bentstrider

how do they measure up to conventional bikes as far as "all-around" riding goes?
Economically speaking, will I be getting any better comfort or speed enhancement for, say a SunCycles EZ-1 going for $625.00 on their website?
My main motivation for getting one is dealing with wind resistance.
Out here in Victor Valley area, the winds are always getting up to 40-60 mph gusts.
And general sustained wind speeds are up to at least 20-30 mph themselves on really bad days.
It's not that I can't ride through the wind, it just makes the commute feel miserable.

jeff-o

Recumbents do help when fighting wind resistance; the more laid back the better.

You will see a great improvement in comfort, but your top speed will be about the same or slightly lower (on flat ground with no wind). However, you'll probably be a bit faster when riding directly into the wind, compared to a regular bike. Of course, sidewinds will be about the same.

Also remember, that it's very easy to mount a fairing on the front of a recumbent (basically a windshield) that helps deflect the wind even more.

bentrox!

Does "all-around" riding include riding on rough surfaces (gravel, off-road, et. al.) and hopping curbs? Recumbents, in general, will not "measure up to conventional bikes" in those circumstances. A recumbent will certainly provide better comfort than a conventional bike but speed enhancement will depend on a number of factors (tire pressure, wheel size, gearing, aero profile, your body condition, etc.)

If your "main motivation for getting one is dealing with wind resistance", an EZ-1 may not be a great choice because your position upon it, thought seated, is fairly upright and thus will present greater frontal area than other more laid-back recumbents. I'd think an EZ-1 is only marginally better than a conventional bike in this regard. A smaller aero profile in a head wind is more likely to result in an appreciable gain in speed and/or a reduction in effort. An EZ-1, however, is probably less costly (and probably easier to acclimate to), so does a lower price trump "dealing with wind resistance" as the main motivation? Tough choice.

jeff-o

Well you could get an ez-1 and mount a fairing, but that would probably be more costly then getting a more expensive, more laid-back 'bent in the first place. Hmmm, tricky.

You should locate some recumbent dealers in your area and take some on a test ride.

zoridog

Take a look at trikes. They're lower and more stable than any two wheeler. The tradeoff there would be wind blown debris. You would probably need goggles. My Toyota gets thrown around in 50mph gusts so I can't imagine being on two wheels. Hats off to ya.

Trikes also cost more, weigh more and are harder to see from a car's perspective.

jeff-o

I don't think there's much more debris on a trike. I certainly don't need goggles when I'm riding one.

Despite the fact that trikes are typically heavier than two-wheel 'bents, they are an absolute blast to ride! You're lower to the ground, which makes it seem like you're going faster, when you really just going the same speed.

I also recommend checking out some trikes.

lisitsa

Lowracers (2 wheeled recumbents) are best for speed, but trikes are the best fun to ride (feels like you're in a gokart), I don't know how much speed is decreased.

World Tour

Last night I was riding my bent with a friend that was on his DF. Once we turned into the headwind (much here in S. FL) you could see him struggling and it barely affected me. My LaBent by LaDue is very low to the ground. I've mastered the steering and it's a pure pleasure to ride. Now when I get on my beach cruiser it feels totally weird and very high.

Bents rule!

And now with the Cat eye EL-500 (AWESOME) I can ride at night. All I can think about now is riding my bent. hehehe