davehorne

I started a thread yesterday which got deleted. I saw for the first time a 'sit' bike. This is a cross between a 'regular' bike and a recumbent. The bike, I learned, was just introduced this month by Gazelle, a Dutch brand and is called the EasyGlider.

I have since learned that Giant also makes a very similar bike called the Revive. They come with only 7 or 8 speeds and I have no idea if that would be enough for steep hills.

I tried once to ride a recumbent at a very large bike fair and did not succeed. I test drove this Gazelle model yesterday and had no problems whatsoever. It was extremely comfortable and came with a big ass suspension system (referring to the suspension and not to me). I only rode a very short distance but it was very relaxing to say the least. I test rode a bike that was in for adjustments and spoke with the owner of that bike. I asked him his feelings on this bike, and he mentioned that he could sleep in it, it was so relaxing.

I'm going to check out the Giant model and see when exactly it first appeared on the market. I would prefer to buy something that has been around for a while. This seems to be a pretty new development in the design of bikes and I think it's going to sell very well. They really do look great. I like this idea because you still sit pretty high in the seat which lets others see you as well. The low seat of a conventional recumbent has always been a drawback to me. At any rate, all of this is still quite new and I'm going to have a closer look. Dave Horne

Richard D

The Giant has been around for at least a year. It looks fine for a flattish potter but a little heavy for hills, it's also a little heavy and long for putting in a car.

I'm glad that manufacturers are expanding the design envelope.

Dahon.Steve

I like the Giant Revive. You can read my review on this thread.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...threadid=35839


The Gazelle model looks solid and has lights where the Revive does not. Other than this, both bikes are very good quality. I suspect the Gazelle costs more since I don't see how anyone can beat the Revive on price.

Things to consider are the following.

1. Gears - If the Gazelle has more than 8, get the Easy Glider.
2. Weight - If the Gazelle weights less than 42 lbs, get the Easy Glider.

The Giant Revive is low geared but it may not be enough for very long hills. The bike is faster than a BikeE because of the dual 20' wheels.

All things considered, if the Gazelle only comes with 8 gears and weights more than 42 lbs, get the Revive.

davehorne

I just came back from a larger dealer who has both brands. The Giant actually has _five_ models of the Revive. The dealer had three in his store. One of the Giant Revive's has 21 gears.

There are plus and minuses of both brands. The Giant is lighter and one model has 21 gears, but I really like the back support of the Gazelle better. The back support of the Gazelle is an open mesh material which helps keep your back from sweating. For most of you, this is a moot point as the Gazelle is probably only sold here in Holland and maybe Belgium as well.

The Giant model I rode, the Revive DD, had a neat feature - a built in speedometer. It was built into the steering bar.

Re lights - I believe _all_ bikes in Holland are required to have lights. If I am wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me. The five models from Giant ranged in price from (in Euros) € 649 for the basic Revive to € 1,999 for the electric version, the EB (four speeds). According to the Giant literature I have in front of me, the basic model seems not to have any lights, the other four models do.

The Gazelle would be my first choice if it came with more speeds. As usual, I can never be entirely happy with any decision. In the middle of October (here in Utrecht), there's a big bike fair, Bike Motion, and Giant will be represented.

I am planning to wait a few months to see what if any newer models are offered from Gazelle and Batavus (another Dutch brand). I'll keep you posted. I imagine that Batavus (and probably other brands as well) will offer similar models.

davehorne

I went ahead and ordered the Gazelle EasyGlider from my LBG. Even though this is a Dutch brand, I still have to wait until the end of October for delivery.

I'm getting different information from different bike dealers re this new ' sitting' bike. The owner of my bike store thinks these bikes will sell very well and the owner of another doesn't think so. At any rate, he ordered two, one for me and one to have in the store. The bike from Gazelle only comes in one model - 8 speeds. If these bikes catch on (as I think they will), I'll probably trade this in and buy another version with more speeds.

I'll keep you posted.

davehorne

I found a good photo of the bike I ordered ....

https://www.fietsplusvandevelde.nl/ga...htm#easyglider

davehorne

I might have this bike sooner than I expect. My LBG has a customer who keeps trading in bikes a few times a year. He ordered a scooter and will trade in his Gazelle EasyRider. The scooter will arrive early next week and I was told I could borrow the Gazelle for day and give it run for its money, so to speak.

If I really like this bike, I'll offer to buy it which should save me some money as it isn't new. The owner ordered this bike in February at a bike fair here in Holland and it arrived in August.

I'll keep you posted. If I don't like this bike, I will cancel my order and buy a Giant from another dealer. Decisions ...

Cyclepath

Visibility: Some local wedgie commuters have those dayglo pennants mounted on a high flexible "pole" like on a dune buggy - i don't know where you can get them tho, other than dune buggy suppliers...


BTW, there ARE fairings for wedgies, even for MTBs (or were - i have not seen the ads for a while).

davehorne

I went to my local bike shop today and test rode this model for about an hour. I canceled my order for a new one ... sorry for starting this post.

The bike rides like a sport car, a very heavy sports car. When I test rode this model a week ago or so, I rode a very short distance and it seemed perfectly fine. I was knocked out by the design and liked it immediately. Because of the weight, I could only recommend this bike for city use/short distances ... or for riding long distances on flat ground at a relaxed speed.

I will test drive the 21 speed Giant again and either buy that one or wait until these guys reduce the weight. I really think this is a great design, it's just too heavy.