jpanna

Another newbie question. Buying my first bent and am totally mixed up to to which to get, uss or oss. I have no fear about being able to adapt to either one but would really appreciate the pros and cons of both. I'm in a hurry to buy. Thanks.

NuTz4BiKeZ

Try them both and go with the one that feels most comfortable.

jpanna

Sorry. Should have mentioned that no dealers of bents are in my area so can't try. Any pros and cons?

Ritz

As I understand it, the turning radius is larger on USS. A bit twitchier too. But the hands and arms are where they want to be naturally. Also I've heard that your hands are less likely to go numb with USS. A disclaimer should be posted here though... I don't even have a 'Bent yet, so I have no first hand experience with either one.

mtessmer

I have a number of years experience with both. The fact is, I like both, for different reasons. Allot has to do with what kind of riding you plan on doing. If you are a racer, I'd go with above seat. My preference is for long wheel base I like underseat and for short wheel base above seat. I'm affraid it's a matter of personal taste, it's a shame you can't test ride any. I think what ever you choose, you'll adjust and enjoy it.

jpanna

Thanks. I'm sure you're totally correct, I'll adjust to either one and like it. So, decided, I just ordered a Jet Stream from Actionbent with the USS. Five weeks delivery. Will let y"all know how I did when I get it.

scarry

I have both.
USS pro, is comfortable, hands are in a natural position.
USS con is that in a crash, your hand can get under the bike and be injured on the road. More twitchy.

OSS pro, better control & aero dynamics. Less chance of hands under bike in crash
OSS con hands more prone to going to sleep and more shoulder stress.

bentbaggerlen

You could get a bike that offers both, Vision offers there bikes as both USS and ASS. The R-40 can also be switched from LWB to SWB. Some of the Burley bikes can switch from LWB to SWB as well

I dont find any of my recumbents twitchy (Vision R-40 SWB/USS, Longbikes Slipstream LWB/USSorASS, Bike-E, RANS Sceamer, Hypercycle SWB/USS, Homebuilts LWB,SWB,CLWB) Only the Hypercycle takes any real skill to ride, due mostly to the fact it was just a really bad recumbent.

I find I do like the USS more then ASS, in fact I'm thinking of building a USS set up for the Screamer. For speed ASS is more aero then USS.

Arnie1

For a new rider the easiest to learn is above seat steering with low bottom bracket (BB), that is, pedals. You should have fear of adapting to something as expensive as a recumbent that you may not like. A lwb or clwb with low BB has the shortest learning curve. For value look at Sun Cycles. If you want Canadian Cambie Cycles in Vancouver BC builds a solid machine in the Recumboni.

beaterbike

Me too. I would add that OSS is a pain with transport, although my tiller is foldable and not fixed. USS is a breeze to transport. I would disagree that USS is more twitchy than OSS. I think there is a longer learning curve on OSS than USS. To each his own, I guess.

PedalDog

The only time I had problems with USS was in dense, slow moving motor traffic situations wherre I had to switch lanes or move around cars. If you don't get it right the first time it is a bit more hassle to set off again.
Having said that, I prefer USS in most cases and have it on both trikes!

thepurplepirate

Canadian Cambie Cycles in Vancouver BC builds a solid machine in the Recumboni.[/QUOTE]

I have a recumboni and it is a great starter bike. My first bent and I am enjoying it. Not a performance bike but solid none the less. The cons of the "boni" are first the name - It sounds like Zamboni the ice cleaning machine. The service at Cambie is irratic at best. They are jaded and only one person of the whole staff rides a little so their road experience is minimal at best. That shop has a poor reputation in the city. I have heard several women in particular complain about their service.

Overall I am satisfied. Mostly due to my own modifications (and there have been alot). I am 5'7" and bought the small frame - I think it could be 8 inches shorter.

Very sturdy frame. Cheap components. Irratic and sometimes poor service by people that don't ride. Which I believe is really important.

bentcruiser

I understand from a post later than the one quoted above that you are far away from a dealer. I would seriously suggest that you go to a dealer if you can without significant pocketbook strain. It is so true that one just doesn't know until they try a recumbent what it will be like. Trying them is the best way.

Similarly, take caution in hurried buying with recumbents. They are all different in rider position, feel and configuration. Researching and trying is the best way.

I have ridden several configurations of USS. My favorite is the U-Bar configuration like the trikes or the HP Velotechniks have. They work well and use the cool bar cons.

bnet1

I find the OSS on my Tailwind very comfortable. Just drape my hands over the bars and go. No real need for a "death grip".

'bent Brian