Recumbent - Want a bent, but out of your budget?

I have been on the BikeForums for quite awhile, but recently purchased an ActionBent recumbent for less than $800. I mention this as an alternative to a homebuilt. www.actionbent.com is the weblink, but some explanation is inportant. The ActionBents are strictly an import from taiwan, which is ok because many big name bikes are made there. Because it is an import operation only, and purchased through ebay or his website only, you must either be able to build up your bike from parts, or have a bike shop do this for you.

I received my Tidal Wave II in the box, much like a bikeshop would receive a bike...in parts. It took me an evening to build, and another evening to get all the adjustments where I wanted them. I am very happy with the purchase and could not have afforded to buy the higher end bents. Because actionbents is an importer only, you have no distribution, dealer, or build-up costs...just your time. I like this bike much better than the EZ models, (more reclined) and it is a well built bike with good components for a minimal investment.

I have been on the BikeForums for quite awhile, but recently purchased an ActionBent recumbent for less than $800. I mention this as an alternative to a homebuilt. www.actionbent.com is the weblink, but some explanation is inportant. The ActionBents are strictly an import from taiwan, which is ok because many big name bikes are made there. Because it is an import operation only, and purchased through ebay or his website only, you must either be able to build up your bike from parts, or have a bike shop do this for you.

I received my Tidal Wave II in the box, much like a bikeshop would receive a bike...in parts. It took me an evening to build, and another evening to get all the adjustments where I wanted them. I am very happy with the purchase and could not have afforded to buy the higher end bents. Because actionbents is an importer only, you have no distribution, dealer, or build-up costs...just your time. I like this bike much better than the EZ models, (more reclined) and it is a well built bike with good components for a minimal investment.


Oh!.....Why did you post this?......Until about 2 weeks ago that's just what I was going to do.....get an ActionBent Tidal Wave II.....but then a very convincing poster detailed out HIS NIGHTMARISH problems with ActionBent.....so I gave up on it.....But now, I'm wave-ering again....


Oh well....I'm off to the BicycleMan in western New York tomorrow to, as he puts it, "Try out 6-8 different recumbents."......Can't go wrong with that offer......but I may get back to you for more details on your Tidal Wave experience after I get back from the BicycleMan....

Norton,

It is a great idea to ride all the recumbents you can and get a feel for what you like. And feel free to contact me with any questions.

Mark

Oh!.....Why did you post this?......Until about 2 weeks ago that's just what I was going to do.....get an ActionBent Tidal Wave II.....but then a very convincing poster detailed out HIS NIGHTMARISH problems with ActionBent.....so I gave up on it.....But now, I'm wave-ering again....


Oh well....I'm off to the BicycleMan in western New York tomorrow to, as he puts it, "Try out 6-8 different recumbents."......Can't go wrong with that offer......but I may get back to you for more details on your Tidal Wave experience after I get back from the BicycleMan....

You should note that the particular poster to whom you refer showed up at about the same time as Spuds. And he never actually admitted to buying an Actionbent; he just posted that there were lots of problems being reported and relayed one or two. And all of his posts were of a critical nature, with nothing positive to add. While these things separately don't necessarily mean anything, collectively they set off little warning flags for me.

As it turns out, the problems were with wheel to fork clearance issues. Someone who is mechanically adept enough to consider building a bent should be able to figure out how to glue shims into the fork dropouts or use a 406 wheel instead of a 451. I would certainly not recommend an Actionbent to someone who is planning on having a LBS put it together, though. But if you consider yourself a tinkerer, I'd say find the Actionbent group and read up on the problems - which models had them and what the problems and solutions are. Then you can make an informed decision whether or not you want to buy one.

Most importantly, if you get one, report back on your experiences.

Hey AlphaGeek, what components did you get? They show Dura-Ace shifters :) but on the front deraileur the site says either 105 or Tiagra, and rear either XT or LX. I'm just curious what you actually got.

Hey AlphaGeek, what components did you get? They show Dura-Ace shifters :) but on the front deraileur the site says either 105 or Tiagra, and rear either XT or LX. I'm just curious what you actually got.

I received DA shifters (smooth as silk), 105 FD, and LX RD as advertised.

Then you can make an informed decision whether or not you want to buy one.

Most importantly, if you get one, report back on your experiences.

Exactly what I did. I researched this at great length, and found that most of the complaints had to do with people expecting an importer to deal with them like a local dealer, (not gonna happen.) By that I mean that the importer is not going to put it together for you, nor do alot of hand holding. But if you have worked on bikes a fair amount, and don't expect detailed instructions on how to do it...You can save a bundle and get a pretty good bike.

I did have a small problem with the seat having a tear from shipping. It was replaced at no charge to me.

If you don't feel comfortable doing your own buildup, or finding someone to do it for you, this is not for you. If you do like to maintain your own bikes, this is a great deal of fun!

Alternatively, you could by a frame set from Cycle Genuis (http://www.cyclegenius.com/access.htm) (bottom of page) or Bentech. (http://www.bentechbikes.com/frames.htm) You could get the frame set from them and build it up from either from a donor bike or new part as you can afford.

Cycle Genuis's ALX frame set is $500 and comes with frame, fork, stem, seat.


Bentech's SWB frame set is $429 and comes with:

-main frame (TIG welded 4130 chromoly tube)
-adjustable boom to accommodate riders with inseams up to 36"
-Seat (TIG welded 4130 chromoly tube) with aluminum stays, mounting hardware and nylon mesh seat cover
-Fork w/ V-brake studs and steering arm welded on
-Steering extension tube w/ clamp and stem riser (OSS model)
-Under seat steering mechanism w/ rod end linkage (USS model)
-Idler roller
-Cantilever posts for rear V-brakes
-Chain tube

He also sells the LWB frame set and will increase tubing size to accomodate heavier rider weight.

I, too, purchased an action bent. I got the Jetstream II under seat steering. I've had my problems with it but overall I am very satisfied with what I got for the price I paid. I obviously didn't get to test ride it before I bought it but considering I had never ridden a recumbent or even seen one in real life that wasn't really an issue with me. I knew I could ride bikes and I knew I'd like the one I picked out.

After about 300 miles on the bike the chain holder thing (sorry, my vernacular is limited) came off the frame. I emailed the importer and he offered to pay to have it repaired. It turned out a local auto body shop welded it back on at no charge so it turned out good for everyone.

Maybe I'm in the camp that just doesn't know any better. I'm sure a greenspeed or whatever is a nicer bike but I grew up riding Huffys in a world of Schwinns so I'm not really about bike clout. I just ride because I enjoy it. I suppose ignorance is bliss and I'm one ignorant and blissful rider. :)

Hi, I purchased an Actionbent Road Runner from someone who imported it from Taiwan and got it put together, but couldn't balance well on it. Prior to purchase I test-road a Burley Koosah and an older Vision. I vastly prefer the Road Runner. With the low bottom bracket and the OSS it's pretty easy to ride. After a few hundred KM's, I've had no problems with it. I live in very steep country and it does well on climbs (it has to, because I'm clipped in) as well as fast descents. I did read that other thread on grievances, but apart from the paint being a bit soft (no big deal) and the front tire having very little clearance ( I'm planning on staying with the small road tire anyway) I haven't experienced anything amiss. As far as the seat bracket slipping, I haven't noticed. That's probably because I have it set all the way back.! The LBS guys don't sell bents, but they are fairly impressed with the components and have helped out with adjustments and accessories and will order spare tires. It's been a great bargain, thanks to a seller who was more concerned with seeing it go to a good home rather than recovering his investment. I hope Randy succeeds with his mission on supplying affordable bents. Mine's a positive.

Hi , It sounds like the guys buying used ab bikes are doing better than the ones buying new ones. There is no shortage of used ones around at reasonable prices as the guys do like to upgrade in a yr or so . They sure go cheap if they fit you, and if youre a really good mechanic the used ab might work for you. I would sure insist on one that is very lightly used, there are those too, they get sold inappropriately to someone who doesnt know whats the deal with them that there is so little support from the importer and end up giving up on them. Ive seen a few used ones going on ebay for a song in the last month or so. There are a couple of yahoo groups focused on those, you may join them, there are some for sale there too. I would tend to trust the original buyers to give you a more upfront and honest deal than the original importer.

Try Cruzbike. (http://www.cruzbike.com) You can take a y-frame mtb and convert it to front wheel drive high racer.

I have been on the BikeForums for quite awhile, but recently purchased an ActionBent recumbent for less than $800. I mention this as an alternative to a homebuilt. www.actionbent.com is the weblink, but some explanation is inportant. The ActionBents are strictly an import from taiwan, which is ok because many big name bikes are made there. Because it is an import operation only, and purchased through ebay or his website only, you must either be able to build up your bike from parts, or have a bike shop do this for you.

I received my Tidal Wave II in the box, much like a bikeshop would receive a bike...in parts. It took me an evening to build, and another evening to get all the adjustments where I wanted them. I am very happy with the purchase and could not have afforded to buy the higher end bents. Because actionbents is an importer only, you have no distribution, dealer, or build-up costs...just your time. I like this bike much better than the EZ models, (more reclined) and it is a well built bike with good components for a minimal investment.There is not always a direct link between quality and price. Both Azub and Actionbent make bikes at a reasonable price with quality components.

Hi , It sounds like the guys buying used ab bikes are doing better than the ones buying new ones. There is no shortage of used ones around at reasonable prices as the guys do like to upgrade in a yr or so . They sure go cheap if they fit you, and if youre a really good mechanic the used ab might work for you. I would sure insist on one that is very lightly used, there are those too, they get sold inappropriately to someone who doesnt know whats the deal with them that there is so little support from the importer and end up giving up on them. Ive seen a few used ones going on ebay for a song in the last month or so. There are a couple of yahoo groups focused on those, you may join them, there are some for sale there too. I would tend to trust the original buyers to give you a more upfront and honest deal than the original importer.
Know of any Catrikes or similar models for sale?

Know of any Catrikes or similar models for sale?

I'm also very interested in getting a Catrike....

There is http://www.scarabtrikes.com/

There is http://www.scarabtrikes.com/

Those are more expensive than catrikes, and not quite as cool....

Hi,

I dont know if youve purchased a recumbent yet or not, but this may be of value to other readers also. There have been at least FIVE actionbent seat failures in the past few weeks. On a few of them, staples are pulling out,,who ever heard of staples being used in a recumbent seat anyways except for bike E and they are gone now. Also there have been three total seat failures , broken frames of seats in the last month. The guys that have had these failures are mostly reported to be fixing these things themselves, so much for the much ballyhooed three year warranty. But hey, thats what Ive been saying all along. Those bikes are not much more than a very poor copy of other recumbents as far as engineering of the frameset goes. . I also would like to take this opportunity to change my position on buying used actionbents also. At this point it looks like any of these bikes are suspiciously poorly built, just because someone else has tried to assemble the thing doesnt mean that the basic bike was improved by such assembly. Those of you who have avoided buying these elcheapo bikes because of my posts, you owe me, haha.

John, if youve got a criticism of my posts, would you please send me a private email thru this site, perhaps I will be able to demonstrate what the specifics are of my posts on this matter.

I hate to be negative when you are obviously trying to be helpful, but where does your information come from? I could come here and say "There have been 5 Specialized frame failures in the last month" but it doesn't mean squat without documentation. Who reported these failures, and who did they report them to? Was Action given the opportunity to correct the problems, or did the owners just fix the problems themselves? Why would you make a public declaration against a company, then ask that if anyone questioned the specifics, they ask in private?

His information comes from a Yahoo group which I am also a part of. He is speaking the truth. I disagree with his tone, I love my actionbent and aside from the 5 seats that have had problems (all of which I think were taken care of by the importer although I haven't followed it as closely as I could have) there are likely several thousands of bikes out there without failures.

Something is going to give sometimes.

I like my bike. Actionbent JS2.

I like my bike. Actionbent JS2.
I'll be getting a JS2 by UPS in a couple of days. Glad to hear positive reviews from people on Bikeforums, especially Alphageek, who I have known from these forums from years back.

JohnCub, a guy I work with has a house on Tybee. Must be nice! :D

I bought a Jet Stream III from ActionBent late last year and had no trouble assembling it. The difficult assembly like the headset and fork, the bottom bracket and cranks, the brakes and brake levers, the shifters and derailers were all installed before the bike was shipped. All you really have to do is install the wheels, the handle bar, the cables and the seat. The instructions for adjusting the brakes and derailers were adequate and there is no end of additional help available through the internet. I should also note that the wheels were perfectly true and tensioned. The quality of the bike far exceeded the price relative to other recumbents. You don't have to be a certified bike mechanic to assemble the bike, but, you do need to know what a bike looks like and how to use simple tools.

I've been following the controversy over Action Bent Bikes avidly for the last couple of months as I am buying my first bent next week.However I am buying directly from the manufacturer in Taiwan as I live in Korea(I'm American) and will be going there on business next week after Lunar New Years Holidays are over.The manufacturer seems to be very helpful and nice.Instead of finding my way to their office in a strange city they are going to drop off the trike at the hotel for me all ready for transport and boxed up.I will post pictures and ride reports as soon as possible. I will be putting it together myself as the only LBS here in town has no clue as to what a recumbent is.
But he does know what a dollar is!!!!!!

I'm going to be careful here and say IMO what jrlcn said is correct, check with zzed at this group. http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/actionbentnallrecumbents/ He can tell you all about there three year warranty and also the the problems he and others have had with AB.

I'm going to be careful here and say IMO what jrlcn said is correct, check with zzed at this group. http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/actionbentnallrecumbents/ He can tell you all about there three year warranty and also the the problems he and others have had with AB.
Ric, I appreciate your posting your honest views. Nobody I know is trying to do otherwise.

Since I've already ordered my bike, I'll be giving my honest appraisal here on a first-hand basis. You can bet that if I have serious problems, I'll pass that info along. If I like the bike, I'll let y'all know.

I've been bike commuting in Atlanta for about 10 years, and I currently ride about 30 miles round trip, 3 to 5 days a week. There are some tall hills on my commute and almost nothing in the way of bike lanes, paths, etc. I ride for transportation, pure and simple, and have no interest in a bike that isn't doing the job.

Hey all, I order my bikes from the same supplier as ActionBent. The company in Taiwan is called TW-Bents, and are a subsidiary of China Mascot Products Co.

The folks at TW-Bents have been an absolute pleasure so far to work with. My contact at TW-Bents responds to emails quickly and politely, and I respect him highly for being able to communicate adequately in English. I sure can't speak a word of Mandarin (or whatever dialect they use in Taiwan). They are generous and easy to work with. My first order is coming in just a few days so I can't comment on quality just yet, but I am expecting good things.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're having troubles with a bike purchased from ActionBent, be sure to place blame where it belongs. There may indeed be a manufacturing defect, maybe something was damaged during shipping, whatever.

I've read some ActionBent horror stories like some of you, but I have the utmost faith in the manufacturer. If you're having trouble with a bike you've purchased from ActionBent, and they're not helping, just know that there may be alternate routes by which you can get the problem resolved. Talk to a different dealer, or maybe contact TW-Bents directly.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Ric, I appreciate your posting your honest views. Nobody I know is trying to do otherwise.

Since I've already ordered my bike, I'll be giving my honest appraisal here on a first-hand basis. You can bet that if I have serious problems, I'll pass that info along. If I like the bike, I'll let y'all know.

I've been bike commuting in Atlanta for about 10 years, and I currently ride about 30 miles round trip, 3 to 5 days a week. There are some tall hills on my commute and almost nothing in the way of bike lanes, paths, etc. I ride for transportation, pure and simple, and have no interest in a bike that isn't doing the job.[/QUOTE

I think it's important to have a company that has enough faith in there product that there willing to stand behind there product, and it doesn't seem AB does or at least to me to me it doesn't. Don't get me wrong, I like the way the AB looks, I think it's has great possibiltys. The thing that bothers me is that I've just heard of too many horror stories about the bike. I wish you all the luck in the world and hope things turn out right.

I have indulged in an Actionbent for the $$ reason and so far I am pleased with it. I got a full suspended Road Runner and really like it. Everything went together well except for the chain that was 9 links short. If I didn't have such long legs, all would be OK; but I just went to the LBS and got a length to add to it and off I went! A little shaky at first, but I quickly mastered it. I'll keep you posted as I roll the miles on it. I know.....some people would badmouth AB for not having the proper chain length, but when you buy on the 'net, there are some things you just have to accept! And I saved lots of $$$$ by having a minor inconvenience.

....................jim

I love my Tsunami (built by China Mascot, just like Actionbents, but sold by chucksbikes.com). But, the Actionbents are lighter weight bikes than most any of the other less expensive bents. For that reason, if you weigh 300 pounds, buy one of the bulletproof (and heavy) Sun Bicycles recumbents, not the Actionbent, or lose 100 lbs before buying a bike.

I eventually converted my Tsunami to a highracer, and have put over 4000 miles on it since September, 2004, virtually troublefree. If you are considering buying one, join the Actionbent yahoo group, and spend some time reading past posts. There is a wealth of information on the bikes there.

One other note: People have had the best luck with established Actionbent models. Buyers of new models (which they seem to introduce frequently) have had more trouble.

Well, thanks for the posts, y'all! Got my Actionbent Jestream II USS on Friday, assembled it myself on Saturday, rode it on Sunday then to work on Monday. Maybe it's because it's my first bent, but I really love this bike! I had absolutely no problem on any hill I tried, and I've got some good ones around here! I did have a little problem getting my balance right at slow climbing speeds, but with time I'll have faster legs and better balance.

One thing I like is the long chain. Lets me use every single gear ratio without worries. Very comfortable, very stable ride. It's a pretty bike, and great to ride.

Now, if I can only develop a new set of muscles...

:D

Everything went together well except for the chain that was 9 links short. If I didn't have such long legs, all would be OK; but I just went to the LBS and got a length to add to it and off I went!

I bought a pair of AB Tadpoles last year and had the same "problem" with the chain length (I'm 6'5") on one of them. Other than a cracked seat back, that was the only issue I had and everything went together well.
I too didn't have the oportunity to test ride first, but figured "what the hell... it's only money and not a lot at that, so why not?"

So far so good. :p

-T

Hey all, I order my bikes from the same supplier as ActionBent. The company in Taiwan is called TW-Bents, and are a subsidiary of China Mascot Products Co.

The folks at TW-Bents have been an absolute pleasure so far to work with. My contact at TW-Bents responds to emails quickly and politely, and I respect him highly for being able to communicate adequately in English. I sure can't speak a word of Mandarin (or whatever dialect they use in Taiwan). They are generous and easy to work with. My first order is coming in just a few days so I can't comment on quality just yet, but I am expecting good things.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're having troubles with a bike purchased from ActionBent, be sure to place blame where it belongs. There may indeed be a manufacturing defect, maybe something was damaged during shipping, whatever.

I've read some ActionBent horror stories like some of you, but I have the utmost faith in the manufacturer. If you're having trouble with a bike you've purchased from ActionBent, and they're not helping, just know that there may be alternate routes by which you can get the problem resolved. Talk to a different dealer, or maybe contact TW-Bents directly.

Checked out your new site. I like that model. Like the 26" rear and suspension. See you are looking for suggestions of other TW Bents you might stock. What do you think retail would be on the Lowracer?
Be nice to see one that didn't want your first born for payment.

Jim

I asked about the lowracer ( I assume you're talking about the one on TW-Bents' website), but they said that model is no longer in production. My contact suggested the midracer as an alternative. I'm not sure why they stopped making it, maybe the roads and motorists in Taiwan aren't as safe for a lowracer as they are here.

First born as payment? Hardly. my markup is less than a typical bike shop. Also remember you get about $200 in accessories for free...

Now, lest I attract the negative attention of a moderator, I'll stop there. ;)

I asked about the lowracer ( I assume you're talking about the one on TW-Bents' website), but they said that model is no longer in production. My contact suggested the midracer as an alternative. I'm not sure why they stopped making it, maybe the roads and motorists in Taiwan aren't as safe for a lowracer as they are here.

First born as payment? Hardly. my markup is less than a typical bike shop. Also remember you get about $200 in accessories for free...

Now, lest I attract the negative attention of a moderator, I'll stop there. ;)

Yes that was the one. Too bad they stopped producing that one. I didn't mean your prices, I meant the price for a lowracer in general. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

Yes let's drop this sort of ad/sell thing:-)
Jim

Well, if you do want an inexpensive lowracer, and are handy with a welding torch, then you could build one yourself. There are two great guides on the net, one by Atomic Zombie (www.atomiczombie.com), and one by Atom Bikes (http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/plans). I imagine, with plans in hand, you could also find a welder/fabricator in your area that could build the frame for you.

Well, if you do want an inexpensive lowracer, and are handy with a welding torch, then you could build one yourself. There are two great guides on the net, one by Atomic Zombie (www.atomiczombie.com), and one by Atom Bikes (http://www.geocities.com/atombikes/plans). I imagine, with plans in hand, you could also find a welder/fabricator in your area that could build the frame for you.

As a matter of fact I am considering Atom Bikes and one very similar designed by Tom Traylor. I like the idea of using donor frames and FWD (less chain, no idlers to contend with) I've already built a Tour Easy clone that way.

Jim

As a matter of fact I am considering Atom Bikes and one very similar designed by Tom Traylor. I like the idea of using donor frames and FWD (less chain, no idlers to contend with) I've already built a Tour Easy clone that way.

Jim

Cool. Let us know if you decide to build one, I know I'd love to see the result. Be sure to give it a sweet paint job, too. ;)