Retro Grouch 

The Screamer. Photo is courtesy of my daughter "Peacha". I'm not betting on ever rembering how do do this again so no whining about my lack of pictures.

Garilia

Nice, a recumbent tandem. I've never seen one before.

NOS88

Retro: Looks good. A couple of questions: How do you transport it? The few times I've ridden a bent, the hardest part was getting started. Is it harder getting started with two, the same, or easier?

Retro Grouch 

1. We got the S&S couplers to be sure that it would fit inside of our Honda Element. As it turns out, however, all that I have to do is remove the rear wheel and it will roll in with the front wheel in the cup holder between the front seats. I have to remove the bike's seats but they're QR so it's not a big deal. The 2-leg center kickstand holds up the rear of the bike. For long road trips I also remove the front set of pedals. It only takes us around 5 minutes from parking the car to ready-to-ride.

2. It took us awhile to tame this beast. Mrs. Grouch steadies the bike while I clip in both feet and then I just pedal off. We have independent pedaling so her crank holds still for her to clip into whenever the bike feels stable. That starting procedure was suggested by a friend so, in his honor, we call it a "Dixi" start. Now that we have it figured out I'd say it's easier than starting on a single bike.

JanMM

Hmmmm...........that looks a lot like the tandem in our garage...............no kickstand on our Screamer.



We've only been out on ours a couple of times - it is still Winter, after all - but had the advantage over Mr. and Mrs. RG that our Captain (me) has five years of 'bent-riding under my belt. In spite of a little anxiety on my part, we have, so far, had good luck on getting underway from a dead stop. I'm liking getting underway better than on our upright tandem.

Retro Grouch 

In our case we had 35 years of upright tandem riding experience to unlearn. I find everything on a recumbent just enough different that I have to reinvent the wheel. I still haven't mastered drinking water while underway. Since I took that picture I reversed the handlebar riser to move the bar farther away and extend my arms more. I'm likeing that a lot better. Everything is an experiment and every little change that I make seems to cost an additional $60.00. It's good that I enjoy messing with bikes so much.

JanMM

I'm still fiddling around with handlebar/riser/stem adjustments. Probably take a few longer rides to figure out what works best.

With my first 'bent, it took me quite a while to have the courage to reach around to the back of the seat for the water bottle.

Considering using a Camelback until I figure out the best place for a water bottle on this bike.

Retro Grouch 

I bought a bag to hold a reservoir behind the captain's seat. The captain's seat brace limits what will work back there. I've done some limited experimentation with the tube but I'm not satisfied yet. Another recumbent rider recommended a device called a "Tube Director". It has a wire or something to help hold it's shape. It sounds promising but I've yet to try it while riding the bike. I'm looking for something that doesn't tie me to the bike, doesn't get lost if I hop off momentarily for any reason, and that I can access easily while riding. I'd also like to use the same reservoir, with minimum fussing, on both the Screamer and on my single recumbent.

By the way. I'm told the seats have water bottle cage mounting points in back but you have to cut holes in the mesh to access them. My old shoulder and arm injuries make it hard for me to reach behind me like that so I doubt that's likely to work for me.

JanMM

Yes, there are tabs with threaded holes - two on the back of each seat. I've fixed up the stoker with two cages behind her but am waiting to be sure that mine wouldn't be in her way.

Dan Burkhart 

What about a bottle cage on the steering stem?

JanMM

That is a an option for me - I already have a TwoFish Velcro Cage. Assuming it would be out of the way of legs.

cranky old dude

You just need to use your head.





Portable.
Easy to use.
Room for two bottles.
No need to let go of the steering.

Retro Grouch 

I've thought about that, especially since I have already modified it a couple of other ways. To satisfy myself I'd have to drill it out and install a pair of riv-nuts.