jeff-o

Hey all, I order my bikes from the same supplier as ActionBent. The company in Taiwan is called TW-Bents, and are a subsidiary of China Mascot Products Co.

The folks at TW-Bents have been an absolute pleasure so far to work with. My contact at TW-Bents responds to emails quickly and politely, and I respect him highly for being able to communicate adequately in English. I sure can't speak a word of Mandarin (or whatever dialect they use in Taiwan). They are generous and easy to work with. My first order is coming in just a few days so I can't comment on quality just yet, but I am expecting good things.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you're having troubles with a bike purchased from ActionBent, be sure to place blame where it belongs. There may indeed be a manufacturing defect, maybe something was damaged during shipping, whatever.

I've read some ActionBent horror stories like some of you, but I have the utmost faith in the manufacturer. If you're having trouble with a bike you've purchased from ActionBent, and they're not helping, just know that there may be alternate routes by which you can get the problem resolved. Talk to a different dealer, or maybe contact TW-Bents directly.

Ric

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan]Ric, I appreciate your posting your honest views. Nobody I know is trying to do otherwise.

Since I've already ordered my bike, I'll be giving my honest appraisal here on a first-hand basis. You can bet that if I have serious problems, I'll pass that info along. If I like the bike, I'll let y'all know.

I've been bike commuting in Atlanta for about 10 years, and I currently ride about 30 miles round trip, 3 to 5 days a week. There are some tall hills on my commute and almost nothing in the way of bike lanes, paths, etc. I ride for transportation, pure and simple, and have no interest in a bike that isn't doing the job.[/QUOTE

I think it's important to have a company that has enough faith in there product that there willing to stand behind there product, and it doesn't seem AB does or at least to me to me it doesn't. Don't get me wrong, I like the way the AB looks, I think it's has great possibiltys. The thing that bothers me is that I've just heard of too many horror stories about the bike. I wish you all the luck in the world and hope things turn out right.

karterjimm

I have indulged in an Actionbent for the $$ reason and so far I am pleased with it. I got a full suspended Road Runner and really like it. Everything went together well except for the chain that was 9 links short. If I didn't have such long legs, all would be OK; but I just went to the LBS and got a length to add to it and off I went! A little shaky at first, but I quickly mastered it. I'll keep you posted as I roll the miles on it. I know.....some people would badmouth AB for not having the proper chain length, but when you buy on the 'net, there are some things you just have to accept! And I saved lots of $$$$ by having a minor inconvenience.

....................jim

Bud Bent

I love my Tsunami (built by China Mascot, just like Actionbents, but sold by chucksbikes.com). But, the Actionbents are lighter weight bikes than most any of the other less expensive bents. For that reason, if you weigh 300 pounds, buy one of the bulletproof (and heavy) Sun Bicycles recumbents, not the Actionbent, or lose 100 lbs before buying a bike.

I eventually converted my Tsunami to a highracer, and have put over 4000 miles on it since September, 2004, virtually troublefree. If you are considering buying one, join the Actionbent yahoo group, and spend some time reading past posts. There is a wealth of information on the bikes there.

One other note: People have had the best luck with established Actionbent models. Buyers of new models (which they seem to introduce frequently) have had more trouble.

LittleBigMan

Well, thanks for the posts, y'all! Got my Actionbent Jestream II USS on Friday, assembled it myself on Saturday, rode it on Sunday then to work on Monday. Maybe it's because it's my first bent, but I really love this bike! I had absolutely no problem on any hill I tried, and I've got some good ones around here! I did have a little problem getting my balance right at slow climbing speeds, but with time I'll have faster legs and better balance.

One thing I like is the long chain. Lets me use every single gear ratio without worries. Very comfortable, very stable ride. It's a pretty bike, and great to ride.

Now, if I can only develop a new set of muscles...

Stupid

I bought a pair of AB Tadpoles last year and had the same "problem" with the chain length (I'm 6'5") on one of them. Other than a cracked seat back, that was the only issue I had and everything went together well.
I too didn't have the oportunity to test ride first, but figured "what the hell... it's only money and not a lot at that, so why not?"

So far so good.

-T

benttrike18

Checked out your new site. I like that model. Like the 26" rear and suspension. See you are looking for suggestions of other TW Bents you might stock. What do you think retail would be on the Lowracer?
Be nice to see one that didn't want your first born for payment.

Jim

jeff-o

I asked about the lowracer ( I assume you're talking about the one on TW-Bents' website), but they said that model is no longer in production. My contact suggested the midracer as an alternative. I'm not sure why they stopped making it, maybe the roads and motorists in Taiwan aren't as safe for a lowracer as they are here.

First born as payment? Hardly. my markup is less than a typical bike shop. Also remember you get about $200 in accessories for free...

Now, lest I attract the negative attention of a moderator, I'll stop there.

benttrike18

Yes that was the one. Too bad they stopped producing that one. I didn't mean your prices, I meant the price for a lowracer in general. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

Yes let's drop this sort of ad/sell thing:-)
Jim

jeff-o

Well, if you do want an inexpensive lowracer, and are handy with a welding torch, then you could build one yourself. There are two great guides on the net, one by Atomic Zombie, and one by Atom Bikes. I imagine, with plans in hand, you could also find a welder/fabricator in your area that could build the frame for you.

benttrike18

As a matter of fact I am considering Atom Bikes and one very similar designed by Tom Traylor. I like the idea of using donor frames and FWD (less chain, no idlers to contend with) I've already built a Tour Easy clone that way.

Jim

jeff-o

Cool. Let us know if you decide to build one, I know I'd love to see the result. Be sure to give it a sweet paint job, too.