CG RDX - Reviews from any of you?

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Glasspacker

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bnet1

Isn't the V2 a LWB? The bottom bracket is behind the front wheel and about level with the seat, at least on the one I saw. The V-Rex is the SWB bike. Before I bought my Tailwind I considered a couple of the CG bikes, the ALX in particular. Never had a chance to ride one though.

'bent Brian

Glasspacker

Yes, the V2 is an LWB, although more of a CLWB. I re-read my note and see why you asked.

I can't decide between them. Similar prices ($1299 vs. $1349), although the V2 would end up being more after some upgrades. I think I would leave the CG RDX as is, if I bought it.

bnet1

If you can try to ride both then get the one you like. (Or both if you can afford it!) If I get another 'bent it might be either the Rocket or the V2. I would like to try a SWB, hence the Rocket. The V2 choice would be if I decided to stay with a LWB/CLWB configuration. Good luck in your searching.

'bent Brian

sukispop

Hi Glasspacker,

If you have a recumbent dealer near you, check to see if he has Recumbent and Tandem Rider Magazine issues. If he does, see if he has the July/August '04 issue--there's a nice write up on the RDX....

Glasspacker

Thanks for the tip Sukispop! I suppose it's not on the internet....

Brian, yes, I need to find a dealer that has one. I've test ridden two V2s- one with a fairing and some upgraded components and it seemed fast. I wondered though whether I would need a large size, although I'm just shy of 6'. It's interesting that the "break" between medium and large is right at my point. I don't consider myself large. The CG has a much greater range for the seat to slide.

I also test drove a Bachetta Strada and a used Vision (out of biz) Saber, both high racers. I certainly enjoyed the ride and they seemed quick, but I wasn't real comfortable up in the air like that. On the bulletin board at the LBS, I saw a photo of a guy posing next to his Strada, and noticed his leg had a wicked long scrape. That swayed my opinion back to the LWBs. I'm sure that can happen with any bike, but just seems more prone with these.

You mentioned the Rocket. Haven't tried it. I did try a Burley Django (sp?) the cheaper version, I think, of the Hepcat. I was very impressed with the handling and it accellerated very briskly. If the Hepcat is heads above that........wow.

bnet1

From what I've been able to find out the Rocket is a fairly quick bike, but there are others out there that are faster. My only "hands on" 'bent experience has been with my Tailwind so I really can't make any informed comments about other 'bents yet, other than what reviews I've read. I recently joined a local cycling club and I have found this: I've ridden the two star (12-14MPH average) and three star (14-16MPH average) rides. I've been able to keep up with the faster riders 1. On hills, 2. into headwinds, 3. on gentle rises, without difficulty. The four star riders (16-20MPH average) have asked me to ride with them. There have been a good number of comments like "you really fly on that thing!" by everyone I've ridden with. Especially true when I chase down the ride leader who has a sugar rush from an "ice-cream stop" and is running with some speed. and I don't consider myself a fast or particularly strong rider by any means, as evidenced by being blown away on a commute ride by a roadie 30 years my junior on some esoteric carbon fiber hooozagoochie road bike. Most of the riders in the club are tourers so their bikes weigh about as much as the Tailwind. As a comparison I used to ride a Trek 1000 aluminum road bike which is a few pounds less than the Tailwind. I would venture to say my speeds are close to or equal to the road bike and in some cases faster (never had a computer on the Trek, assumptions are made by elapsed time over known distances), especially going into a stiff headwind. And of course the Tailwind is very comfortable, makes you want to ride all day. Now with all of that said go find something that works for you, buy it, then have fun!

'bent Brian

Arnie1

Man, that bike looks good!!! Anybody have one that can comment?

I've already seen Larry Varney's review on it. He said under "PROs" - "Fast for an LWB" (but this was coming from a "Trike- man"). I was curious about that. I'm being swayed from my mission to buy a V2. I do like some speed, but I love the looks of an LWB. I had Stratus (sold it, regretted it later), and I would guess the RDX may be a little quicker with it's stock wheelset and aluminum. The price is very attractive ($1350)!

Glasspacker:

I rode the Cycle Genius RDX. It feels fast compared to my Sun EZ Rider and handles very nicely. Light and responsive; in fact, I rode a Easy Racers Gold Rush soon after and the CG RDX handling compared well with the famed TE GR. The narrow 700 x 25 rear tire and similiarly narrow front tire along with aluminum frame adds to the feeling of quickness.

Downsides on the test ride was rough shifting and uncomfortable seat. The shifting could probably be corrected with adjustment. The seatback was too low. Cycle Genius said the seat was designed low and that repositioning it would help. Others had welded extensions to raise the back, which is 5" to 6" shorter than my very comfortable Sun seat. I'm 6'2" , but another bent rider who's 5'5" also thought the seatback was too low. Bottom line consensus from our bike shop bull session was the CG RDX was a good bent. With a few changes it'd be a great bent and excellent value.

Glasspacker

Thanks for the report.

I bought a Rans V2, but I know of another person that checks this forum and may be interested in your opinion.

Within a four hour drive, I could only find four dealers and they would only order, not stock the RDX. I took the plunge on the V2 when my LBS had one marked down, with a fairing already on it.

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