Originally Posted by
BlazingPedals
Yeah, old Linears were known to be pretty flexy. In fact, just normal riding could pull the rear triangle out of line on the older models. I think a determined search could find a good used recumbent *bike* pretty cheaply. An old RANS, Lightning, or even a TourEasy would be a great ride. The last time I looked, used RANS Rockets in reasonable shape were going for $300-500.
If anything, mine would qualify for that, as it folded at both ends, But back then I was light, and never mashed pedals. (I still don't when sitting, but have learned to climb standing.) If I was getting a LWB bent and didn't need to fold it, I'd look for a Ryan or Longbikes, I would bet they had good stiffness. (I'm biased toward under seat steering, so not into the Easy's or P-38 Lightning.) But LWB with USS are murder for carrying up or down steep stairs, like I have now. I'd need a garage to just wheel it out and in from.
Just after I got my Linear, I met folks with a Ryan Duplex LWB bent tandem, with no couplers. Even with their big van, it took up the whole length of the cargo area, and the front wheel between the front seats. But what a Cadillac in terms of ride smoothness.