Landrider
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Landrider
I am requesting information on the LANDRIDER.
I have read many members opinions of the Landrider bicycle but.... would like to hear from someone who actually owned one or has ridden the Landrider brand.
My wife and I are 55 yrs old, she has tried riding a conventional 10 speed in the past and had problems pedaling, shifting, and breaking. (she never had a bicycle as a child and never learned to ride). If shifting were removed from the equation riding might be easier for her.
Neither of us are challenged, both hold MS, we just want to ride for fun and exercise.
We would love to hear from anyone with first hand experience.
thank you,
Charles London
I have read many members opinions of the Landrider bicycle but.... would like to hear from someone who actually owned one or has ridden the Landrider brand.
My wife and I are 55 yrs old, she has tried riding a conventional 10 speed in the past and had problems pedaling, shifting, and breaking. (she never had a bicycle as a child and never learned to ride). If shifting were removed from the equation riding might be easier for her.
Neither of us are challenged, both hold MS, we just want to ride for fun and exercise.
We would love to hear from anyone with first hand experience.
thank you,
Charles London
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I have ridden a LandRider, just because I had to try the centrifugal force derailleur system. I don't reccomend the bike, but will make a reccomendation for you and your wife.
--the Landrider is HEAVY. The "magical" derailleur is still a derailleur, but one that only shifts if you pedal quickly enough and smoothly enough. It is easily fouled by debris and dirt (and I'd suggest the folks they market to aren't much into maintenance other than from the end of a hose). In operation, the shifting is novel, but not better than what it competes against: internally geared hubs like the Sturmey Archer hubs we all grew up with (and which are still made and sold). The quality of the frame and components are quite low.
--I suggest you consider bikes with internally geared rear hubs, such as those bikes sold by Electra, Giant, Breezer and Specialized. They are usually marketed as "comfort" "town" or "cruiser" bikes, and will address several of your concerns:
...internally geared hubs are shifted by a thumb lever or twist grip on the handlebar and are foolproof. On a 3 speed, you pick 1, 2 or 3 and it works seamlessly, every time. No dragging chain, no derailleur, no confusion.
...internally geared bikes come with various types of brakes, either with hand levers or the old-fashioned coaster brake that you actuate by pedaling backwards. Very easy.
...the townie, cruiser and comfort bikes have stable, relaxed geometry very well suited for beginner, tentative or even klutzy riders, and for those just seeking to get low-level exercise and transport.
--the Landrider is HEAVY. The "magical" derailleur is still a derailleur, but one that only shifts if you pedal quickly enough and smoothly enough. It is easily fouled by debris and dirt (and I'd suggest the folks they market to aren't much into maintenance other than from the end of a hose). In operation, the shifting is novel, but not better than what it competes against: internally geared hubs like the Sturmey Archer hubs we all grew up with (and which are still made and sold). The quality of the frame and components are quite low.
--I suggest you consider bikes with internally geared rear hubs, such as those bikes sold by Electra, Giant, Breezer and Specialized. They are usually marketed as "comfort" "town" or "cruiser" bikes, and will address several of your concerns:
...internally geared hubs are shifted by a thumb lever or twist grip on the handlebar and are foolproof. On a 3 speed, you pick 1, 2 or 3 and it works seamlessly, every time. No dragging chain, no derailleur, no confusion.
...internally geared bikes come with various types of brakes, either with hand levers or the old-fashioned coaster brake that you actuate by pedaling backwards. Very easy.
...the townie, cruiser and comfort bikes have stable, relaxed geometry very well suited for beginner, tentative or even klutzy riders, and for those just seeking to get low-level exercise and transport.
#3
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I'm a mechanic at a bike shop and I have worked on these bicycle shaped objects called "Landrider" In my humble opinion you would be much better served by going to (sigh I can't believe I'm saying this) Wal-mart and buying a three speed Huffy. The derailieur system on the Landrider is driven by a rubber band connecting from a pulley on the back of the deraillieur to a modified spoke protector. If the band breaks you're screwed. Also if you have to stop suddenly be prepared for your drivetrain to crunch and grind like a 15 yr old trying to drive stick for the first time. Do yourself a favor go to a bike shop (one where they don't sell video games a few aisles over) and browse their selections.
Bottom line if you're going to spend that kind of money get something worthwhile.
Bottom line if you're going to spend that kind of money get something worthwhile.
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Go with the intrenal geared rear hub type as suggested. Another cavet to the Landrider is flat ground, they will not downshift. Shimano makes and eletronic automatic shifter that's quieter and more reliable. I don't know eho sells a bike with one.
The new Electra Townie bikes have a hybrid geometry that allows the rider to put his/her feet down flat while stopped, but the cranks are set foward to get proper leg extension while pedaling. These bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus 8speed internal geared rear hub that can be shifted at a stop.
The new Electra Townie bikes have a hybrid geometry that allows the rider to put his/her feet down flat while stopped, but the cranks are set foward to get proper leg extension while pedaling. These bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus 8speed internal geared rear hub that can be shifted at a stop.
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Personally I have never rode a bike these with these components but they have begun to show up at a couple of our better bike shops here you might look around and try one out for a test ride the Landriders are cheaply made and will not last these are components you can add to your own frame
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I second the motion for the Electra Townie. In fact, this type of bike was designed for the person in mind who is an older rider and hasn't ridden in years. I would avoid a single speed cruiser as you always need at least 3 speeds when riding around town.
As for the Landrider, forget it. I saw one selling on ebay for $50.00 bucks and no one bought it!
As for the Landrider, forget it. I saw one selling on ebay for $50.00 bucks and no one bought it!
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Those bikes are horrible! I work at a shop and occasionally we have the unfortunate task of trying to work on them. They are poorly made. We had one that had a bad rear wheel....good luck trying to find a replacement wheel that will use all the same components for the shifting system. (this was a different brand, but same concept....company was out of buisness so we couldn't get help from them)
Get a real bike and make it a quality one, you'll be so much happier in the long run. Even better, find a good local bike shop to help you figure out the whole shifting thing. It's really very easy once it's properly explained to you. Then pick out a nice hybrid bike from them and start enjoying it. I guarentee you will get much better performance this way, and you'll develope a nice relationship with your LBS who can help you should any problems arise.
Get a real bike and make it a quality one, you'll be so much happier in the long run. Even better, find a good local bike shop to help you figure out the whole shifting thing. It's really very easy once it's properly explained to you. Then pick out a nice hybrid bike from them and start enjoying it. I guarentee you will get much better performance this way, and you'll develope a nice relationship with your LBS who can help you should any problems arise.
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My dear friend who is now 85 years old and an expert bicycle mechanic bought a Landrider out of curiosity.
The only thing he would say was "it doesn't work" and owned it for less than one week.
The only thing he would say was "it doesn't work" and owned it for less than one week.
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Originally Posted by Charles London
I am requesting information on the LANDRIDER.
I have read many members opinions of the Landrider bicycle but.... would like to hear from someone who actually owned one or has ridden the Landrider brand.
My wife and I are 55 yrs old, she has tried riding a conventional 10 speed in the past and had problems pedaling, shifting, and breaking. (she never had a bicycle as a child and never learned to ride). If shifting were removed from the equation riding might be easier for her.
Neither of us are challenged, both hold MS, we just want to ride for fun and exercise.
We would love to hear from anyone with first hand experience.
thank you,
Charles London
I have read many members opinions of the Landrider bicycle but.... would like to hear from someone who actually owned one or has ridden the Landrider brand.
My wife and I are 55 yrs old, she has tried riding a conventional 10 speed in the past and had problems pedaling, shifting, and breaking. (she never had a bicycle as a child and never learned to ride). If shifting were removed from the equation riding might be easier for her.
Neither of us are challenged, both hold MS, we just want to ride for fun and exercise.
We would love to hear from anyone with first hand experience.
thank you,
Charles London
Last edited by everyman46; 04-25-04 at 04:48 PM.
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I'm saving my money to buy one of those ATM machines in the commercials. The best locations are still available!
#12
Former Hoarder
Originally Posted by supcom
Never buy anything marketed though an infomercial.
55/Rad
Maker of many infomercials.
#13
Duct tape won't fix that
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Just go to one of those "As Seen On TV" stores at your local mall. I guarantee that you'll never be tempted to by anything you see on one of those ads again. By calling the merchandise "cheesy" is being disrespectful to cheese.
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Modern internal hubs have 7-8 gears, which is plenty for riding in all but the steepest terrain.
If you ride occasionally, then they are easy to use and to remember. You can change them when riding or stopped. You dont need an automated system to know when to change, your legs will tell you.
There has been a resergence in good quality hub-gear bikes, and they are well-worth checking out. On a low budget, the Breeze models are good. For a high quality bike, the Bianchi Milano is one to be seen on.
The Electra is a strange design, Im not sure if you could ride any distance on that style.
If you ride occasionally, then they are easy to use and to remember. You can change them when riding or stopped. You dont need an automated system to know when to change, your legs will tell you.
There has been a resergence in good quality hub-gear bikes, and they are well-worth checking out. On a low budget, the Breeze models are good. For a high quality bike, the Bianchi Milano is one to be seen on.
The Electra is a strange design, Im not sure if you could ride any distance on that style.
#15
You need a new bike
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Originally Posted by 55/Rad
Did you know Mercedes and other auto manufacturers have made infomercials? And Tropicana Orange Juice and Clorox Bleach? Armor All is doing one right now. As is MSNtv. Point is, many Fortune 500 companies have jumped on the infomercial bandwagon in order to expand their marketing efforts. Not every infomercial is for cruddy products - though I would agree that that is the perception.
55/Rad
Maker of many infomercials.
55/Rad
Maker of many infomercials.
You gotta wonder what kind of person would sit through a bleach infomercial. I mean, you could get an acceptable bike ride in the time wasted on Clorox TeeVee.
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Charles London
Charles,
Judging from the date of your post, you have already made your decision to buy or not to buy the LandRider.
This is for the other folks who are reading this now and forming an opinion of the LandRider. I am 72 and retired from a 35-year career as an Experimental Test Pilot with one of the major helicopter manufacturing companies. I have 45 years experience with aircraft maintenance so I can recognize quality equipment.
My wife is (her words) much younger than I and we both have had our own LandRider bicycles for about 3 years. Our purpose of buying the bikes was for exercise in our neighborhood and on the bike trails in the area. We have found the bikes to be very comfortable, simple to operate and satisfactory for this purpose.
The bikes are not the $1500 to $3000 super lightweight titanium frames nor do they have the 20 plus different gear ratios. The bikes are lightweight mountain bikes with the fat tires and very comfortable seats and handle bars which are both simple to adjust. They are not for the serious, long distance, hard riding competitive bike rider.
There is a manual twist grip selector on the handle bar grip for the front sprockets, high range and low range selections and the rear sprockets are adjusted automatically. The faster you pedal the higher gear is selected for you and if you pedal slower the lower gear is selected for you. I don't see how it could be more simple. Also, something was mentioned in one of the comments that there was a rubber band in the gear selection apparatus. - Not so, it is the normal bicycle chain and multiple metal sprockets design with the metal centrifugal gear selector device. Pedal fast and the weights move out and a higher gear ratio is selected for you and pedal slower and the weights move in and a lower gear ratio is selected. The pedals must be turned for the gear selection to occur.
The only maintenance that I have felt was needed is light oil on the chain and air in the tires. I ride more than my wife and neither of us have had a breakdown of any kind. These bikes are perfect for my wife and me.
DB
Judging from the date of your post, you have already made your decision to buy or not to buy the LandRider.
This is for the other folks who are reading this now and forming an opinion of the LandRider. I am 72 and retired from a 35-year career as an Experimental Test Pilot with one of the major helicopter manufacturing companies. I have 45 years experience with aircraft maintenance so I can recognize quality equipment.
My wife is (her words) much younger than I and we both have had our own LandRider bicycles for about 3 years. Our purpose of buying the bikes was for exercise in our neighborhood and on the bike trails in the area. We have found the bikes to be very comfortable, simple to operate and satisfactory for this purpose.
The bikes are not the $1500 to $3000 super lightweight titanium frames nor do they have the 20 plus different gear ratios. The bikes are lightweight mountain bikes with the fat tires and very comfortable seats and handle bars which are both simple to adjust. They are not for the serious, long distance, hard riding competitive bike rider.
There is a manual twist grip selector on the handle bar grip for the front sprockets, high range and low range selections and the rear sprockets are adjusted automatically. The faster you pedal the higher gear is selected for you and if you pedal slower the lower gear is selected for you. I don't see how it could be more simple. Also, something was mentioned in one of the comments that there was a rubber band in the gear selection apparatus. - Not so, it is the normal bicycle chain and multiple metal sprockets design with the metal centrifugal gear selector device. Pedal fast and the weights move out and a higher gear ratio is selected for you and pedal slower and the weights move in and a lower gear ratio is selected. The pedals must be turned for the gear selection to occur.
The only maintenance that I have felt was needed is light oil on the chain and air in the tires. I ride more than my wife and neither of us have had a breakdown of any kind. These bikes are perfect for my wife and me.
DB
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Charles,
Judging from the date of your post, you have already made your decision to buy or not to buy the LandRider.
This is for the other folks who are reading this now and forming an opinion of the LandRider. I am 72 and retired from a 35-year career as an Experimental Test Pilot with one of the major helicopter manufacturing companies. I have 45 years experience with aircraft maintenance so I can recognize quality equipment.
My wife is (her words) much younger than I and we both have had our own LandRider bicycles for about 3 years. Our purpose of buying the bikes was for exercise in our neighborhood and on the bike trails in the area. We have found the bikes to be very comfortable, simple to operate and satisfactory for this purpose.
The bikes are not the $1500 to $3000 super lightweight titanium frames nor do they have the 20 plus different gear ratios. The bikes are lightweight mountain bikes with the fat tires and very comfortable seats and handle bars which are both simple to adjust. They are not for the serious, long distance, hard riding competitive bike rider.
There is a manual twist grip selector on the handle bar grip for the front sprockets, high range and low range selections and the rear sprockets are adjusted automatically. The faster you pedal the higher gear is selected for you and if you pedal slower the lower gear is selected for you. I don't see how it could be more simple. Also, something was mentioned in one of the comments that there was a rubber band in the gear selection apparatus. - Not so, it is the normal bicycle chain and multiple metal sprockets design with the metal centrifugal gear selector device. Pedal fast and the weights move out and a higher gear ratio is selected for you and pedal slower and the weights move in and a lower gear ratio is selected. The pedals must be turned for the gear selection to occur.
The only maintenance that I have felt was needed is light oil on the chain and air in the tires. I ride more than my wife and neither of us have had a breakdown of any kind. These bikes are perfect for my wife and me.
DB
Judging from the date of your post, you have already made your decision to buy or not to buy the LandRider.
This is for the other folks who are reading this now and forming an opinion of the LandRider. I am 72 and retired from a 35-year career as an Experimental Test Pilot with one of the major helicopter manufacturing companies. I have 45 years experience with aircraft maintenance so I can recognize quality equipment.
My wife is (her words) much younger than I and we both have had our own LandRider bicycles for about 3 years. Our purpose of buying the bikes was for exercise in our neighborhood and on the bike trails in the area. We have found the bikes to be very comfortable, simple to operate and satisfactory for this purpose.
The bikes are not the $1500 to $3000 super lightweight titanium frames nor do they have the 20 plus different gear ratios. The bikes are lightweight mountain bikes with the fat tires and very comfortable seats and handle bars which are both simple to adjust. They are not for the serious, long distance, hard riding competitive bike rider.
There is a manual twist grip selector on the handle bar grip for the front sprockets, high range and low range selections and the rear sprockets are adjusted automatically. The faster you pedal the higher gear is selected for you and if you pedal slower the lower gear is selected for you. I don't see how it could be more simple. Also, something was mentioned in one of the comments that there was a rubber band in the gear selection apparatus. - Not so, it is the normal bicycle chain and multiple metal sprockets design with the metal centrifugal gear selector device. Pedal fast and the weights move out and a higher gear ratio is selected for you and pedal slower and the weights move in and a lower gear ratio is selected. The pedals must be turned for the gear selection to occur.
The only maintenance that I have felt was needed is light oil on the chain and air in the tires. I ride more than my wife and neither of us have had a breakdown of any kind. These bikes are perfect for my wife and me.
DB
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A friend of mine bought one ...very heavy. She sold it ,and then it was sold again and again and again. All in about a years time. I think there might be a message there.
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LandRider
I have been a Landrider biker for several years. I am 56 years young and the bike suits me fine. Rode it 25 miles today. It is fine for smooth trails, commuting, and leisure riding. It is not fast but neither am I. Maintenance is easy and I do most it myself. Just upgraded the tires with a smoother tread and they work great. I could use a bigger frame but it's fine for the riding I do.
#20
mechanically sound
I have been a Landrider biker for several years. I am 56 years young and the bike suits me fine. Rode it 25 miles today. It is fine for smooth trails, commuting, and leisure riding. It is not fast but neither am I. Maintenance is easy and I do most it myself. Just upgraded the tires with a smoother tread and they work great. I could use a bigger frame but it's fine for the riding I do.
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I have been a Landrider biker for several years. I am 56 years young and the bike suits me fine. Rode it 25 miles today. It is fine for smooth trails, commuting, and leisure riding. It is not fast but neither am I. Maintenance is easy and I do most it myself. Just upgraded the tires with a smoother tread and they work great. I could use a bigger frame but it's fine for the riding I do.
With modern indexing derailleur systems all it takes is a push of a lever and it shifts. I don't get what it's doing for you.
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It was a half-serious answer.
Some people just can't admit that they wasted their money and will end up convincing themselves that the problem was just themselves, or that they need to 'break it in' or whatever.
Look at some of what he said '...It is not fast but neither am I...' '...I could use a bigger frame but it's fine...' He's not admitting they are problems with the bike and instead attributes it to himself.
Some people just can't admit that they wasted their money and will end up convincing themselves that the problem was just themselves, or that they need to 'break it in' or whatever.
Look at some of what he said '...It is not fast but neither am I...' '...I could use a bigger frame but it's fine...' He's not admitting they are problems with the bike and instead attributes it to himself.