Giant Doofus

My spouse would like to switch to a recumbent bike. The nearest retailer to us that carries multiple brands is in St. Louis, MO, so we're planning to make a trip over there in the next couple of weeks so he can try out some bikes. We'll be going to Bike Center: Recumbents - bikecenterstl.com. They carry a lot of brands, and I could use a little help narrowing down which might be most suitable for him.

I've had my eye on the Bacchetta Bella, but know very little about recumbents and would welcome feedback. I think a bike is the right choice for him, but we're willing to consider a trike if that would make more sense for his needs. He doesn't want one really close to the ground like the Catrikes though. Something more like the TerraTrike might work.

My spouse is 6'2" and weighs 190-195 pounds. He typically takes leisurely rides of around 25 miles on relatively flat terrain. He used to come with me on longer rides and might do so again on occasion if he finds the recumbent significantly more comfortable.

VegasTriker

The place (website) to go is 'BentRider Online. You may be able to find a review among the 375 reviews on the site or ask your questions of Bella owners. Try the New To Recumbent section of the message board. It is a subheading under the Recumbent heading. There are an amazing number of bent owners who post there.

Giant Doofus

Thanks @VegasTriker. I'll have a look there. Your PM also made me think that I should probably clarify why we don't want to go with a low-slung trike: The issue isn't the position of the trike itself, but rather the fact that we'll be riding together and like to have conversations as we go. Since I'll be on an upright, diamond frame bike, it could be awkward to talk with him way down on the ground!

JanMM

'Significantly more comfortable' should be true for most any 'bent bike (or trike) that he tries. Long wheelbase bikes like the Bella really smooth out the irregular road surfaces.
Yes, check out Bentrider for lotsa 'bent info.

rydabent

Dont over look the large frame Rans Stratus.

Retro Grouch 

I'm going to put in a good word for Bike Center. I've known them for about 15 or 20 years and they are good people. I'm pretty sure that they'll take whatever amount of time it takes to do you right.

Giant Doofus

Thanks. That does look interesting. It is one of the brands Bike Center carries, so we'll be sure to have a look.

I'm really glad to hear this.

We're thinking about going either Tuesday or Friday of next week, so I'll report back which one he decides to go with. In the meantime, I welcome any additional advice.

Recumbomatic

Doofus:

Your husband is a tall & light-ish guy, and should have no problem fitting any of the "high racer" type bikes. For long rides at a good pace with relatively little effort, I'd recommend a Bacchetta Giro 26/Corsa or a RANS F5. Many find the speed addictive, although high racers can be a bit tricky to master for first timers (must relax both arms). But I'd say have your husband give it a go and see how he likes it.

As for the Bella, Stratus, and similar long wheelbase (LWB) recumbents, keep in mind that they can be hard to transport because of the overall length.


Keep us posted about what your husband finds interesting.

Giant Doofus

Thanks for the advice @Recumbomatic. My husband has never been fast on the bike, which is fine. He likes a good social ride. I'm kind of excited about the possibility that he'll actually be faster on a bent than he is on a DF. That would let me go faster when we're together

We're heading to St. Louis on Tuesday, so we should have some news soon.

ncbikers

Web sites to visit bicycleman.com and hostelshoppe.com They are bike shops and have a lot of good info. Start with FAQ's. They also have info on specific recumbents. Look around.

When you get to the shop (Tuesday) I would suggest you first try just sitting on different ones. Identify which ones feel comfortable.

Don't expect a lot when you ride them. They are different from DF's. It will take time to develop your "bent legs".

The human powered land speed record was set on a recumbent. They will move but it takes time to develop your legs.

Also, the steering will be different especially on ones with smaller front tires. The best advice is to relax your arms and hands. Steer gently. Your hands are not supporting your upper body.


Good luck! It will be a new experience.

ncbikers

Your comments about liking to ride together and talk suggests to me you might like a tandem. We have both a DF and a recumbent. We like the recumbent best. Dealers will be harder to find than recumbent dealers.

Before we had a tandem, we both spent time and energy keeping track of the other one. Not the case when we are both on the same bike. Talking is very easy. There is also a lot to learn about tandems. Riding is very different from 2 solos.

Just something else to think about.

ncbikers

On a DF the power part of your stroke is down. On a recumbent you need to think of pushing forward instead.

Safety item: Be sure to tuck the shoelace on the left side of your right shoe in your shoe. It is very easy to catch it in your chain/sprocket.

Giant Doofus

Good to know. I'll be sure to tell him. (I do that on a DF too, but only because my laces are so long.)

delcrossv

A Bella sounds like a good pick for the casual rider. I'd stay away from highracers- they generally don't do "slow" very well and would be a handful for a casual "smell the roses" ride.

Giant Doofus

Well color me surprised. He really liked the Bacchetta Giro 20 and was thrilled with the Bella. But when he got on the Catrike Expedition, he got a big grin on his face and declared "Game over!" So, the lava red tadpole trike it is.

Thanks to to everyone for the advice.

JanMM

Nice that you were able to go to a shop with a variety of 'bents to see and ride.
Hope you two have fun riding together!

ncbikers

Glad you found something you/he liked. Happy riding.

cplager

Nice!

Retro Grouch 

Good to hear they had several choices for your husband to try. Who, exactly, waited on you at Bike Center?

Giant Doofus

Brian helped out with some e-mail correspondence. Joey was the clerk who helped us in the shop. They were both fantastic. Brian was very responsive with e-mails, and also answered some technical questions I had while my husband was out test riding. Joey really knows his products. He talked us through the differences in the models we were considering and helped us understand what the trade-offs were. We also didn't feel rushed at all. My husband rode around for a good long while on each of the three models he tried.

I have to say that this is about the best experience I've had in a bike shop. I can't recommend this shop or these employees highly enough.

osco53

Catrike Expedition In Lava Red,, Nice, very Nice !


My Caddilac

VegasTriker

Electric blue is cooler! Good choice for a brand and model. The components are first rate and it has a very nice gear range without resorting to internal hubs like those I have on my Greenspeed GTO (SRAM dual-drive and Schlumpf Mountain Drive). There are thousands of happy Catrike owners as you will see if you go the the Catrike forum.