RonV

Hi all,

Where do you put accessories such as lights, computers, water bottles, etc. on recumbents with USS.

I am looking at buying my first recumbent and like USS but also like gadgets. I don't think I have seen any accessories on pictures of bents with USS.

Thanks
Ron

mtessmer

When I had my USS I mounted a "T" piece in the front shifter tube. I just went to the hardware store and bought a plastic PVC "T" (1 inch), took the cap off the tube, shaved the plastic a little, applied a little Goop (glue), stuck it in, put bar end caps on the two remaining openings. I was able to mount a computer and a light. It worked great, it never came loose.

bentbaggerlen

I mounted a head light on the boom tube of my R-40, used a moped mirror on the USS handle bar as well as the computer. I have also seen GPS units mounted to the derailer tube on SWB/USS bikes.

RHNiles

I ride a Rans V-Rex but I mounted a Minoura Space Bar on the top of my Der. Tube for extras such as lights and speedo. On the tube, I had to cut about a 1/4" off so the cranks would miss it, but it has turned out great. I leave it on all year long because it is not in the way or even noticable up there.

Rick

Clark

Vision makes a part - LM40 - t-shaped & goes in the der. tube. It fits my V-Rex. I got it to mount a headlight. Would also hold a computer if you could see it that far away. Check the Vision web site. A local bike shop - The Silver Comet Depot near Atlanta had it in stock.

Arnold Layne

I have a Vision R44 that was originally set up with USS. I have recently switched to OSS but when I had the USS set-up I first used a T-Bar made by Vision for mounting the light and computer. The T-bar mounts in the derailleur tube. This worked well until I installed a fairing. The mounting hardware for the fairing also inserted into the derailleur tube so I had to switch to a Minoura Space Bar which I fastened around the tube on the outside. I could have gotten a long wiring harness for my computer and mounted it on the fairing but to remove the fairing and ride without it, all I had to do was loosen the stem bolt on the hardware and remove it. With the long wire I would have to take the computer off and re-mount it.

As for the light, I decided it was better to switch to a helmet mount so it would shine over the fairing instead of through it. This worked well and I could see my instruments at night as well. I got a bar mount for my HRM and put it in place of the light mount on the Space Bar.

For hydration, I first used a Camel Back pack but I just didn't like the bladder-type set-up so I got some Minoura bottle cage mounts and mounted them on the seat frame facing the rear of the bike. They were back far enough that I could still reach them easily but they didn't interfere with my steering.

For a mirror, I tried several handlebar-mount types but they had limited range since they were so far from my eye. I then started using the clip-on type mirrors that attached to glasses or helmet. I found the best one for me was the Take-A-Look clip-on. It stayed put and had good view.

Most of this has changed now since I switched to OSS and, as always, your mileage may vary.

RonV

Thanks for all the replies.

Someone convinced me that USS was probably not a good idea for a newbie.

Last week I got an EZ-1 and am enjoying every minute on it.

Ron

Clark

Ron,
The best $ you can spend on your EZ-1 is to get some high pressure tires if you are riding the lower pressure ones now. You will see a big difference. I ride my V-Rex with a friend on an EZ-1 - I would roll down hills much faster than him, even with his fairing, until he replaced his tires and now we are pretty equal, or he may have a slight advantage.

RonV

Clark,
Thanks for the tip. Do you have any models to recommend?
Ron