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I am the owner of a good beginner 'bent, the EZ-Speedster. (I have the middle model, not the top of the line aluminum one, nor the bottom of the line, heavy cromoly one.)
Kenda tires, 1.5; mediocre SRAM shifters, no fairing (yet).
Now, here's the situation: I would like to go faster. Short of getting an Bacc. Aero (my dream bent) or a lowracer of something -- and short of working on the engine more than I already am (I'm jogging a few km a day, and riding a couple times a week, and doing 400-500 stairs twice a week) -- what can I do to make the 'bent go faster?
My own thoughts so far:
- get better, lighter, more aerodynamic wheels
- switch to a thinner tire, maybe a Marathon
- fairing and/or tail fairing
- start saving for a pricey lighter bent
- ??
Advice and tips greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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I saw something on TV once called an ACME rocket motor. It was used by a fellow named Coyote to make his bike faster.
You might want to google that.
Now, here's the situation: I would like to go faster. Short of getting an Bacc. Aero (my dream bent) or a lowracer of something -- and short of working on the engine more than I already am (I'm jogging a few km a day, and riding a couple times a week, and doing 400-500 stairs twice a week) -- what can I do to make the 'bent go faster?
My own thoughts so far:
- get better, lighter, more aerodynamic wheels
- switch to a thinner tire, maybe a Marathon
- fairing and/or tail fairing
- start saving for a pricey lighter bent
- ??
Your bent will be somewhat faster with your upgrades. But the bent will never keep up with an equally powered person on an Aero. That's just the way it is. Your bent is actually well suited for touring or commuting as opposed to setting a speed record.
If you are new to recumbents, give yourself 6 months for your muscles to get acclimated to bent riding. Also, take my advice: if you aren't happy now with that bike, don't upgrade. Buy one that does what you want. I know this from experience.
... Also, take my advice: if you aren't happy now with that bike, don't upgrade. Buy one that does what you want. I know this from experience.
Yes! That's very good advice. Sorry to hear you learned it the hard way. To misquote someone else, "You can train a pig to run; but it'll never be a racehorse, just a fast pig." It's OK to spend a few bucks on some tires. Get a Comet 20x1.3 for the front and a Racer 26x1.25 for the rear. Tires are 'consumables,' so it's not like you'd be pouring good money after bad. But DON'T waste money buying a new wheelset or a fairing.
Start saving up! Don't worry, you don't have to go all the way to Titanium to go fast, a Corsa would go just fine.
I saw something on TV once called an ACME rocket motor. It was used by a fellow named Coyote to make his bike faster.
You might want to google that.
Very amusing. I know where I'd like to stick that rocket.
Thanks for the (serious) comments, which I really appreciate. Esp. the one about not trying to upgrade my bent (except for getting different tires). That's very good advice. It will simply be a slightly faster EZ-Speedster.
Cheers.
Very amusing. I know where I'd like to stick that rocket.
Didn't the rocket always end up there, anyway?
I am the owner of a good beginner 'bent, the EZ-Speedster. (I have the middle model, not the top of the line aluminum one, nor the bottom of the line, heavy cromoly one.)
Kenda tires, 1.5; mediocre SRAM shifters, no fairing (yet).
Now, here's the situation: I would like to go faster. Short of getting an Bacc. Aero (my dream bent) or a lowracer of something -- and short of working on the engine more than I already am (I'm jogging a few km a day, and riding a couple times a week, and doing 400-500 stairs twice a week) -- what can I do to make the 'bent go faster?
My own thoughts so far:
- get better, lighter, more aerodynamic wheels
- switch to a thinner tire, maybe a Marathon
- fairing and/or tail fairing
- start saving for a pricey lighter bent
- ??
Advice and tips greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Here's a different version of that question:
My cheap beginner bent (that I bought last September) is a 28 pound Tsunami T-1 SWB with road tires, so it's probably as fast as $650 will get you (on a bent, that is). I'm already wanting something faster, but my budget won't allow my dream bike for another 3 1/2 years when my boat gets paid for (my other expensive hobby is tournament fishing). On top of that, I'm not sure what my dream bike needs to be. I want very fast, but something better in traffic and stop and go riding than either a low rider or high racer, and I prefer USS which is not as fast. To all the experts here: What does my dream bike need to be?
I gained 2mph down hill going from the stock 1.5" 35psi rea tire to 1.5 (wanted smaller) 100 psi amadillo. not sure if there was much difference going from about 25psi to 100 in front.
... I want very fast, but something better in traffic and stop and go riding than either a low rider or high racer, and I prefer USS which is not as fast. To all the experts here: What does my dream bike need to be?
For fast USS, you're looking at a Reynolds. For being good in stop-and-go traffic, you want something else. How's that for helpful? Actually, a highracer would be fine in traffic, once you learned to ride it. But most are OSS.
To Steve: Were your tires rated for 25-35 psi, or is that just where you ran them? Most HiPerf tires have their best rolling resistance near their rated pressure, and don't exibit any gains in performance at overpressures. For a 1.5" tire, I would expect pressures of around 80-90 psi to be high enough without worrying about spreading your rims.
Didn't the rocket always end up there, anyway?
Hard to tell! The dust from the bottom of the canyon where Wile landed always obscured the view.
Actually, one way of improving speed is to get SPD pedals.
Here's the link to George Reynolds, for those who would like to read about fast 'bents.
http://www.reynoldsweldlabs.com/index.htm
To Steve: Were your tires rated for 25-35 psi, or is that just where you ran them? Most HiPerf tires have their best rolling resistance near their rated pressure, and don't exibit any gains in performance at overpressures. For a 1.5" tire, I would expect pressures of around 80-90 psi to be high enough without worrying about spreading your rims.[/QUOTE]
yes only 35 PSI. plus I got two flats in three months so I changed tires and the new one can take 100 PSI. I have a velocity deep v I doubt 100 PSI would hurt it (G)
You Got the Need...
http://www.aardvark.co.nz/pjet/
Bolt one of these on and you'll get some speed!
Me Too! I ride a Burley Jett Creek that works well for my road conditions. I got 2-3 more mph by adjusting the seat position, buying some Power Grips for the pedals and overinflating my tires...Kenda West by 5-10#. If I bought a faster bike, I'm afraid I'd spend more time fixing flat tires than enjoying the ride. I suspect I might even gain another couple mph as my engine improves.
Bob
The most cost effective improvement for speed is a fairing.....10 to 20 percent increase in speed/or decrease in effort. If you take care of the fairing its very easy to re-sell it.
RonH
gee, my last fairing was over 500 bucks and yes it will make you faster, but 20% .........I don't think so. A Razz FAzz fairing won't give you that. Now if we are talking about a full hardshelled fairing around the whole bike, then yes that would give you more than 20%.
The most cost effective improvement for speed is a fairing.....10 to 20 percent increase in speed/or decrease in effort. If you take care of the fairing its very easy to re-sell it.
RonH
only if you go atleast 18 mph or more. the faster you go the more it helps.
ok, so anybody want to buy an optima tailfairing then if it is so easy to sell it?http://groups.msn.com/BicyclingForumPicPost/trainingsetuppics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=5009
Does this mean you're building one this year? Hey, maybe after my highracer is done I'll try my hand at tailboxes. Can't be too hard.
nah. kamil is building me one. I don't have the time to build one right now.
I am the owner of a good beginner 'bent, the EZ-Speedster. (I have the middle model, not the top of the line aluminum one, nor the bottom of the line, heavy cromoly one.)
Kenda tires, 1.5; mediocre SRAM shifters, no fairing (yet).
Now, here's the situation: I would like to go faster. Short of getting an Bacc. Aero (my dream bent) or a lowracer of something -- and short of working on the engine more than I already am (I'm jogging a few km a day, and riding a couple times a week, and doing 400-500 stairs twice a week) -- what can I do to make the 'bent go faster?
My own thoughts so far:
- get better, lighter, more aerodynamic wheels
- switch to a thinner tire, maybe a Marathon
- fairing and/or tail fairing
- start saving for a pricey lighter bent
- ??
Advice and tips greatly appreciated. Thanks.
If you want speed, then try a bike like this, or low racer. :D
My bike is a 2004 Volae Sport, and i took it out for a spin and was very impress how it can climb hills and the speed on flat ground was around 30 mph...and i have not been on a bike for 2 years, till this year.. :mad: http://www.volaerecumbents.com/2005/images/lg05_sport.jpg
My First Recumbent Was a{}2002 Vision R40 {}All i got was pain on hills and numb feet.. I did not like a 20 inch wheel, in frount of bike. Now that i have got a bike with dual wheel, i feel really good that i have got this one...
Make sure you test many bikes before you dump a bunch of money in one, i made my mistake geting the last Recumbent! :eek:
Good Hunting, Time to save up and buy your Dream Bike!
Tom
If you want speed, then try a bike like this, or low racer. :D
Here's mine at rest last Thanksgiving...
http://home.insightbb.com/~dtresenriter/1127041s.jpg
only if you go atleast 18 mph or more. the faster you go the more it helps.
I second the fairing recommendation. A full fairing and bodysock (not just a tail fairing) is your best performance/price option. And steveknight is right--only above 18 mph. But if you are not trying to break 20 mph as your average (excluding hills) then that's not "fast" in my book.
Cheers,
Bill.
Here's mine at rest last Thanksgiving...
http://home.insightbb.com/~dtresenriter/1127041s.jpg
Do you like the Bacchetta Aero or the Volae Team better?
Me Too! I ride a Burley Jett Creek that works well for my road conditions. I got 2-3 more mph by adjusting the seat position, buying some Power Grips for the pedals and overinflating my tires...Kenda West by 5-10#. If I bought a faster bike, I'm afraid I'd spend more time fixing flat tires than enjoying the ride. I suspect I might even gain another couple mph as my engine improves.
Bob
What are "Power Grips"???
I just got some SPD pedals ... but haven't put them on the bike yet.
Do you like the Bacchetta Aero or the Volae Team better?
I, and probably many others, would like to know the answer to this, as well!
Cheers
Do you like the Bacchetta Aero or the Volae Team better?
I get this question all of the time and rarely answer satisfactorily, mainly because I can't make up my mind. They both have good points and not so good points. I wish someone would merge the 2 and give me a Volaero. ;)
Seriously, I have about 7000 miles between the 2 and still don't know which one I like the best. I wish I did, because I keep thinking about selling one of them and buying a low-racer. Anyway, here's a quick run down:
The Aero is about 1.6# lighter.
The Aero has a shorter seat height, about an inch.
The Team is stiffer, quite a bit.
The Team has more attention to detail.
The Team uses standard road bike parts, the Aero has some proprietary stuff.
I like riding the Aero because the sit-over height is shorter and I"m only 5'-7". Also, the silky ride of titanium is sweet. However, the flexiness of the frame can get annoying at times. The lack of detail on the bike also annoys me. Bacchetta refuses to put cable guides on the frame so one has to resort to cable ties and such to tame the cables. Looks tacky to me and screams "high school shop project." Changing the seat position is a pain on the Aero and is governed by holes/bolts in the seat pan and grenade pins in the struts.
The Volae handles better to me; it's probably a fit thing. The Volae also seems to roll much nicer and my fastest times on rides have come from the Team. I don't know if it's the stiffness of the frame or just coincidence. The extra weight doesn't seem to hurt on climbs, either. Again, probably due to the extra stiffness. The seat is infinitely adjustable on the Team and can be removed intact in seconds - nice.
I really can't decide. I like both and ride both. A person couldn't go wrong with either.
An interesting thing I've noticed, is that women like the painted "pretty" look of my Team while men seem to prefer the "industrial" look of my Aero. To me, the Aero looks sleeker but I do appreciate the craftsmanship on the Volaes.
-Dennis
So, been throwing the idea around a bit about a lowracer eh? Any ideas which one?
So, been throwing the idea around a bit about a lowracer eh? Any ideas which one?
Not really. I've ridden a Baron, but that's it. I'm relatively short (5'7") for a lot of low racers, though I did see a small woman on a VK2 last summer. I might try to make a couple of HPV races this summer to get a better idea of my needs/wants.
-Dennis
I saw something on TV once called an ACME rocket motor. It was used by a fellow named Coyote to make his bike faster.
You might want to google that.
Vision put a jet turbine on one of their Saber Highracers. They used to have it on their website.
Here's a guy working on a jet powered penny farthing.
http://www.pennyfarthing.dabsol.co.uk/pulse-je.htm
And the worlds fastest barstool:
http://www.turbinegroup.com/page2.html
Lemme get this straight. The Volae handles better, rolls nicer, seems to climb better, and gives you faster times. AND women like it.
Thanks. YOU may not know which one YOU prefer but I know which one I'd like to have :D
On serious note, thanks for the comparison, etc.
Cheers
...
The Volae handles better to me; it's probably a fit thing. The Volae also seems to roll much nicer and my fastest times on rides have come from the Team. I don't know if it's the stiffness of the frame or just coincidence. The extra weight doesn't seem to hurt on climbs, either.
...
An interesting thing I've noticed, is that women like the painted "pretty" look of my Team while men seem to prefer the "industrial" look of my Aero.
-Dennis
Lemme get this straight. The Volae handles better, rolls nicer, seems to climb better, and gives you faster times. AND women like it.
Thanks. YOU may not know which one YOU prefer but I know which one I'd like to have :D
I guess that all did come out between the lines. ;) I know one thing, it helps when you come home with a bike your wife likes as opposed to one that makes her just say "oh, you bought abother bike..."
Here's a different version of that question:
My cheap beginner bent (that I bought last September) is a 28 pound Tsunami T-1 SWB with road tires, so it's probably as fast as $650 will get you (on a bent, that is). I'm already wanting something faster, but my budget won't allow my dream bike for another 3 1/2 years when my boat gets paid for (my other expensive hobby is tournament fishing). On top of that, I'm not sure what my dream bike needs to be. I want very fast, but something better in traffic and stop and go riding than either a low rider or high racer, and I prefer USS which is not as fast. To all the experts here: What does my dream bike need to be?Look at www.liggister.org/buyandsell.html and you will find your dreambike for less than a 1000 dollars! I would say that the Action Bike is rather wellknown in the US.
Look at www.liggister.org/buyandsell.html and you will find your dreambike for less than a 1000 dollars! I would say that the Action Bike is rather wellknown in the US.
Bud lives in Texas, so I'm not sure why you'd point him to a European website. Bud would be better off using local resources, like Bent Rider Online (http://www.bentrideronline.com) or the recumbent guide at Recumbents.Com (http://www.recumbents.com/recumbents.asp)
I guess that all did come out between the lines. ;) I know one thing, it helps when you come home with a bike your wife likes[/][/] as opposed to one that makes her just say "oh, you bought abother bike..."
Uh, I have to say, I don't get that. I always seem to get a variant of your last sentence. Something like "oh you bought another $&(#* bike, now where's IT going to go, in the #*%& basement with the other ^*&$# bikes?"
Bud lives in Texas, so I'm not sure why you'd point him to a European website. Bud would be better off using local resources, like Bent Rider Online (http://www.bentrideronline.com) or the recumbent guide at Recumbents.Com (http://www.recumbents.com/recumbents.asp)I was just trying to be helpful, that's all. Furthermore Action Bent is a bike that appeals to Americans isn't it?
not really............ actionbents sure don't impress me much.
Furthermore Action Bent is a bike that appeals to Americans isn't it?
Rather than point an American to a European, foreign-language web site, pointing him here (http://www.actionbent.com) would be more helpful.
C'mon, guys, cut Erik a little slack!
He was earnestly trying to help out. Chris, not everyone can afford a lowracer and I wouldn't think there is a USS model available (or physically possible for that matter.) Actionbent prices are certainly attractive to some, especially at $1000 or less. John, maybe a Swede like Erik didn't know of the American website - I'm sure most of his web-surfing might be in his own neighborhood.
Look at www.liggister.org/buyandsell.html and you will find your dreambike for less than a 1000 dollars! I would say that the Action Bike is rather wellknown in the US.
The bent I already own is a Tsunami, which is the same bike as the Actionbent. My budget was limited, and it was the best buy I found. I already know that my second bent will be a lighter, much pricier one. It's going to be quite a while before I can get it, but I was just trying to get a feel for which bike it will be.
I am noticing that the Volae Team page in my Hostel Shoppe catalog is starting to show drool marks........lol.
Upgrading a Speedster will not gain you much and deplete your wallet. The posters for the most part have given you good advice. My suggestion is to ride you current steed, build your "Bentistic Muscularity" and while your at it visit as many shops that have bents, sit on em' ride em'. Attend any recumbent rallys that you can. Keep monitoring these pages as well as the RANS, Bacchetta, Hostellshoppe etc community boards as well as bentrideron line.com. Save your bucks and don't settle for less than you want. The Speedster may fufill your needs but there is joy in having you wants.
Jude
Aero
Giro
Actionbents are wonderful recumbents. Kind of pricey at $1000. Some folks like to buy luxury bicycles like the Actionbent and some folks can build a good recumbent from throw away parts.
Who cares about riding fast on a recumbent anyway. There are no recumbent race teams like the Lance Armstrong bicycle team. There is no one to impress when riding a recumbent. Build or buy CHEAP and you will be happy. Most folks that sell their expensive recumbents do not like what they are selling. Thats why they sell it.
I see a lot of good recumbents for sale at bentrideronline
Barkroft for $1000
Bike E FX for $700
and for wealthy lottery winner folks a Giro for $1300
All recumbents go about as fast as you want to go. Faster than a wheelchair or cane. Why spend top dollar when no one races these fun bikes. Recumbents are for fun riding and smelling the roses. Build your own for $100 and you will be happy.
Spuds
Spuds, pease tell me how to build a bent for $100! Even though I just bought a trek 7500fx, I'm still fascinated with recumbents...
Actionbents are wonderful recumbents. Kind of pricey at $1000. Some folks like to buy luxury bicycles like the Actionbent and some folks can build a good recumbent from throw away parts.
Who cares about riding fast on a recumbent anyway. There are no recumbent race teams like the Lance Armstrong bicycle team. There is no one to impress when riding a recumbent. Build or buy CHEAP and you will be happy. Most folks that sell their expensive recumbents do not like what they are selling. Thats why they sell it.
I see a lot of good recumbents for sale at bentrideronline
Barkroft for $1000
Bike E FX for $700
and for wealthy lottery winner folks a Giro for $1300
All recumbents go about as fast as you want to go. Faster than a wheelchair or cane. Why spend top dollar when no one races these fun bikes. Recumbents are for fun riding and smelling the roses. Build your own for $100 and you will be happy.
Spuds
I'm going to the garage right now to build a $100 p.o.s. bike to go really slow on and then walk it up some hills. It's going to be so much FUN I can hardly contain myself!!! Hahahaha.
Spuds, pease tell me how to build a bent for $100! Even though I just bought a trek 7500fx, I'm still fascinated with recumbents...
You can find throw away bicycles at garage sales, in dumpsters at the LBS, at junk yards, at a walk along the river and on the street curb that people throw away.
All it takes is a hack saw, a welding torch with rods and flux, some throw away bicycle parts and some imagination. You have the perfect recumbent when finished. CHEAP and good for riding.
No need to buy an expensive recumbent when it is easy to make a recumbent that is better than a fancy name brand.
Spuds
Spuds doesn't mean any harm. His job at the recycling center just drove him over the edge....
DROOL MARKS eh Bud?? heheahah. I am with you and Chris,, the actionbike line is a way to start with low bux, to me it seems better to get a used Quality top brand name level frame,, and upgrade parts when you get the dough. Actionbent does claim to have a three yr warranty on the new bikes, but they stock a very limited number of parts, and if they dont have it in stock,, you are either on your own,, or waiting for taiwan to ship one,,if they even have the part in stock at the factory ! Actionbents are known for rather weak seat frames, and extermely easily damaged seat covers,, He even sells seatless framesets because he has to cannibalize some of the new bikes, to service the warranty for older customers. That actually may be the best ab to buy, at least you get to select your favorite seat that way. To me,, if low bucks are a necessity,, the EZ line would be of value with their dealer network, even if the similar bike is a little heavier and costly by a small amount. Incidentally, I know I sound like a lbs,,,,,,not so,,have no connection financially to a lbs or any other bike sales outlet. I am simply an enthusiast interested in seeing that peops get a lot of bang for their recumbent bux . Enjoy !
Holey mackeral,,,,,, Spuds has a reasonable thought for someone with a lot of initiative and know how, but most here have enuff to buy a bike me thinks. Ive done the same myself when I wanted to test a new concept without laying out a batchobux . There is a place for the homebuilder like the Spudster though. GO SPUDS !!!!
I would like to hitch hike on what "Blazing" said. A good USS SWB is an Haluzak or the new Longbikes Eliminator. I saw a sweet Horizon on the floor at Valley Bikes with mechanical disc brakes front and rear.
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