dclaryjr

When this was going on, I was riding an old hybrid. But it could have been a kid's tricycle--the cars were inching forward. Now I hit the gate at a time where traffic is slow so the advantage of being able to shoot down the right side isn't as important, but it still comes in handy from time to time.

PaPa

You're right, a twisted chain is not the best idea, but the 'twist' on most intelligently designed FWDs isn't significant enough to cause undue concern. Just to be clear, we're talking derailleur chains here, NOT BMX or single speed chains. I just pulled a NEW, Sachs 8spd derailleur chain from the box, layed it on the table with the pins horizontal, and easily created a 20" radius. I've also seen a 30 yo Schwinn Le Tour, with many many miles on it, that had the 'original' chain installed with half a twist on the return side. Trust me, you'll spoil a perfectly good chain far easier by lack of cleaning and lubrication, than by mild twisting.

Unknown Cyclist

There is no load on the return side.

Try it the other way round and see how long it lasts.

PaPa

You appear to be leaning on theory - absent of both controlled testing and knowledge of bushingless chain construction. So I suggest that you take a break from this thread for a moment, and read this: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

"Since the "bushing" of a bushingless chain is made up of two halves that don't connect directly with each other, this type of chain is more flexible sideways than a conventional chain. This is because the two halves of the "bushing" have a bit of "wiggle room" with respect to each other."

If the twisted chain really worries you that much, then by-all-means, avoid all twisted chain bikes. I ride'em, and don't have the premature wear or failure problem(s) you seem so concerned about.

scarabeoguy

Regarding rolling resistance; you are right.......However, most do not realize this.

Your second question: Why do some people prefer trikes?

1. They are safer than 2 wheeled for the obvious reasons. Braking, Stability etc......

2. They are more comfortable, if that is a concern.

3. Because of 2 you can ride longer distances.

4. They are fun and can bring a real grin to your face.

In saying all of the above 2 wheeled cycles also have their advantages which is why I ride them also
.

JanMM

1. Safer? Got some data to support that? You can't run into stuff or flip over on a trike?

2. More comfortable than the RANS Comfy Chair on my V-Rex? I don't think so.

3.

4. Bicycling is the most fun you can have without worrying about STD's. How could riding a trike be better than that?

dclaryjr

I read this at work and was going to comment but got too busy (imagine that--a government worker having to work on government time ).

I wouldn't take any of those statements as fact, and have some disagreement as opinions. The safety claim, for starters, certainly isn't open and shut. I don't know about where you live but around here, despite the economy and fuel prices, the Ford Heavy Duty and its like are still king of the road. I don't know how safe I would feel with my vision limited by being so low to the ground. Braking I don't know about--it's possible that trikes have an advantage there. But I just don't think it's a given that they are safer.

As JanMM alluded to, there are some real comfortable two-wheel recumbents out there. And there are some FAST, comfortable bikes as well. You can ride a long way on a fast, comfortable bike.

The last point I'll give you--they sure look like they would be a blast to ride.

Unknown Cyclist

Ok....

To summarise, two wheeled recumbents are best and trikes are really glorified kettler go-carts ?

There's no point to a trike unless you want full bodywork ?

Trikes might be more comfortable, but with modern recumbent seats that is disputable ?

Does that mean that trikes aren't suited to serious cycling ?

JanMM

Ride whatever floats your boat.

Unknown Cyclist

I've never ridden a trike.

I'm trying to put together a shortlist of possible contenders.

I haven't ruled out 3 wheelers or chain twisters yet.

Pupsocket

And there's the rub. You're making a list based on theory and opinions (others and your own.) I went to a good recumbent dealer that stocked everything from upright "workman" trikes to lowracer bikes. I went in "knowing" exactly what I wanted, actually test-rode 10 different bikes and trikes, and came home with nothing even close to what I thought I wanted.

Same thing with cars: until you test-drive, you might not know that your favorite on specification has seats that are just wrong for your body shape.

Get out there and do some test-rides. Form some informed opinions.

Unknown Cyclist

I don't know of any shops near me (or in reasonable travelling distance) that even stock recumbents, let alone offer test rides.

Looks like it's a mail order purchase......

dclaryjr

I feel your pain. When I bought my first recumbent a dozen years ago, there were very few shops that carried them. Dropping $2K on a "leap of faith" was scary (P-38).

Unknown Cyclist

I did the same thing with the Orbit Ross, I couldn't find any shops that sold them and had to bully one into ordering it. Furthermore I had to pay for it in advance before it had even been made. The only reason I received it was because I phoned Orbit repeatedly and had them send it 80% complete, seconds before they went bankrupt.

At that point I'd only ever seen one recumbent and that was LWB, I think it was called a Peer Gynt.

Has anyone got any idea of an entry level trike available to the UK or Europe ?

purplepeople

Sun or KMX...

:)ensen.

Pupsocket

I guess I can count myself somewhat lucky; there are half a dozen shops that carry some recumbents in the Mpls/St. Paul area within a hour or two. I drove four hours to the Hostel Shop in Stevens Point, WI, one of the biggest regional recumbent dealers, for an afternoon of test riding.

One of the nice things about most bents is the way they hold their value. If you do end up with one you find wanting in one way or another, the relatively small loss incurred in reselling can be considered a lease.

Unknown Cyclist

How about this one: Trike

Pockets

Way to high off the ground. Won't be able to corner except at a crawl, and you will lose your aerodynamic advantage.

wmarti1

I ride a VK2. It is a very nice bike, very light, and very dependable. It is a little pricey but it is worth the money. It also looks nice. It is made by Velocraft from some place in Poland. There is a guy name Dana Leiberman that sells them at Bentcycles. Dana is the man on recumbents. Google his name and see if he can hook you up. He has a line of other great recumbents too.

geebee

Random ramblings from someone who has ridden 2 wheeled bent, Road bikes, MTB, chopper styled bikes and trikes.

The front wheel wont wash out on a trike and dump you, your braking is on a par with cars, you will never fall from failing to click out of the pedals.
Comfort wise a trike kills a bike for example cranking up a 20% hill tonight I was laying back on the headrest comptemplating the difference trying the same trick on a 2 wheeler would be. No balance issues. Sittig at the lights no foot needs to be put down, give it some thought you will see why hey are more comfotable.
If you like cornering and are willing to learn some body english no bike will corner as quick, how often do you get to drift a bike around a tight corner? They can change direction quicker than a bike.
Front tyre blow out, pull over when you are ready no rush.
They are just plain fun.
I suspect if the general public new how good they were the Bike industry would take a hell of a hit.
But they are not everyones cup of tea.

Unknown Cyclist

Raptobike or KMX Viper ?

Both are nice, which is best ?

djwid

Tough call, they are completely different. One is a trike, the other a lowracer. I have a raptobike coming to me now but as it hasn't arrived I can't give you a review yet.

I would make that decision based on whether I wanted a trike or a bike.
Good luck -
Duncan

geebee

And how steep your hills are, the Raptor is FWD.

Unknown Cyclist

I regularly go up steep hills.

I noticed that the raptor is somewhat lacking in gear range, especially for a recumbent.

If I bought a raptor, I'd be fitting a rohloff.



EDIT: whatever I buy it's very likely I'll be fitting a rohloff

geebee

Not a gear range issue but traction, much over 20% I would want to test first and rain will aggravate the issue as will gravel. It may cope but it may not.