Could a 12 year old ride an EZ3 (or other) recumbent? What measurements to look for?
 

Hello,

My daughter has become interested in recumbent bikes. She's spotted a second hand EZ3 which might (or might not??) be a reasonable price.

She's about average for a 12 year old - not tall or short. I could take measurements, if I knew what to measure.

So at what age/size could a child use a recumbent -- especially a trike model like this? Are there some models better for "Short" people?

What would be a good price range for the EZ3, or where could I look to compare (the sites I've found so far have been coy about prices).

Thanks!
Mark

Even if the fit were right the weight of an EZ3 might be a challenge for a child.

X-seam (explained at http://www.hostelshoppe.com/tech_xseam.php) is usually the crucial measurement.

While you are at the Hostel Shoppe site you might take a look at the Volae Century. The small sized Century is a favorite of shorter riders.

I disagree. The seat is much too high for x-seams much shorter than 39". SWB 'bents are usually a poor match for short legs - two problems;

1) The further forward the seat is adjusted, the higher it gets.
2) Weight distribution is compromised because the short-legged rider is frequently too far forward.

LWB 'bents such as the RANS Stratus 26/20 LE, and the Easy Racer Tour Easy are a much better fit and don't screw-up the weight distribution.

With 3 kids on bents (13, 11 and 9) I'd recommend something like a Rans Wave or small framed Stratus. Bikes where the top tube rises as the x-seam gets shorter are not good designs for smaller riders. If you can find a small frame P-38, that'd work as well but there's a heel strike problem if the boom is pulled in all the way.