Sam10868

I just bought a Baccetta Bella. I am now needing recommendations for safety equipment, riding clothes, lights and computer. Please any help would be appreciated.

Retro Grouch 

What kind of rear view mirror do you have? Recumbents need a mirror because it's so hard to twist around to look behind you.

Clothes are easy unless you are in the habit of carrying things like your car keys in a pants pocket. That stuff will fall out. I wear recumbent specific shorts with sipper pockets. I like my recumbent specific jerseys too with side pockets that are just the right size for my wallet and cell phone.

This year I gave up bike computers forever. I bought an entry level Garmin. I like it because I can move it from bike-to-bike with no set up required.

MikeWMass

Just don't buy any clothing with zippers, buttons or snaps on the back!

cplager

This.

And mirrors.

And remember you can't use a backpack to carry things.

Otherwise it's the same as a DF.

The important things is to ride lots.

JanMM

Actually, you can use a backpack, but only if it fits on the back of the seat........a proper seatback bag works better.

rydabent

Actually the only mandatory need is for a mirror. The rest is what makes the bent yours. The big thing is that bents do not abuse your body. You do not have to buy special clothes to ride them.

Just go out and have some of the most comfortable rides you have ever had on a bike. Notice that you sit up comfortably and can see everything. No more staring down at the front wheel.

Tractortom

I ride the older brother of your bike, a Bacchetta Belladare. The Belladare is steel instead of aluminum like yours, and as such does not have the tube braces that run from under the seat to the drop-out for the rear axle. On my Belladare I have a rear rack, and panniers, as I use it to commute to work part of the year, and need to carry clothes and my lunch. I also find that a REAR fender is nice, so you don't get that mud stripe on the back of our head and jersey when you hit some water on the road (because of tire size, I currently do not have a rear fender installed). I like the mirror that mounts on my sunglasses, rather than one on the bike, as it allows me to 'sweep' my head around and see a much larger area. I have a Bacchetta "Brain Box" bag that fits on the rear of the seat, and find it to be the best way to haul all that stuff that you need to have with you everyday, like some tools, spare tubes (two different sizes) tire pump and CO2 inflator, a power bar or two, and that sort of thing. I also have added a Windwrap fairing on the front of the bike, and like it a LOT. It adds a level of aerodynamics that I like, and makes the bike look cool to boot. Not a cheap accessory, but well worth the price in my mind. Add to that list a speedo (with a LONG wiring harness) and a light or two (Planet Bike Superflash on the rear) and that about covers all that you need to be well kitted on the new ride.

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

Sam10868

Well heart brake. The bell I was buying was checked by the staff of the local shop and found too many structural problems with it. They refunded my money. I am now looking at a getting a catrike in the future.

Northwestrider

+ 1 to the Mirror, I am not familiar with the bella, but my Strada would benefit with a neck rest, yours may as well, time will tell.

Jeff Wills

I don't use a computer- none of my bikes has had a computer for 20 years. I figure I'll get there when I get there, and that's how fast I go.

"Normal" bike shorts are heavily padded, which is unnecessary on a recumbent. I still like Lycra shorts, though, so I shop around for the cheapest ones that still fit. They usually have a thinner pad, which is a bit less revealing. I've found Aerotech shorts to work well: Mens Basic Padded Cycling Shorts on Sale now $24.95 .

Ghefty

I have a take-a-look mirror on my helmet. My brother likes the Zefal spy mirror on his handlebars. I will not ride without a mirror. As for clothes, I like the the quick dry fabrics in the brightest colors I can find, usually highway orange or hi-viz yellow long sleeve shirts.

Enjoy your new bike.

osco53

Get a Grip tip mirror, a helmet and a way to carry some water, and some sun screen,,

The rest of the bells and whistles are not needed at all......

Now get, "In Da Wind"

Its a zen thing....

JanMM

So, when you are asked how far you have ridden in the last 20 years, you have to answer what?........a gazillion miles......lotsa miles............a long, long way.......farther than a hockey puck can be thrown?

JanMM

Bad news.....you sure you want a trike and not a bike?

BlazingPedals

I get that the sale fell through; but beyond that I have no idea what he wrote. Something about a bell, a brake, and some structural problems.

Shahmatt

I ride a Cruzbike conversion. This is my first recumbent and I like it very much.

Regarding lighting, I would recommend the somewhat expensive Niteflux lights. They are plenty powerful for even daytime use, but more importantly have a very wide blast radius. Side-on accidents are more frequent so being seen in this way is important.

Normally you will need one front facing white light and rear facing red light. But consider buying a third light which shines on you and illuminates you. I use a red light fixed to the handlebars but facing backwards for this purpose. It's on solid mode so that it's not distracting to my eyes and vision. Being illuminated helps to be seen by drivers on the road, and I feel it has helped.

rebel1916

Grow a beard and buy some sandals.

Dudelsack 

Funny, original, clever. What is there about this post not to like?

rebel1916

That's what I thought too. I'm happy I could bring just a wee tad of laughter to you on a cloudy day.

quercus

I'm shopping for a bent and am not sure about a trike or a two-wheeler. Why are trikes "bad News"?

cplager

You're taking the quote out of context. Bad news was the sale falling through.

JanMM

+1

quercus

apologies for my misinterpretation.

MikeWMass

But they are very different. If I wanted a bike and it fell through, I would not buy a trike, and vice versa.

delcrossv

This. Apples, Oranges. Although both "recumbent" as far as the seating position, trikes are very different from bikes.