I've been a wedgie rider for many years. About a year ago, I started having problems with my hands and arms due to a pinched nerve in my back. It has gotten better, but I think it is exacerbated by riding upright. I will have to stop riding the wedgie unless I have a miracle with this situation. think I have the solution, but want to get some input from your experience.

My commute is 12 miles round-trip in the city. I've been commuting for 5 years on the wedgie, so I can deal with traffic. I don't have a bent yet, but I think a SWB USS might be the ticket. I'm 6'2" so the height of the SWB doesn't concern me much. My questions are:

Is a SWB USS going to work in the stop and go of urban traffic?
Will it be a problem on slight uphills at some stop lights, (starting from standstill)?

Any other input you have for me, is most appreciated. Thanks.

You shouldn't have a problem commuting with a SWB as long as you are comfortable on the bike and have sufficient skills. If you have some decent low gears launching on a hill (unless it is some ungodly 20% grade monster) is no big deal. As to USS vs OSS I can't really comment, whatever is comfortable for you should work. Although I've read that sometimes OSS may turn a bit sharper than USS. That factor would depend on bike geometry and layout though. My commute takes me through town in city traffic and I ride a RANS Tailwind with OSS. No problems at all. Test ride several types of bikes, SWB, CLWB, LWB. Get whatever feels the best to you. If you are comfortable and competent on the bike it should work for your commute.

Thanks Brian.

What is your take on the usefulness of shocks? Obviously they add weight, but how necessary are they in a paved urban environment?

Mark

they are ok. but to really have a useful one your gonna spend atelast 300.00 my libo came with a cheaper one and it is not great. I like my pantour suspension hub better.

I have ridden SWB and LWB. My first recumbent was an Haluzak USS that I found to be a great ride....I would suggest the HyBrid Race or Horizon and get them with disc brakes so you can stop if caught in the rain. My 2nd choice is the Longbikes Slipstream that I ride now. It is a great crusier (a little long) and also takes the strain off your shoulders, neck, and hands. Both about the same price. Longbikes also has a new SWB USS that is an improved remake of the Eliminator. It's a little on the heavy side but a great ride. Good Luck!