Uss vs oss?
11-09-12, 10:56 PM
#2
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I can't speak to OSS, but I do enjoy the USS on my Linear 3.0 due to the way my shoulders and arms fall into a very natural and relaxed position with my hands on the grips. Following years of increasing pain in my shoulders, and rotator cuff surgery on the right shoulder a year ago with the long recovery and PT that comes with it, I am now enjoying my recumbent even more. The fact that there is nothing to impede my view is an additional bonus to (shoulder) pain free riding.
11-10-12, 04:41 AM
#3
OSS:
More relaxed when learning to ride,
Often viewed as less 'Twitchy' to new riders,
Much easier to 'Walk' the bike,
More room under the seat for bags/luggage,
Better options for places to mount a computer(easier to see) and lighting,
On my LWB Tour Easy, my view Is not Impeeded at all.
USS:
Not So,,
Ecept for the precieved 'Twitchy' that passes with stick time,
Fists In the Wind iz cool
More relaxed when learning to ride,
Often viewed as less 'Twitchy' to new riders,
Much easier to 'Walk' the bike,
More room under the seat for bags/luggage,
Better options for places to mount a computer(easier to see) and lighting,
On my LWB Tour Easy, my view Is not Impeeded at all.
USS:
Not So,,
Ecept for the precieved 'Twitchy' that passes with stick time,
Fists In the Wind iz cool
Last edited by osco53; 11-10-12 at 04:46 AM.
11-10-12, 07:40 AM
#5
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[h=1]Search:[/h]Type: Posts; Keyword(s): USS; Forum = Recumbent
https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=6628666
https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=6628666
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11-10-12, 09:20 AM
#6
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I'll add a couple:
OSS may put the handlebar in your line-of-sight. You might not even notice during a short test ride but find it disconcerting in certain conditions like negotiating a squeeze gate on a MUP.
USS is generally wider and, consequently, less aero. It can also make rolling the bike through a normal door opening more of an issue.
OSS may put the handlebar in your line-of-sight. You might not even notice during a short test ride but find it disconcerting in certain conditions like negotiating a squeeze gate on a MUP.
USS is generally wider and, consequently, less aero. It can also make rolling the bike through a normal door opening more of an issue.
11-10-12, 09:52 AM
#7
The Recumbent Quant
Most people here (myself included) have never had the pleasure of trying USS. The people who have it generally seem to really like it.
Cheers, Charles
Cheers, Charles
11-10-12, 01:14 PM
#10
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Yea sorry. It's USS/Under Seat Steering and OSS/Over Seat Steering or ASS/Above Seat Steering.
I know there's benefits and detriments to each. Thanks everyone. Keep those opinions coming.
I know there's benefits and detriments to each. Thanks everyone. Keep those opinions coming.
11-10-12, 03:42 PM
#11
I never considerd that reason,, I roll my LWB ER TE through doors alot,,with only a few inches to spare,,,USS would never fit..
11-10-12, 03:49 PM
#12
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After Mrs. Grouch bought her trike, I widened the door from my garage into my bike shop. Now I wish that I had gotten a 38" wide door insted of a 36" wide one. 36" works with my Kettweisel, but just barely.
11-10-12, 10:05 PM
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USS is less aero and OSS is less comfortable. But these observations are purely my own opinions based on my experiences with both.
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11-11-12, 07:52 AM
#15
The Recumbent Quant
11-11-12, 05:10 PM
#16
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Have never tried it. Have only seen a few USS bikes in the flesh.
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11-11-12, 05:32 PM
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I love USS, though it can be a little weird till you get used to it. The benefit is absolutely worth the little bit of a learning curve, IMO.
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11-11-12, 07:13 PM
#18
The Recumbent Quant
11-11-12, 07:28 PM
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11-11-12, 08:42 PM
#20
The Recumbent Quant
11-12-12, 04:08 PM
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11-12-12, 06:45 PM
#22
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How many have actually ridden USS for a lot of miles?
Most 2-wheeled recumbent riders have never ridden a USS bike just because they are much less common so you might take their comments about a comparison with a grain of salt. I bought a used 1997 Linear long wheelbase bike in December 2000. It came with OSS bars (ape hanger style) installed and the USS parts in a box. The original owner bought the bike and had the USS steering removed and replaced by OSS. Being curious, I installed the USS bars while the OSS handlebars were still in place and rode the bike for about 2 weeks to compare the two. I got a few stares from pedestrians while riding "no hands" from their point of view. I found that I much preferred the USS bars so I switched the brake handles and shifters and removed the OSS bars. I rode that bike 3,000 miles in the first 11 months I owned it. A few years later I bought an Haluzak Horizon short wheelbase bike which also has USS. Both bikes work perfectly well and neither one is particularly hard for inexperienced riders to try out. I've lent both out a number of times without anyone crashing either bike. I've long since thrown out the OSS bars for the Linear but as I recall, the width of the bars was about equal for OSS and USS so getting either one through a doorway was about the same.
11-12-12, 07:45 PM
#23
The Recumbent Quant
You can try posting on the Cruzbike forum to see if anybody is near you.
A Cruzbike conversion kit costs $400 and will convert a Y-frame mountain bike very nicely. It's a good cheap way to buy a Cruzbike.
Cheers,
Charles
11-13-12, 11:52 AM
#24
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I just crossed the 25,000 mile mark last month, after about 6 years of commuting. I luvs the USS. But, ultimately, I think it's just personal preference about what you buy or like, so I'm not really a USS evangelist yet. The best bike is the one you ride.
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11-13-12, 02:47 PM
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I've owned & ridden both. In the order of ownership:
Ironically, given that 'bents are supposed to be so much easier on the body than uprights, I am about to sell my bent because the Open Cockpit setup really aggravates a shoulder injury I have. Strangely I can ride my upright bike no problem! I'd like to get another USS bike, but I've started doing a lot of offroad/mixed-terrain touring in the last few years and most bents aren't suitable.
- OSS "Praying Hamster" - tiller steer takes some getting used to, but handles fine after a short learning curve. Mostly on European 'bents these days for some reason. Very relaxed arm position, but I found I got very sweaty armpits and "elbow-pits".
- USS - extremely comfortable. A little harder to walk the bike. Slightly wider profile, but rarely an issue. In theory it may be less aerodynamic, but I haven't seen any studies and I doubt most people would notice the difference. I really regret selling that bike!
- OSS "Superman" a.k.a. Open Cockpit a.k.a. Tweener. Less comfy, easy handling, easy to walk the bike. If set up correctly it won't block your view - it should be in front of and below your knees.
Ironically, given that 'bents are supposed to be so much easier on the body than uprights, I am about to sell my bent because the Open Cockpit setup really aggravates a shoulder injury I have. Strangely I can ride my upright bike no problem! I'd like to get another USS bike, but I've started doing a lot of offroad/mixed-terrain touring in the last few years and most bents aren't suitable.
