Originally Posted by MicahWedemeyer
Hi, .....
So, in that vein, I have some questions about recumbent commuting:
1) How safe do you feel on city streets? ....Also, I'm willing to string up as many flags/flashers as necessary to be visible, but does it really help all that much?
On a recumbent you MUST have rear-view mirrors, it's not nearly as convenient to turn your upper body and look behind you. I much prefer the helmet/glasses-mounted mirrors, but if a mirror is mounted on the bike, you won't forget to bring it along. As for safety--the main thing I do now is get into the line of traffic waiting at stop signs and signals. Too many drivers don't use their RIGHT turn-signals, and they don't check to their right before turning.They will check forward and left, and then pull ahead of you and then turn right, directly across your path (and across your front wheel).
2) What are the advantages/disadvantages for a short vs long wheelbase?
SWB's are lighter and (potentially) easier to transport. LWB's ride more stable in gravel and over rough surfaces. SWB's
may fit into public transportation bicycle racks,
if they are permitted (more on this matter below).
3) Do any recumbents fit on car-mounted bike carriers? Specifically, I've got a Saris Bones 2-bike rack. Are there any recumbents that would fit?
Most recumbents don't attach well to most conventional bike racks. Either the recumbent frames don't have holes in the right places, or the wheelbase is too long. Even if they fit, the standard retention straps may not work well, and you'll be using ratcheting cargo straps or whatever to hold the bike on. What a lot of people do is buy a recumbent they like, and
then worry about finding a cheap rack that fits it well. There are a few rack brands sold specifically to load/unload and hold recumbents well, but they are (obviously) more expensive than the generic types.
4) How easy is it to lock up a recumbent? I've got a U-lock and plenty of bike rack space, but would I probably need a new lock?
Monotube and mono-beam frames can be a problem as they don't have any "holes" in them for locking through. Master Lock Street Cuffs (the 9-link ones) is one lock that can be useful for those cases.
These are just my basic questions, but there is probably stuff I'm forgetting. If you have any advice at all I'd be happy to listen.
Another matter I have seen complained about is that most bents are not transportable on most public transportation bike racks (bike racks on public busses and trains). These racks are intended for conventional upright bikes and so have a rather short wheelbase limit--but even if you get a SWB that will fit into the wheelbase limitation, because of the potential retention system problems, some transportation systems specifically refuse to allow transporting recumbents on their racks
at all. If you'll want to use public transportation bicycle racks, check into this first.
-----
Also there is one upright comfort-type bike that is worth looking into: that is the Rans crank-forward bikes. These have (what is claimed to be) a much more comfortable pedalling position, but (unlike most-all other "comfort" bikes) can still can be pedalled efficiently over long distances. The Fusion lists for $850 and is sold through mail-order if you have no local dealers. I don't have one but ordered one yesterday (3 to 4 weeks they says...-sigh-). ....As far as public transportation goes--this bicycle is rather long compared to a regular bike. Some people have found that it will fit into a bus rack if you flip the front wheel around backwards; others have found that even doing this isn't short enough to fit.
~