheeled for the obvious reasons. Braking, Stability etc......

2. They are more comfortable, if that is a concern.

3. Because of 2 you can ride longer distances.

4. They are fun and can bring a real grin to your face.

In saying all of the above 2 wheeled cycles also have their advantages which is why I ride them also
.:p

1. Safer? Got some data to support that? You can't run into stuff or flip over on a trike?

2. More comfortable than the RANS Comfy Chair on my V-Rex? I don't think so.

3. :)

4. Bicycling is the most fun you can have without worrying about STD's. How could riding a trike be better than that?

I read this at work and was going to comment but got too busy (imagine that--a government worker having to work on government time :)).

I wouldn't take any of those statements as fact, and have some disagreement as opinions. The safety claim, for starters, certainly isn't open and shut. I don't know about where you live but around here, despite the economy and fuel prices, the Ford Heavy Duty and its like are still king of the road. I don't know how safe I would feel with my vision limited by being so low to the ground. Braking I don't know about--it's possible that trikes have an advantage there. But I just don't think it's a given that they are safer.

As JanMM alluded to, there are some real comfortable two-wheel recumbents out there. And there are some FAST, comfortable bikes as well. You can ride a long way on a fast, comfortable bike.

The last point I'll give you--they sure look like they would be a blast to ride.

Ok....

To summarise, two wheeled recumbents are best and trikes are really glorified kettler go-carts ?

There's no point to a trike unless you want full bodywork ?

Trikes might be more comfortable, but with modern recumbent seats that is disputable ?

Does that mean that trikes aren't suited to serious cycling ?

Ok....

To summarise, two wheeled recumbents are best and trikes are really glorified kettler go-carts ?

There's no point to a trike unless you want full bodywork ?

Trikes might be more comfortable, but with modern recumbent seats that is disputable ?

Does that mean that trikes aren't suited to serious cycling ?

Ride whatever floats your boat.

Ride whatever floats your boat.

I've never ridden a trike.

I'm trying to put together a shortlist of possible contenders.

I haven't ruled out 3 wheelers or chain twisters yet.

:thumb:

I've never ridden a trike.
And there's the rub. You're making a list based on theory and opinions (others and your own.) I went to a good recumbent dealer that stocked everything from upright "workman" trikes to lowracer bikes. I went in "knowing" exactly what I wanted, actually test-rode 10 different bikes and trikes, and came home with nothing even close to what I thought I wanted.

Same thing with cars: until you test-drive, you might not know that your favorite on specification has seats that are just wrong for your body shape.

Get out there and do some test-rides. Form some informed opinions.

And there's the rub. You're making a list based on theory and opinions (others and your own.) I went to a good recumbent dealer that stocked everything from upright "workman" trikes to lowracer bikes. I went in "knowing" exactly what I wanted, actually test-rode 10 different bikes and trikes, and came home with nothing even close to what I thought I wanted.

Same thing with cars: until you test-drive, you might not know that your favorite on specification has seats that are just wrong for your body shape.

Get out there and do some test-rides. Form some informed opinions.

I don't know of any shops near me (or in reasonable travelling distance) that even stock recumbents, let alone offer test rides.

Looks like it's a mail order purchase......

I don't know of any shops near me (or in reasonable travelling distance) that even stock recumbents, let alone offer test rides.

Looks like it's a mail order purchase......
I feel your pain. When I bought my first recumbent a dozen years ago, there were very few shops that carried them. Dropping $2K on a "leap of faith" was scary (P-38).

I feel your pain. When I bought my first recumbent a dozen years ago, there were very few shops that carried them. Dropping $2K on a "leap of faith" was scary (P-38).

I did the same thing with the Orbit Ross, I couldn't find any shops that sold them and had to bully one into ordering it. Furthermore I had to pay for it in advance before it had even been made. The only reason I received it was because I phoned Orbit repeatedly and had them send it 80% complete, seconds before they went bankrupt.

At that point I'd only ever seen one recumbent and that was LWB, I think it was called a Peer Gynt.

Has anyone got any idea of an entry level trike available to the UK or Europe ?

Has anyone got any idea of an entry level trike available to the UK or Europe ?

Sun or KMX...

:)ensen.

I guess I can count myself somewhat lucky; there are half a dozen shops that carry some recumbents in the Mpls/St. Paul area within a hour or two. I drove four hours to the Hostel Shop in Stevens Point, WI, one of the biggest regional recumbent dealers, for an afternoon of test riding.

One of the nice things about most bents is the way they hold their value. If you do end up with one you find wanting in one way or another, the relatively small loss incurred in reselling can be considered a lease. :)

How about this one: Trike (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250381225873&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123)

How about this one: Trike (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250381225873&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123)

Way to high off the ground. Won't be able to corner except at a crawl, and you will lose your aerodynamic advantage.

I ride a VK2. It is a very nice bike, very light, and very dependable. It is a little pricey but it is worth the money. It also looks nice. It is made by Velocraft from some place in Poland. There is a guy name Dana Leiberman that sells them at Bentcycles. Dana is the man on recumbents. Google his name and see if he can hook you up. He has a line of other great recumbents too.

Random ramblings from someone who has ridden 2 wheeled bent, Road bikes, MTB, chopper styled bikes and trikes.

The front wheel wont wash out on a trike and dump you, your braking is on a par with cars, you will never fall from failing to click out of the pedals.
Comfort wise a trike kills a bike for example cranking up a 20% hill tonight I was laying back on the headrest comptemplating the difference trying the same trick on a 2 wheeler would be. No balance issues. Sittig at the lights no foot needs to be put down, give it some thought you will see why hey are more comfotable.
If you like cornering and are willing to learn some body english no bike will corner as quick, how often do you get to drift a bike around a tight corner? They can change direction quicker than a bike.
Front tyre blow out, pull over when you are ready no rush.
They are just plain fun.
I suspect if the general public new how good they were the Bike industry would take a hell of a hit.
But they are not everyones cup of tea.

Raptobike or KMX Viper ?

Both are nice, which is best ?

Raptobike or KMX Viper ?

Both are nice, which is best ?
Tough call, they are completely different. One is a trike, the other a lowracer. I have a raptobike coming to me now but as it hasn't arrived I can't give you a review yet.

I would make that decision based on whether I wanted a trike or a bike.
Good luck -
Duncan

And how steep your hills are, the Raptor is FWD.

And how steep your hills are, the Raptor is FWD.

I regularly go up steep hills.

I noticed that the raptor is somewhat lacking in gear range, especially for a recumbent.

If I bought a raptor, I'd be fitting a rohloff.

:)

EDIT: whatever I buy it's very likely I'll be fitting a rohloff

Not a gear range issue but traction, much over 20% I would want to test first and rain will aggravate the issue as will gravel. It may cope but it may not.