Recumbent - Common pitfalls after buying a used recumbent

What unexpected costs (repairs or mods) did you run into when you bought your used recumbent? Gearing, transportation, sizing mods? Just wondering if buying used could be more trouble than it's worth. I am not a bent owner yet. I found a couple of Visions (R40 and V40) that might work. Their price seems ok ($400).
Thanks!

VR-40 (or more comonly referred to as R-40) was Vision's basic SWB model. It was pretty bulletproof. Lots of us modify the gearing on our bents; but if it's anywhere near stock, I'd leave it alone until after you're acclimatized. One weirdity with the Vision was that they used an assymetrical dish on the back wheel; so if you need to get your wheel trued, make sure the shop has the bike in hand, too. The bike should go (with some fiddling) on a standard 2-arm bike carrier.

I've bought two bents used, no problems. The first time, you worry that you paid too much, but you can't go wrong with an R-40 at $400. All I found were that some components were worn or had less life than new and so I replaced them one or two at a time. Early on you're going to replace cables and housings and chain and tires. Later on you'll get into things like changing cantilever brakes to V-brakes, or replacing pedals, and eventually a new cassette or set of chainrings. Buying used bents is a good way to learn what you like without spending lots of cash and then turning a bike that didn't really suit you to begin with. When you buy used, you can often sell it back after a year and try another one, without giving away a lot.

If you don't already have them, you may have to get some of these (http://www.beardcareproducts.com/).

VR-40 (or more comonly referred to as R-40) was Vision's basic SWB model. It was pretty bulletproof. Lots of us modify the gearing on our bents; but if it's anywhere near stock, I'd leave it alone until after you're acclimatized. One weirdity with the Vision was that they used an assymetrical dish on the back wheel; so if you need to get your wheel trued, make sure the shop has the bike in hand, too. The bike should go (with some fiddling) on a standard 2-arm bike carrier.

I read that the earlier R-40 had a shorter wheelbase which contributed to some squirreliness/safety issues. The one I'm going to look at is supposedly "about 5 years old". Funny, since the last ones were built in '03. It also again supposedly has <2000 miles on it. I am hoping to transport it on my Thule T2 or my one roof mount with the same clamping down on one tire design. I'm guessing that'd require removing the seat. Good to know about the dish on the wheel too.
Thanks!

I've bought two bents used, no problems. The first time, you worry that you paid too much, but you can't go wrong with an R-40 at $400. All I found were that some components were worn or had less life than new and so I replaced them one or two at a time. Early on you're going to replace cables and housings and chain and tires. Later on you'll get into things like changing cantilever brakes to V-brakes, or replacing pedals, and eventually a new cassette or set of chainrings. Buying used bents is a good way to learn what you like without spending lots of cash and then turning a bike that didn't really suit you to begin with. When you buy used, you can often sell it back after a year and try another one, without giving away a lot.

I am expect/am hopeful that this used one will fall into the lightly used category and therefore will need new tires and chain and not much more. I have test rode bents of several types (LWB, SWB, USS, OSS, etc) and found the SWB with a 20" in front like the R-40 to be the most appealing. If money were no object I'd be all over a HP Velo Street Machine. Getting my feet wet with a $400 bent vs ~$3400 is far preferable.
Thank you too!

If you don't already have them, you may have to get some of these (http://www.beardcareproducts.com/).

LOL! The ad I keep waiting for goes something like:
"Does your beard make you look older than you are? Well, you initially grew it to make you look older; so if that's no longer your goal, just shave the d@mn thing off! Duh!"

What about size ? How do you check to see if the bike fits you well ? Or, are recumbent bikes all adjustable ?

The R-40 had an adjustable boom for height adjustment. I think it only came in one size. It was, however, convertible between LWB and SWB by way of a conversion kit.

I'm going to check it out this morning. The seller mentioned the adjustable boom. And this one does have the 20" front wheel. I was also concerned about the wheelbase after reading of the instability of earlier models with WB's that are 2" shorter than later years.

What about size ? How do you check to see if the bike fits you well ? Or, are recumbent bikes all adjustable ?

Many bents come in 2 or 3 sizes. See if you can ask the owner what the x-seam specs on it are, then figure out how to measure your own x-seam.

I bought my Giro 26 used and have had no issues with it, but I bought it used from a bike shop that had acquired it on trade in for someone buying a diamond-frame road bike (go figure!) - and they changed some of the cables and housings first. Only thing I've done besides adding more accessories is change the granny gear to something smaller to accomodate loaded touring.

Here it is. Its wheelbase is a few inches longer than I'd like. I might have to modify my Thule T2 to have some peace of mind since it's hanging on for dear life as is. And that's with the "hook arm" as far down as it'll go. Still, not bad for $375. Everything is original. Had an '02 city license decal. The 8 year old tires have very little wear. I'll remove the dry-rotted shock boots and add some sort of rear rack. This is a VR-40, right?
Thanks again!
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That was easy. This should work. I turned the rear wheel's cradle around. It's all centered nicely behind the car. Now what to do if I need to haul another bike?....the USS and seat stick out a lot. Switching to OSS is not a desirable option although the bike did come with the OSS bar. I have a roof mount similar to the T2's design so for more than one bike that'll have to do. Good to know too for when I haul longer wheelbase DF's such as genuine touring frames especially for taller riders (6'+).
152702

I think that's an R-45? The R-40 did not have suspension. That model was only made for a year or two, and I think the reason was that heavier riders were breaking one or the other shock mounts. Can't remember for sure. Yours looks in nice shape. I was going to suggest finding a Vision owner's group, but it looks like you already found it. ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vision-bent-owners/ ) Another source of info might be Hostelshoppe, whom I think used to sell Vision.

Another VBO member has one (below) that looks just like mine. He referred to it as a VR40. Well whatever it is, it's my first bent and I like it. I noticed you're also on VBO. This other member wasn't crazy about this bent. (He has others) I have seen several Visions like this (suspended and not) on supported tours and their owners were quite fond of them. That's a big reason why I jumped at this one.
http://home.thegrid.net/~lllove/9Nov2002-08.JPG

I have bought several used bents and never had any serious issues with any of them....one was a little more worn out than I would have liked, but didn't need a major overhaul while I owned it.

The important thing is to shop carefully...when in doubt...move on as there are lots of used bents out there for sale...often with very low mileage on them as people bough them and didn't end up riding them.

USED or NEW buyers always want their own components. You might get lucky and find exactly what you want then not have to change out any of the parts. Most people want to swap out parts for things they like. Some people ask what year model is the bike as if they are buying a used car, like it really matters. Some people want to know how many miles are on the bike, 5000 miles means it is old, worn out, worthless trash. Then there are folks that are only interested over priced high $$$ components.

It took me over a year to sell one of my recumbent bikes the first question people ask is, what components does it have. I sold it 2 week ago for $500. and the buyer was thrilled to death it was a saving of $3000.00 for him compaired to a brand new bike. The bike had 1800 miles on it.

I could have stripped the bike and sold the pieces one by one on ebay and got double what I sold the bike for.

It looks like what you have is an R-50, which is like an R-40 but it's fully suspended. If you got that for $400, I'd say you got a deal-and-a-half! Crash - I ride 4000 miles a year. Based on the 5000 mile assumption, all of my bikes are worn-out junk. Hmm... I guess that means I need a new bike!

It has a '40' on the head tube (pic #2 in post 12). Regardless, it is a smooth ride. And as Crash2Much said, some folks are rather finicky even when looking at used rigs. I was delighted to save $3000. $375 for the Vision compared to $3000+ for the HP Velo Street Machine I love, that IMHO is a Cadillac. Both are USS fully suspended SWB's with the option for OSS. Both ride wonderfully. I just ordered a set of Schwalbe Duranos, still need a rear rack. That should do it.

It has a '40' on the head tube (pic #2 in post 12). Regardless, it is a smooth ride. And as Crash2Much said, some folks are rather finicky even when looking at used rigs. I was delighted to save $3000. $375 for the Vision compared to $3000+ for the HP Velo Street Machine I love, that IMHO is a Cadillac. Both are USS fully suspended SWB's with the option for OSS. Both ride wonderfully. I just ordered a set of Schwalbe Duranos, still need a rear rack. That should do it.

The only reference I can find it here:

http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/vision/vision_r40.htm

...which seems to indicate that some R-40s had rear suspension. If I'm reading the pages correctly, the suspended R-40 was rear suspension only; so you must have an optional front shock. Sorry I can't be more help! Out of curiosity, what is the wheelbase? IIRC earlier models were *really* short, like 36" wb, while later models were still under 40" but at least less likely to do a nose dive under heavy braking.

One thing I see from the pic: The double idler for the return-side chain, above the front wheel, was to take up chain slack. It was especially useful for a showroom floor bike that was used for test rides. If you are the only rider and don't plan on moving the boom once it's set up for you, you can size the chain correctly and remove the idler. (And store it for later use.)

This Vision's wheelbase measures 42". It was obviously longer than my Waterford since its front wheel hung off my Thule T2's (pic #1, post #12) one end whereas my Waterford fits perfectly. Its WB is 39.437"...straight from the spec sheet.

From what the seller told me, it sounded like he only had the OSS swapped for USS. That's it. So it's unlikely that the front suspension was an upgrade.

Good to know about the idler. Yes, I'll be the only regular rider. Though it looks like the chain might rub on the top of the front shock if I removed the double idler, esp when in the big ring up front. I will be extending the boom a little. I am 6". The previous owner was 5'11".

She looks to be a fine catch. As a first bent you got a great deal. enjoy....
jerry

If you don't already have them, you may have to get some of these (http://www.beardcareproducts.com/).

Uh - I don't think the OP mentioned a gender.

^ I sport a Vandyck but have no need for beardpoo, 'stache wax, or any other beard condiments thank you very much. :D

there are lots of used bents out there for sale...often with very low mileage on them as people bough them and didn't end up riding them.

Just to ask, where? I have never seen a used bent for sale.

No, I take it back, there is a bike shop in Chico CA that has a bikeE for sale at about $1200 USD. I can not think of any others that I have ever seen for sale used. I look at the pictures in this thread and am amazed that the bike he got was not closer to $1200 than $400.

Four years ago I found my first 'bent, a 2000 Tailwind, on the classifieds section of the Central Indiana Bicycling Association website. For sale by individual.
Hard to find used 'bents locally in most locales.

Another VBO member has one (below) that looks just like mine. He referred to it as a VR40. Well whatever it is, it's my first bent and I like it. I noticed you're also on VBO. This other member wasn't crazy about this bent. (He has others) I have seen several Visions like this (suspended and not) on supported tours and their owners were quite fond of them. That's a big reason why I jumped at this one.
http://home.thegrid.net/~lllove/9Nov2002-08.JPG
I wish my bents had suspension; you can't use your legs as shock absorbers on a bent, so it can be rough on your back--and wheels. A lot of people seem to change seats, but if the seat's comfy and you like riding it, don't change anything for a while. You got a very good deal. Enjoy. You will soon figure out what you like and what you don't. I have a Burley HepCat; wish it had a better seat. Also a RANS F5; wish it was four inches closer to the ground. Also wish it had rear suspension.

Craig

Just to ask, where? I have never seen a used bent for sale.

Why, teh internetz of course.

http://www.recumbents.com/forsale.asp then click on "view everything"
http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds.cgi?view=bikes
http://www.rtrmag.com/classifieds.htm
http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=5

Also, once you have a specific model in mind, you can make a craigslist search by using something like: "si te:ht tp://craigs list.org "Vanguard" recumbent" into the search box of your browser of choice, substituting your desired model where I wrote Vanguard. (Of course, take out the extra spaces I put in so that the text would not become a partial link here in BF land).

There are other sites and lists, but the above seem to cover most postings as many owners will post in more than one list when selling.