I drove 60 miles to a dealer that carries Recumbents, and spent about 2 hours playing in his shop.
I rode a EasyRacer Sport and was somewhat surprised at the learning curve vs a regular hybred type bike.
The bike seems to be "steering sensitive", and surprised me when I got into loose gravel at the edge of the parking lot. (a negative surprise).
I was also surprised at the huge turning radius of this bike. Extremely comfortable to ride, but I had difficulty with uphill starts.
I got off the bike, told him I had to "reserve judgement" until a later time and browsed his shop.
He had several trikes and some EZ-1-SC Lites that I liked, but didnt ride.
After an hour or so, I got back on the Sport, and had a great time, although the "test" area is rather small.
Assuming that I get a few things cleared up will my LBS (regarding return of a deposit), I may return tomorrow to purchase the EZ-Sport.
For my 1st Recumbent experience, I would definately give it a passing grade.
phil
The BikeForums Team
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Answered a couple of your posts on another site. Told you you'd enjoy the EZ Sport. Hope you go through with the purchase. Good luck.
JC3
Phil,
I just got my my first bent today, an EZ-3. I did a bit of cruising around the neighborhood. Stopped three times for questions, a few others just called out comments. Tomorrow I will take it out on the new bike path in my community. Good luck with your new EZ-1.
JC
megaman
I think once you get used to the response diffferences you'll enjoy it. The only thing that bothers me about my EZ Sport is the lose of balance I get one in awhile when I go through a very soft surface, like sand. But now that I know what's going to happen I can usually just pedal through.
Ken_in_Michigan
You observed that the EZ Sport had a huge turning radius. You might want to try a swb (short wheel base) bent such as a Rans V-Rex (my bike), Rans Rocket, EZ-Speedster, Burley Django (or Hepcat or Canto), Lighting Thunderbolt, or a Volare Sport Touring for example. We started with clwb (compact long wheel base) BikeE ATs and were surprised to find that the swb V-Rex handles much like a DF bike and has a nice tight turning radius. You do have to adjust pedaling to avoid hitting the front tire with your heel when turning at a slow speed. The other advantage with a swb bike is they are easier to transport. We use a receiver hitch rack called a Karacks on our Sable to carry the two V-Rexes. :)
funbun
Why didn't you try any trikes? When I tested 'bent I had the same experience you did. In fact, it was impossible for me to start on an uphill on a V-Rex. My foot kept hitting the wheel. Road a Rans Stratus and it wasn't much better uphill.
I may be a butthole but If I'mm gonna pay $1,200+ for a bike there had not be any "learning curve." I just want to get on any ride. Trafffic is too congested in my town to be "learning" out there with twitchy SWB machine or startng uphill on a LWB and no able to go fast enough to keep balance.
I only ride 3 to 4 mph uphill on my mountain bike. So, on a 'bent I was even slower. That's why I wana trike.
MrEWorm
My wife decided on an EZ-1 Lite a few months ago. The SWB bikes were too difficult to balance (as close as you can get to a unicycle with two wheels) and much more expensive. The LWB's had a huge turning radius and were much more expensive. The EZ-1 was "just right".
She has had a couple instances where she lost control when she came around a curve and was going downhill at the same time. I think that was due to her not paying attention to what she was doing, rider error.
LarryJay
I just got my E Z Sport last Sunday and today was my first longer ride, about 25 miles. What a difference from my DF. Its like a drive in the country, casual, enjoyable, and relaxing. I really didn't want to stop. It seemed like I was changing gears a lot to maintain a comfortable cadence. The path was not all level but had lots of slight ups and downs. I was surprised at how easy it was to turn, not real tight but better than I thought. For a first ride, this was great and can't wait for tomorrow to go out again. The E Z Sport is a great bike, especially for a beginning bent rider.
larry