Cyclebum

OK. I bought a Linear USS bent, Model 2(?), sight unseen 'cept for couple of pictures. A DF cycling buddy in Phx who received it for me said he was impressed with the condition. Won't get to try it on until April. Price was so right been dumb to pass. New tires.

The link I think shows a Model 3. Mine has grip shifter for a Sachs 3x7 rear hub, double up front.

From those of you who ride, have ridden USS'rs, I'd like to hear the pros/cons, both for city riding and for loaded touring. Any tips for an USS newby? I currently ride a Tour Easy.

BTW, I have watched a couple of YouTube videos by Peter, The Bicycle Man.

Thanks

osco53

About the only complaint I have ever heard about USS is that It's a tad wider so getting through aprtment doors can be a little tricky
and walking the bike when next to it is a bit harder. Mounting lights n computers, other toys out front needs additional considerations.

They look very comfy for your arms.

cplager

It's also supposed to be not as aerodynamic. But it does look very comfy for your arms.

Cyclebum

Hmm...hadn't thought about the walking part. Only 'toy' I occasionally mount is my eTrex, but I don't expect to do any long distance touring on this bike. Probably just local riding when in Phx. Bought it for the experience and the remote chance it would displace the TE. Never know 'til you try. It'll probably end up on CL. Learning curves usually cost. In this case, not much.

cplager

I've never ridden a bike with USS (although I have seen them in real life). The people who ride them seem to like them a lot. So give it a good shot and you may end up joining the happy ranks of the USS.

osco53

Idda done what you did, You bought it right so ride the thing and tell us about it...

Replace the Tour Easy,,I doubt that,
Something different and fun to ride,,I bet thats true.

I want a Tadpole, but not untill I save up cash for the full price.

Cyclebum

I learned from a PM that it was built in Iowa about 2001. The company went belly up and The Bicycle Shop in NY now builts a model 3. There were problems with making a front derailluer work, thus the 21 speed rear hub and single chainring. Some like mine, came with a double, hand shifted. The PMer now rides a trike after crashing the USS one time too many.

mobilemail

I rode a Vision R-40 for a few years, which has led me to consider a SWB/USS my favorite setup. When I first started riding USS, the weirdest thing happened. I realized I would get nervous going down big hills because there was nothing in front of me! I had never considered the psychology of the "box" we commonly put ourselves into, whether it is with handlebars on a bike, or the dashboard in a car. Anyway, once I realized that feeling I dsimissed it, and absolutely loved the comfort of having my hands and arms relaxed. I was never quite that comfortable on anything else until I got a trike.

delcrossv

Rode a Ryan Vanguard (USS / LWB) since '94 and I am a "True Believer" when it comes to USS. Very comfortable and good for long distances. Never had an issue screaming down hills either. At least with the Ryan, walking the bike isn't an issue as I can "steer" it by leaning the bike one way or another holding onto the seat back. I don't need to touch the bars. Although I also have a P-38, IMO it's "six of one/half dozen of another" regarding riding difficulty.

If I didn't have the Ryan I'd get a Longbikes Slipstream before I'd get a Tour Easy. YMMV.

Cyclebum

Longbike Slipstream

delcrossv

Mmm. A cross between a Cadillac and a Barcalounger.

mobilemail

I'd like to park my carcass on that one! Only thing is I"m "vertically challenged" and a bit concerned about seat height.

Floyd

I have a Linear with OSS and it does have the triple on the front with good shifting...I don't know what all the fuss is about when it comes to shifting..that is, mine works good. I have to admit I do not ride it much since I have other bikes and a trike but I do still enjoy the comfortable ride of the linear.

delcrossv

FWIW, my 5' 5" 13 y.o. rides my Ryan with no problems. Longbikes are very similar. The seat is lower than my P-38

LWB_guy

PROS:

• Absolute comfort - Riding a bike down the road just doesn't get any more comfortable than this posture, very similar to relaxing in a chaise lounge. Forearms/hands never tire.
• Low center-of-gravity - means turning the bike will require different timing on the countersteering aspect. This just means it took me more than twenty hours learning to ride one in a parking lot before I was comfortable enough to ride it on the highway. You can still lean your torso to one side to turn, it just takes longer. I guess this really has more to do with seat position above the pavement than it does with USS.

CONS:

• Like balancing on the parallel bars, the position just feels awkward when you first try it. Feels weird! For a guy who has only ridden an upright bike, when Istarted riding a bike with USS, it waslike learning to ride a bike all over again. From scratch.
• Extra hardware to break - An aluminum linkage rod connects the handlebar bracket to the fork. Unlike the OSS handlebars that attach directly to the head tube, the linkage rod could potentially get bent or broken, especially if you have an accident or if a nut on the connecting bolt corrodes and the bolt falls off. If the linkage rod breaks, bends, or detaches, you can't ride the bike because you won't be able to steer it.
• Once you try USS, you might not ever be as happy riding a bike without USS.

I ride my LWB bike w/ USS in the city a lot. I ride it on loaded tours. No problems whatsoever. I learned to push it while walking by placing my left hand on the left handgrip and my right hand on the back of the seat. Very easy.

Oldoarsman

"Extra hardware to break - An aluminum linkage rod connects the handlebar bracket to the fork. Unlike the OSS handlebars that attach directly to the head tube, the linkage rod could potentially get bent or broken, especially if you have an accident or if a nut on the connecting bolt corrodes and the bolt falls off. If the linkage rod breaks, bends, or detaches, you can't ride the bike because you won't be able to steer it."

To minimize the chance of damaging the linkage rod when transporting my Linear, I purchased a fishing rod storage tube when the local shop had their going out of business sale, and I store it safely in there until it's reinstalled (snapped back in place) on my bike. Works great and minimizes and chance of damage. Also gives me an opportunity to examine it periodically for wear and tear when I remove and install it.

I agree with your assessment of USS...very comfortable, low center of gravity, but can be a little tricky to master at first. Once mastered...especially when riding at low speeds, USS feels like the way riding should be...and you quickly develop a case of perma-grin.

Cyclebum

Thanks for the tips and encouraging remarks. My daughter took it to lbs in Chandler . They pronounced it mechanically sound. Showed her how to adjust the seat. Already has a pannier rack. Will try it on in early April. There is a large parking lot near her home to practice in.

Goal is to use it for a perimeter tour of the Salton Sea.

thefamousgab

When reading this, I would love to try a USS. It looks like you can focus on the environment, not on the road itself. Am I wrong ?

Cyclebum

Update: My adult daughter who has the bike in Phx just texted me that "It is a fun ride." She is a very casual cyclist, so that assessment has me really encouraged.

delcrossv

No you're correct. USS gives the best view (which is why it's such a good pick for touring).

thefamousgab

Open to the air, open to the environment, surely more open to smiles also

Cyclebum

Nice vids thefamousgab. The Place de Bastille one was timely for me as I'm reading Les Mis.

I live near Paris. Paris, Tx.

thefamousgab

Lol, so we do live near Paris both of us
Thanks for your positive comment ! reading "Les Miserables" is indeed very appropriate !
I will post more videos about the hidden paths of Paris...

Cyclebum

OK. I did and I will.

Got to see/ride it for first time a couple of days ago. In Phoenix. It is mechanically sound and I had no serious problems getting the hang of it. There are 28 gear ratios. 14 in the rear with the internally geared Sachs 2x7 rear hub, two chain rings up front, manually switched. The seat and seat back are a bit flimsy relative to my TE, but servicable. It came with a rear rack and Mirracycle mirror mounted on the grip.

Steering demands a feather touch on the grips. A normal intersection turn seems mostly a matter of thought and a slight lean. A U turn seems a bit easier and maybe tighter than on the TE. It is not nearly as manuerverable when being pushed as the TE. The front wheel will not turn as sharply. I pick up the rear or front and move it around in tight situations, rarely needing to do this with the TE. Pushing the bike is very easy to do.

I've put about 30 miles on it so far. No significant deficiencies noted. Does creak a bit, but that's ok for now. A test climb up a 20% grade proved the granny to be low enough. Heading out tomorrow for 4 day tour around the flat Salton Sea. I'm a happy camper who darn sure got his money's worth.

Will leave in Phx for use when here. The stiff aluminum frame would not smooth out Texas chip seal like the TE does.

VegasTriker

Are you sure the rear hub is 2 X 7 and not 3 X 7? Everyone I know with the internal hub on an older (Iowa made) Linear has a SACHS 3 speed internal hub. An easy way to do a U-turn in a very short space is to stop, plant your feet, and lift the seat and swivel it 180 degrees. It does have a very wide turning radius if you use the handlebars. Don't worry about the tie rod. It is not all that fragile but must be kept snug so that there is no play in the steering.