tiago

Hi all,

My sore butt and wrist numbness on 4+ hour plus rides on my wedgie has urged me to try out a recumbent. I found a SWB 2001 Vision R40 with low mileage that is on offer for $600. But for approximately the same price ($700) I could order a new Actionbent Jet stream which should be a bit heavier but, at least on paper, similar to the 26"/20" Vision.
My planned usage are 60 to 200 miles long road rides and some light touring, so I am particularly interested in knowing if I should expect any noticeable differences in speed, climbing ability and handling. I will be able to have a short ride on the Vision but not on the Actionbent.
There is also the issue of Vision no longer being supported but it is hard for me to evaluate how much of problem that is. So what are your thoughts on these two options?

Thanks,
Tiago

Recumbomatic

Both of these bikes have underseat steering?

tiago

This specific Vision R40 has over seat steering as does the Jet Stream model, but there are other models from Actionbent with USS for a similar price. Would you recommend one over the other for a 1st time buyer?

t.

Recumbomatic

Ok, reason I asked is because underseat steering can be tougher for newbies to learn.

Test ride the Vison and see how you like it. If there's no shipping involved and the bike is in nice condition, $600 is a good deal. You can always resell and recoup all or most of the purchase price. Replacement Vision parts should only be a problem if there are tears in the seat fabric, seat frame damage, or if the bike had underseat steering.

You know the Actionbent comes as a kit, right? An experienced cyclist can figure it out without much trouble. The Actionbent works fine as is, but you'll get more out it with $100 in upgrades. $75 for the fiberglass seat, which is lighter and more durable, and about $30 for the open-cell foam pad (the stock fiberglass seat pad is too firm).

BTW, for $350 plus shipping, you can get a Tsunami 2 recumbent from Chuck's Bicycle Closeouts. It's basically a Jet Stream with different parts. https://www.chucksbikes.com/store/indexcb014b.htm

tiago

Wow, even more options. Thanks for the info on the three bikes. I do most of my own bike maintenance so I am cofident I would be able to put together the kit.
To my eye the components on the Vision don't differ much from the Actionbent (there are 6 years in between), and on top of that the review in bentrider says the jet stream is quite fast. I had worried that cheaper frame and wheels would make it slower. The advantages of the Vision seem to be reduced to the slightly lower price, probably will hold its value better and I would be able to ride it before buying it. Any other angle I might not be seeing?

** Vision **
Crankset Sugino RD4000
Derailleurs Front = Tiagra / Rear = Deore
Shifters = Deore rapidfire
9 gears

** Jet stream **
Crankset sunrace (non removable chainrings)
Derailleurs Front = 105 / Rear = SRAM 7.9
Shifters = SRAM 7.0 grip shift
8 gears

cat0020

I currently have two Vision R40 between GF and I, both converted from USS to OSS, and compared them to the Actionbent bikes from time to time.
The most notible difference is the seat, the Vision R40 that we have have wide mash seating with a pad for bottom, the Actionbent seat have narrow, harder shell seat with pad over the shell.

My GF find the Vision seating more comfortable, because it's wider and the mesh does not retain as much bodyheat. Even though the Actionbent seat may be more efficient, less flexy, for her purpose of casual riding the mesh seat was her better choice.

Components could always be upgraded.. the seat is hard to replace to change its riding character.

If you have a wider bottom, I'd got with the Vision so you might be more comfortable and enjoy the riding more.

If you want to be more efficient, rider faster avg. on your rides.. try others then Visions.

Bud Bent

Buy this Tsunami from chucksbikes.com. It's the same as the Actionbent, for $350.

tiago

If Actionbent's website is poor in the information it gives on the bikes what can be said about chuckbikes? I will still try to contact them to see if I can find some more about the specifications and about getting some upgrades on the equipment. I guess that one upgrade I won't be able to get is the fibre seat mentioned by Recumbomatic.

I have been doing some reading about actionbent and have learned about the shipping, communication and support problems that might arise. Should I go that way I will brace myself for the bumpy ride.

Thanks

Recumbomatic

Final note: Actionbent also sells bikes on Ebay all the time, usually at a 10% discount. No Jet Streams currently listed, but give it a week or two.

BKXray

The bike on sale at Chuck's bike has very nice components (better than the AB). It looks like you could buy the upgraded seat from AB and still come out ahead.

andmalc

Recumbomatic - sounds like you know the Actionbents pretty well: can you adjust the seat angle for more recline?

Recumbomatic

The seats have a quick release with an adjustment range of a couple inches. The one exception is the Hiracer which has a fixed seat angle, but it's already pretty reclined anyway.

tiago

Ok, the details are sparse and I really don't know how SRAM 7.0 and shimano compare. The only info I found on their website is this:
"Cromoly frame and fork, SRAM 7.0 rear der. 9.0 shifers. Tracer alloy cranks"
I emailed chucksbikes for more specs and possible upgrades and they only replied that it could not be done. On fibre seat suggestion, actionbent's website says "FRP Seat UPGRADE-- with Bike purchase Only", so I guess that a plus for the Jet Stream.

Thanks for the suggestions

BKXray

You can get the seat as an upgrade or buy it by itself. They have it listed under the heading of seats or accessories.