punkzter

Hi,

For the last three or four years, I've been struggling with some pretty severe wrist pain. For whatever reason, I thought that I could buy a road bike to replace my old mountain bike, and that this would solve my problems. Well, I get places faster than I used to, but the wrist pain definitely limits my ability bike for pleasure.

I passed through State College, PA last weekend and did a U-turn when I saw the RBR bike store. They were great and showed me a Performer Toscana and 922 bike. Both setup in above seat steering.

I don't live that close to State College, and my budget would prefer a used bike. I searched on Craigslist and found a Bachetta Giro 26 ATT for what seems like a good price.

The bike seems to get good reviews. I did hope to try out an under seat steering bike, because I thought it might be easier on my wrists.

I just thought I'd reach out here and seek some opinions on what I should pay for a used bike, what I should look for when I try it out, opinions on the bike itself compared to Performer bikes, etc.

Thanks!

~Brad

VegasTriker

You can read a review of it here: 'BentRider Online» Blog Archive » Bacchetta Giro 26 ATT (700C) It is also a good place to ask your question as there will be at least some riders who own the bike. MSRP in 2013 was $2,200. You get no warranty on a used bike so you should expect to pay less than the new price by at least a couple hundred dollars for a recent one and much less for an older one. A bunch show up on Adhuntr as you can see here and see what people have them listed for all | Ad Hunt'r - Search ALL of Craigslist? and more!

JanMM

Not knowing exactly what your wrist issues are - just about any recumbent bike should be a vast improvement over a MTB or road bike or hybrid, etc., because your hands/wrists/arms are supporting none of your weight. (on a recumbent)

BlazingPedals

I agree with JanMM -- but the Giro ATT is a nice all-arounder - in my book, anyway.

edit: Oh, and the Performers, while okay, are sort of the price leaders of the bent world. They're a mail-order bikes, only in this case a bike shop is carrying them. The specs look 'pretty good,' but if you look closely you'll see that the frames are built heavier and not quite as nice, and the parts you're NOT looking at might be cheaper, too.

Edit: I'm still looking closely at their FWD dual-451, soon to be re-release. Looks like a great travel bike.

Jeff Wills

Lucky you. I drove through State College 10 days ago and saw the shop, too. To bad it was Monday- they were closed.

It would have been interesting- I've been around recumbent bikes and trikes for more than 30 years. I'd like to try out a MetaPhysic highracer.

punkzter

Well, the exact issue with my wrists is called mid-carpal instability. Basically, they are too flexible and the tendons do not get the protection that normal wrists get. They were aggravated during a brief 1 year yoga practice and have not healed since then (3 years ago). Any pressure, sustained grip, or really movement will make aggravate them, especially the right wrist.

Now, to this bike. The ad owner says that it was bought new 4 years ago. I think that it has the recurve seat. He is asking 1,100. It would clearly be without a warranty. He does say that it has low mileage.

I wonder how much the bike design has changed/improved over the past 4 years.

osco53

Bachetta Giro 26 ATT

MSRP new is about $2100, Used and In like new condition,,$1100 seems fair.

I paid $1000 for my bent, It was a 3 year old garage decoration, low miles, (about 50) and like new. MSRP new was $1900, Had it four years now and will never ever part with it...

punkzter

I rode the Bacchetta on Saturday, and it was in great shape. I'm re-visiting State College today to try out a Performer 922 with under seat steering. I want to see if that is easier on my wrists.

rydabent

To me it still boils down to the fact that unless you are mountain biking or entering a UCI race more than 90% of cyclist would be better served riding a bent.

10 Wheels

No wrists needed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daYV4JAojwc

Jeff Wills

Yes and no. My upright cargo bike (converted mountain bike) suits its purpose quite well- short trips to the store, sometimes loaded down with buckets of kitty litter.

tommyx

I got mine (KHS) from craigslist for $100. It's is a 2005 model so it's ~10 years old. But it looks pretty new so I guess the previous owners didn't use it much.

I converted it into a electric bike which costs me ~$600 including a front wheel (16") with 250W motor, a 5.2Ah Li-ion Battery and the cables, etc.

10k E-Bike Kit | 10k E-Bike Conversion | 10k Electric Bike Kit

Schwinnhund

I just got my first recumbent, after 40+ years of riding. It's a used Sun Cycles EZ-1. I've put around 30 miles on it so far, and I have to say, this thing is awesome. I wish I had gotten one a long time ago.

Retro Grouch 

I definitely agree with that. I don't know if the right number is 90% but, for the kind of riding that I mostly do, I definitely prefer one of my recumbents.

skye

I've been riding bents almost exclusively since 1982. For comfort, they can't be beat. On the other hand, these days, I also love my upright. Nothing better for swinging a leg over and taking off to the store. Depends on my mood.

Schwinnhund

I couldn't agree more. I've put around 200 miles on my EZ-1 so far, and there is no comparison to a conventional bike. The 'bent is a decisive winner. I am selling-off all my other bikes.

aqruzer46

I know what you mean about the wrists. I found an upright hard on wrists and of course the butt. I started riding a Sun Tour EZ a few years ago and this year added a Bacchetta Giro 20. I love them both, but have been thinking about adding a trike with underseat steering. I think you find the recumbent to be much better on your hands and wrists.