Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
I just switched from a DF to a Cruzbike Silvio. I ride with a PowerTap so I have some numbers. For 60 minute intervals on the flats, I use about 75 watts less power on the Silvio, and go about 1.5-2.0 mph faster. It all depends on what recumbent you're riding. Can't generalize in the way the OP did.
I am still way slower up hills, as I have recently switched and don't have my 'bent legs in shape yet. But I doubt I'll ever climb as fast as I did on my DF. My peak power on the DF is over 1,200 watts. Haven't managed anything over 700W on the 'bent yet. Don't think I'll ever see that.
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Last edited by SesameCrunch; 06-06-11 at 01:31 PM.