BlazingPedals

Another choice for an inexpensive 'bent is to build your own out of spare parts. If you're not up to building your own frame, you can get a frame kit from this guy. His TourEasy clone costs about $310 for frame, fork, and mesh seat frame. Add your own drive train, wheels, handlebars, etc. from a garage sale bike. RANS sells frame kits for about $500, but I don't know what is included in the price - frame and fork only?

I don't get any kickbacks, but if anybody contacts A.D. Carson at Recycled Recumbent, say "hi" for me.

Artkansas 

Definitely test drive.

I upped the ante after my test rides and eventually went with a Bacchetta Giro 20 as my first bent. I discovered that I didn't like long wheel base bents. And the Giro 20 fits on the front of a bus.

It's now my main commuter and I do about 400 miles a month.

TXiceman

The Bike E's are good starters. Problem is you can not get parts for the rear hub if it goes out. Also the plastic hub guide is no longer available if it should break.

I do not like the high or low racers and do not like USS. It is a matter of preference, but I like the handle bars to hold on to. Go to a bike shop that sells bents and try some to see what you like.

Ken

gcottay

Did you get a bike yet?

SpoonieLuv

BlazingPedals

Lame. No pedals.

Leo H.

If you look just a little bit, you'll likely find an EZ-1. I only mention it since you were considering a Bike E. The EZ is a good around town and down the road bike and while they aren't top end, they do hold their value.

Leo H.
Sun Valley, NV

Bent Ben

Go ahead and try the WalMart bent, its cheap. Like one poster had stated, you have 90 days to decide if you need something of higher quality. Its a free 90 day test ride, don't pass up the opportunity.

BigPolishJimmy

I bought my EZ-1 used for about the price of a new Wallyworld bent. It's entry level to be sure, but very much worth the $ I paid for it, better components too.

Captain Creeg

Don't know if the OP ever bought a 'bent or not but, out of curiosity, I was just wondering what his/her budget actually was in specific dollars rather than just the generic "cheap"? That would go a long way in helping make recommendations of which 'bent to buy.

blamp28

In my Humble opinion, a good used bike from a respected brand is the best value in starter bikes. I would personally not spend my hard earned cash on wally bikes or cheap knock offs when I can get the real thing in decent used condition for a little bit more. The difference in price will mean nothing in a short time and any potential savings is easily lost when you need to sort out shortcommings. YMMV

vincev

Wally recumbents?Are they in the store or online?

BlazingPedals

I think they're supposed to be online-only, but there have been a few reports of them actually showing up in a store or two.

bobkat

I don't think anyone mentioned the Sun entry level offering. I'm like a bent evangalist up here in ND, and I've seen several of my benter deciples start with a new or used little Sun. Not a bad entry level bike - lots of bang...eeerrr...buke...for the money.
But there are lots of good used bents out there that would be great, too. I originally started on an entry level Burley and later upgraded it - great bike - still love to ride it.

BigPolishJimmy

Hey bobkat, I did really, my EZ-1 is the Sun EZ-1 SuperCruiser. I bought it 2nd-hand for about 1/2 price of retail and it had maybe 40 miles on it, a fantastic price for what I got. It's heavy, but I rode over 4 hours on it one day, I could never do that with a traditional bike due to the back and butt pain involved. I know it's entry, but it's opened up new worlds for riding in comfort. The nice thing about buying a bike like this 2nd-hand is that if I end up switching up, I can sell it for about what I've got into it.

bobkat

Sorry Big P M and Leo, too. I read all the posts again and saw that the EZ-1 was mentioned and recommended as a starter bike. A friend got one last spring and rides the heck out of it! He kids me about me being on the V3Ti and he on the EZ, that he's having much more fun per dollar than me! He put a coupleK miles on it this year. He's right, too!

leverleg

I've ridden bikes from the cheapest to expensive over the last 40 years. I say cheap components can work wonderfully well if they're set right. I think it's good advice to buy the WalBent if you are confident in your tuning skill and have the basic tools, like cone wrenches. I bet you'll discover the WalBent shifts, goes, and handles enjoyably. You've got a whole season to evaluate it as WalMart's guest. I ride the Sun EZ Rider, which is the same design, rear shock absorber et al. IMHO, arguably the best bent design of all time.

I also say the $300 (used) Sun EZ 1 would be a higher quality choice, but no rear shock. Put a Schwalbe Big Apple on the rear for some cush.

mrdc

Nope haven't bought one yet.
cheap to me is 300 or less.