Which recumbent would be best?
03-24-07, 02:02 PM
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Which recumbent would be best?
Hi,
I'm new to this forum but have been interested in recumbent bikes for a couple years now. I currently have a DF old TREK mountain bike from 1988. The bike has some sentimental value to me and I put between 2000 and 3000 miles per year on it. I ride to work almost everyday so that's where the majority of my miles come from.
In the future I'd like to get a recumbent for two main reasons. Speed and comfort. I've only test rode two bents. A Rotator Pursuit and a SWB Rotator Tiger. I liked the feel of the LWB Pursuit and based on all the reading I've done I THINK I'd prefer a LWB. So, what is a very fast LWB that would be faster than a DF, of course after building up the right muscles? Are there many LWB bents that have full fairings to really improve aerodynamics? I'm sure the low riders are the fastest, but I also want this bike to be a pleasure to ride in town/traffic if need be without really having poor visibility.
Thanks for any info.
Chad
I'm new to this forum but have been interested in recumbent bikes for a couple years now. I currently have a DF old TREK mountain bike from 1988. The bike has some sentimental value to me and I put between 2000 and 3000 miles per year on it. I ride to work almost everyday so that's where the majority of my miles come from.
In the future I'd like to get a recumbent for two main reasons. Speed and comfort. I've only test rode two bents. A Rotator Pursuit and a SWB Rotator Tiger. I liked the feel of the LWB Pursuit and based on all the reading I've done I THINK I'd prefer a LWB. So, what is a very fast LWB that would be faster than a DF, of course after building up the right muscles? Are there many LWB bents that have full fairings to really improve aerodynamics? I'm sure the low riders are the fastest, but I also want this bike to be a pleasure to ride in town/traffic if need be without really having poor visibility.
Thanks for any info.
Chad
03-24-07, 06:09 PM
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Originally Posted by thebaker
Hi,.....
In the future I'd like to get a recumbent for two main reasons. Speed and comfort. I've only test rode two bents. A Rotator Pursuit and a SWB Rotator Tiger. I liked the feel of the LWB Pursuit and based on all the reading I've done I THINK I'd prefer a LWB....
In the future I'd like to get a recumbent for two main reasons. Speed and comfort. I've only test rode two bents. A Rotator Pursuit and a SWB Rotator Tiger. I liked the feel of the LWB Pursuit and based on all the reading I've done I THINK I'd prefer a LWB....
,,,,
The LWB's that have low-pedals aren't really maximized for speed.
The RANS Formula 26 is one dual-559mm LWB that has a more-reclined higher-BB position (better rider aerodynamics) and a front fairing would help the aerodynamics even more.
...Are there many LWB bents that have full fairings to really improve aerodynamics? I'm sure the low riders are the fastest, but I also want this bike to be a pleasure to ride in town/traffic if need be without really having poor visibility....
Most recumbent people who want to go fast on-road just use a front fairing with a body sock. The body sock does help the aerodynamics quite a bit, but it has some "give" so that crosswinds (like, from passing trucks!) don't toss you around so much.
~
03-24-07, 06:24 PM
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A TourEasy or Gold Rush Replica (GRR) with a Zzipper fairing and a body sock is a pretty fast package, as long as you're not climbing any big hills. It's the closest thing to a 'streetable' streamliner that you can buy, and it's 'off the shelf' stock stuff, not some custom-made creation.
06-04-07, 10:09 PM
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Bikes: Rotator Pursuit (sold and regretting it), Rans V-Rex, RANS Wave (hinged), HP Speedmachine, Dahon MU SL, Razerback K2 mtb
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Chad,
Find yourself a Rotator Pursuit, you won't be unhappy with the decision.
I picked one up 3 years ago, thought I would put a fairing on it to make it faster.
3 years later, no fairing, and when I am in shape I give the DF riders a real run for their money.
It is a great bike for both comfort and speed. Not bad in traffic, just be aware of your surroundings as you sit very low around cars. I have a modified Rans Wave (20/20) that I have been using for errands and relaxing treks following the wife on her mtb on the bike paths.
Just picking up my new Dahon MU SL (19 lbs) today to use as my commuting bike (middle part of my trip involves a commuter train). The Dahon folder is awesome, didn't think I would be comfortable after riding 'bents but it's very nice.
Keeping the Pursuit for the fast, long rides. The Pursuit is really a very, very nice bike.
Dale
Find yourself a Rotator Pursuit, you won't be unhappy with the decision.
I picked one up 3 years ago, thought I would put a fairing on it to make it faster.
3 years later, no fairing, and when I am in shape I give the DF riders a real run for their money.
It is a great bike for both comfort and speed. Not bad in traffic, just be aware of your surroundings as you sit very low around cars. I have a modified Rans Wave (20/20) that I have been using for errands and relaxing treks following the wife on her mtb on the bike paths.
Just picking up my new Dahon MU SL (19 lbs) today to use as my commuting bike (middle part of my trip involves a commuter train). The Dahon folder is awesome, didn't think I would be comfortable after riding 'bents but it's very nice.
Keeping the Pursuit for the fast, long rides. The Pursuit is really a very, very nice bike.
Dale
06-05-07, 02:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Doug5150
Well you could just go find a Pursuit.
,,,,
The LWB's that have low-pedals aren't really maximized for speed.
The RANS Formula 26 is one dual-559mm LWB that has a more-reclined higher-BB position (better rider aerodynamics) and a front fairing would help the aerodynamics even more.
Full hard fairings are big, expensive and heavy--and not generally considered suitable for regular riding, on a bicycle. You can find trikes (velomobiles) that use them, but then the weight of anything durable slows you down to well under 20mph typically. There are some velomobiles made of fancy composites that are fairly lightweight and strong, but these cost lots of $$$$.
Most recumbent people who want to go fast on-road just use a front fairing with a body sock. The body sock does help the aerodynamics quite a bit, but it has some "give" so that crosswinds (like, from passing trucks!) don't toss you around so much.
~
,,,,
The LWB's that have low-pedals aren't really maximized for speed.
The RANS Formula 26 is one dual-559mm LWB that has a more-reclined higher-BB position (better rider aerodynamics) and a front fairing would help the aerodynamics even more.
Full hard fairings are big, expensive and heavy--and not generally considered suitable for regular riding, on a bicycle. You can find trikes (velomobiles) that use them, but then the weight of anything durable slows you down to well under 20mph typically. There are some velomobiles made of fancy composites that are fairly lightweight and strong, but these cost lots of $$$$.
Most recumbent people who want to go fast on-road just use a front fairing with a body sock. The body sock does help the aerodynamics quite a bit, but it has some "give" so that crosswinds (like, from passing trucks!) don't toss you around so much.
~
) very effective and weighs ~3 kg's including frame work, fitted to a Catrike pocket a 16 kg Velomobile is possible.Faster the stronger the wind blows and with a very average "motor" can hold a cruise of 40~45 kph.
