Originally Posted by
robtown
A recumbent has been on my wanted list for a while. Today I test rode a Bike-E bent (blue). It's the one that looks like an I Beam with wheels It a single front ring, 7 rear cogs, and an internal 3 gear hub for a total of 21 gears. The seat could only be adjusted forwards and backwards.
... I found the bike to be slow, cumbersome, and not as comfortable as a regular drop bar road bike. .
No criticism intended, just a diff of opinion: I've ridden Bike E's quite a bit (friend sells them in his shop), and i liked them. my conventional bikes are pretty decent, an Atlantis and a Rambouillet from Rivendell, and I'm comfortable on them, so it's not a physical issue. I did my regular commute on the E and thought i was slower, but the time was in my normal range. it climbs worse, standard for a 'bent, but i cruised on the flat at about the same speed or a little faster. Fore and aft seat adjustment is all you need, because the pedals are out front--there's no need for the seat to go up and down.
If I had to choose just one bike now, I'd keep the atlantis. as I get older, though, i suspect a recumbent will look more attractive. I doubt i'll settle on a Bike E, but since I'm in a position to afford a moderately priced bent, i'm at least going to ride a few this summer and shop around. I have some physical issues related to old injuries that haven't limited me in the past, but are beginning to show up, and i think a carefully chosen 'bent will prolong my cycling career.
Anybody in the market for a 64cm Rambouillet?