Driftless Mike

New here, so be nice! I'm looking for a recumbent to replace the DF I sold recently. Been riding DF's for a couple decades, but bone spurs in my neck keep me from spending more than 10 minutes on one. Test rode several bents in the past couple years. Found them all to be comfortable, or such that with adjustments to the ergos, they could be made so. The LWB models, such as the RANS Stratus, were instantly likeable. Still, they seem kind of heavy, and the light front might be spooky on gravel or steep hills. SWB's were a little squirrely at first, but seemed more nimble. The most impressive ones (in terms of potential speed) were the hi-racer types like the F5.

Does anyone who rides a bike like the F5 or a Bachetta Corsa get numb feet? How long are you able to ride before the numbness sets in? I ride mostly for fitness, in SW Wisconsin. This part of the midwest is NOT flat. I like the way a bike like these lets you really use the legs to full extension.

What about the few LWB's or (CLWB's) out there with two large wheels? are they good hill climbers?

Thanks.

Giro

Best single thread I have read on feet, pedals, cleats, shoes & recumbents is on BentRiderOnline: Foot position on the pedal
Searching BentRiderOnline on numb feet finds (not surprisingly) more specific threads such as Numb Feet
and Numb Feet and New Rider, Numb Feet plus many more.

I ride a highracer and fortunately have not had either "hot foot" (seemingly a more common complaint) nor numb feet. However, from the start I used clipless pedals with some platform (Crank Brothers Candys), mounted the cleats as far back towards the heel as possible, and replaced the insoles with SuperFeet footbeds (other brands may fit your foot better, but do get ones that are stiff and firm).

I am no expert and only rode one for a few minutes, but the Lightening P38 is often mentioned as a good climbing recumbent (not dual 559/650/700 wheels, though). I imagine the lower weight etc. of the carbon highracers (Volae, Carbent, Bacchetta) makes them better climbers but the cost also climbs quite a bit.

Incidentally, the Rans F5's and the Bacchetta Giro's are some of the most versatile highracers. They will accept fairly wide tires and if disc braked can easily accept different size wheels (Giro 26's will take 559, 650c and 700c wheels). I'm uncertain if the F5 takes 700c or if that varies by model year; contact Rans. Also, do not forget the Volae highracers, made right in Wisconsin. A trip to Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point is in order if you have not already been there.

On any of the highracers, I suggest you at least try the lighter mesh or carbon seats (Bacchetta Euromesh, Rans Hoagie, etc.) rather than the heavier more upright ones with separate seat pads. Also, be sure you try several different bikes with rides of some length all within a reasonably short time frame. With your neck condition, there are neck rests available for the Volae, Bacchetta, and probably the Rans seats.

Tom Bombadil

I own a RANS Stratus and a Sun EZ-Rider, both low bottom bracket designs. I can ride them for hours with no numb feet, as long as I have the seat positioned correctly.

But on SWB / high BB bents, I've gotten numb feet within 10 minutes every time I've ridden one.

I also ride in SW & Central Wisconsin, but nearly 100% on the state trail system. When I have tackled hills, I've done better on them on the Stratus than I've done on upright bikes. Slower but easier.

BlazingPedals

People who have problems with numb/hootfoot are definitely in the minority, and in fact more than a few have the problem on uprights, too. Usually it's a blood constriction issue: tight shoes or shorts, or PAD, or a pressure point issue like the cleats being too far toward the toes or riding in tennies. I won't say I've NEVER had problems, but when I have, it's always been something simple like loosening the shoes or moving the boom out another half inch. (I don't go in for those 0.1mm adjustments that upright riders insist are the key to comfort.)