Any difference here?

Is there more than one kind of recumbent?

EDIT: I didn't realize that DF (diamond frame) was the name given to regular road bikes by 'bent riders.

Any difference here?

Is there more than one kind of recumbent?
In a word, yes. Bents are too varied to try and make any blanket statements with any accuracy. Most recumbent riders have a background of riding uprights, and gravitated toward recumbents due to comfort issues. Most bents have seats instead of saddles. A weightbearing seat back is required, or else I don't consider it a recumbent. The rider cannot stand on the pedals, which rules out some maneuvers that uprights can do. Low production numbers makes them more expensive. Bents have a different speed profile from uprights. Like tandems, they go slower on climbs and faster everywhere else. The degree of this difference depends on the weight and aerodynamics of the particular bent in question. Speed capabilities vary too, from slow MUP bikes to scary-fast racers, and include 2, 3, and even 4 wheelers.

Two good sources for exploring what kind of bents are out there are Recumbents.com (http://www.recumbents.com/recumbents.asp) and
Bentrideronline (http://www.bentrideronline.com/Buyer's%20Guide/2002%20Guide%20Welcome.htm).

Any difference here?

Is there more than one kind of recumbent?

By your log on name it say's your a senior member.
This seems like a strange question(s) to be asking.

For the benifit of the question...try these links...

http://www.bicyclecommuter.com/RecumbentTricycles.htm

http://www.bentrideronline.com/

http://www.bentrideronline.com/Buyer%27s%20Guide/Trikes%202002.htm

Happy searching,
John

Any difference here?

Is there more than one kind of recumbent?

Ah 53-11 a lil' venture off the other forum? There are so many different configurations of recumbents. One of the reasons I was enticed by them was the variety. The other was some neck and carpel tunnel issues. Recumbents can be so different in design and characteristics. Some are engineering marvels. Some are works of art. They can be hideously fast on flatland to rolling hills. Downhills can be wild and scary fast. I can use every bit of a 53/11, or coast by the guys that passed me on the climb. IMO recumbent hill climbing ability varies from design to design, on bike weight and of course rider ability. They can be really troublesome for most on steeper climbs since you can't stand on the pedals and are you resigned to cranking it out in one position.

This year, just for S&G I hope to do some comparisons between my performance recumbent and my performance DF on the same course with a combination of flatland and hills. Additionally, I will be commuting on different bikes both recumbent and DF. However, My commute is so flat that I sure that the recumbent will excell. I still have the neck and CT issues but I will limit my DF/SS/fixie/geared road bike riding to 30 or so miles at one time. My normal recumbent ride on a Sunday or Wednesday in season has been 70 to 110 miles. I also have started MTBing again. Crap, some of the short single track approaches and climbs I did last week were like doing road intervals.

Variety is the spice of life, never dis a mans ride.

For a good place to call with helpful friendly people - Valley Bikes 1-800-730-9021. They were great to deal with.....Good hunting!

I don't think 53-11 is hunting. He's curious.

...They can be hideously fast on flatland to rolling hills. Downhills can be wild and scary fast. I can use every bit of a 53/11, or coast by the guys that passed me on the climb.
Variety is the spice of life, never dis a mans ride.


Alltheway,
BE CAREFUL not to get chain sucked into the belief that recumbents are the ONLY bicycles that are hideously fast. Heck some of those young fellows in the Tour descend mountain roads that are wet with no guard rails at speeds of 70+ miles per hour on regular bicycles.

Any bicycle can be fast on the right road and any recumbent can be hideous like my homebuilt velomobile that weighs 150 pounds or a work of art like some of those Ricky Pinto Aeros made out of that fancy titanium aerospace metal or those European carbon fiber wonderbikes.

Spuds

Alltheway,
BE CAREFUL not to get chain sucked into the belief that recumbents are the ONLY bicycles that are hideously fast. Heck some of those young fellows in the Tour descend mountain roads that are wet with no guard rails at speeds of 70+ miles per hour on regular bicycles.

Any bicycle can be fast on the right road and any recumbent can be hideous like my homebuilt velomobile that weighs 150 pounds or a work of art like some of those Ricky Pinto Aeros made out of that fancy titanium aerospace metal or those European carbon fiber wonderbikes.

Spuds

And let's not forget those PBJ's, Spuds! Easily add 150 lbs of hideous cuisine!

Oops!

I thought a diamond frame was kind of 'bent. DF is how recumbent cyclists refer to regular road bikes.

Oops!

I thought a diamond frame was kind of 'bent. DF is how recumbent cyclists refer to regular road bikes.


Alltheway,
My favorite DF is the Trek Madone. Only $10,999.
A bike like the Madone will make a pot bellied, white bearded, PBJ eating old foggie like me look cool. I will have to buy the Trek kit to go along with the Madone if I ever get one.

Unfortunately I do not have the wealth of an oil baron and I must stick with my heavy 150 pound homemade velomobile made out of throw away bike frames, duct tape, zipties and plastic for sale signs. I will be walking up many hills today like most of the other recumbent folks out there.

Spuds ;)

Oh please. give me a break

Alltheway,
Unfortunately I do not have the wealth of an oil baron and I must stick with my heavy 150 pound homemade velomobile made out of throw away bike frames, duct tape, zipties and plastic for sale signs. I will be walking up many hills today like most of the other recumbent folks out there.

Spuds ;)

Same sh*t, different post. :(

I don't have money...yada, yada, yada

I eat PBJ's...yada, yada, yada

I make my own bikes and walk them up hills...yada, yada, yada

I bought out all the Dollar stores' duct tape and zip ties...yada, yada, yada

I can't ride my bike fast or up hills....so that means no one else can....yada, yada, yada

Any difference here?



EDIT: I didn't realize that DF (diamond frame) was the name given to regular road bikes by 'bent riders.

"Diamond frame" goes back to it's origin (bare frame resembles the shape of a diamond) back in the late 1800's.