eddard53

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site... I actually came upon it while looking for semi-recumbent tandem info. Excited about joining such a community! My quest: to find an affordable tandem semi-'bent (or a kit to make one, if such exists). I see that someone had one shipped from Taiwan, and would like to have more info on that bike and supplier. I am 6'2" and my stoker is 5'3". We have a two-year-old Fuji upright and would like to sell/trade it if we can find a more suitable bike that will allow her to see out in front. I've seen several pics of "wheelbarrow" bikes but never seen one "in the metal". Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

blamp28

https://www.bilenky.com/viewpnt.html
I have seen this on the web but never seen one "live". My wife expressed an interest.

merlinextraligh

might checkthe recumbent forum.

I'm sure I'm showing my diamond frame biases. However, there's no way I'd ride that bike at speed.

Perhaps for tooling around, but It just doesn't look like it would handle well enough for a tight paceline, or a 50 mph descent.

In my completely unsupported, conjectural, view it would appear, the stoker is trading perceived safety (the ability to see ahead) for actual safety. ( abike that handles really well and fascilitates the coordination of the two riders.)

You also have to have a cadence problem because the upright rider is going to want a faster cadence. I understand you can get independent pedaling, but then you get into another set of issues.

JanMM

What do you mean by semi-recumbent tandem? Are you referring to crank forward tandems, like the RANS Dynamik Duo? https://ransbikes.com/07DynDuo.htm# Or something like the Bilenky?

TandemGeek

There are several threads / posts in the archives that discuss the various semi-recumbent bicycles.

The 'original' was James Weaver's Opus Counterpoint, which is now produced under some type of loosely enforced license by Bilenky as the ViewPoint... already mentioned above .... and AngleTech as the Harmony. Bilenky has made quite a few nice refinements to the original design, to include offering independent drive for special needs riders who use hand-cranks or anyone else who would like to push the pedals at a different cadence than the captain on the upright behind them. You can find a brief history on James Weaver's original design and the patent drawing in this posting: https://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.p...53&postcount=7

Left - Angletech Harmony & Right Bilenky Viewpoint



In addition to the Bilenky Viewpoint / AngleTech Harmony which sell for $5,500 - $6,400 new, there is the Hase Spezialrader Pino @ $4400.00 semi-recumbent (Racing model pictured)



As you noted, at least one Asian company has adapted various aspects of these western designs into a wide range of variants which, as you'd expect, are less expensive given the nature of the business these days.

With respect to comparing the semi-recumbents to conventional tandems, it's definitely not an either or type of item. Folks who have an interest in these bikes usually understand that they are not conventional and cater to riders with either special needs or who just like to march to the beat of a different drummer. They know who they are and, thankfully, there are a few builders out there who are willing to fabricate these somewhat off-the-beaten-path designs to meet their needs, be they what they are. Obviously, the Hase Pino Ti attempts to bridge that gap between a performance tandem and the semi-recumbent design for those who have an interest.

cat0020

I have a semi-recumbent tandem from Taiwan:



I know the manufactuer in Taiwan that make these bikes. What informtion would you like to know about the manufactuer?
I'm 5'10", my stoker is 5'0". we've had about 400 miles ridden on this tandem, we also ride our own recumbent bikes.

JanMM

Half-recumbent seems a more accurate description than semi-recumbent.

zonatandem

Rode one of the original Opus Counterpoints decades ago. Rode it both in the upright and bent positions.
Stoker (bent part) has unobstructed view (great for camera enthusiasts) and stoker is able to get sone extra oomph into the pedals by pushing your back into the lounge-type seatback.
Pilot (upright position) is able to converse or whisper sweet-nothings into stoker's ear very easily.
Bike can easily be ridden solo by the pilot and 'bent seat could be used for hauling stuff from the store.
The later incarnations have have seen quite a few improvements over the original Counterpoint, as noted.
The Pino is/was available in titanium with a price closer to 5-figures but weighing a scant 30 lbs.
Have seen it, but not ridden it.
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Giro

BentRider Online has a subforum dedicated to recumbent tandems: LINK

eddard53

===================
Thanks for the comeback. I'd like to know the contact /order info for the manufacturer, the cost, and your (and your stoker's) opinion as to the quality of the machine. How many speeds, what does it weigh, etc. BTW, My stoker has a vision problem (depth perception) - she bought an H700 Cannondale 12 years ago, dumped it a couple of times, then hung it in the garage where it's been for 12 years. Not a mark on it. It won't fit me or I'd be on it. So... she likes tandeming, but can't see much back there. Thanks.

cat0020

My stoker is 5'0", with x-seam less than 36" and inseam less than 28". She would like to have more seating area on the hardshell seat and maybe a little more rearward tilt to the seating plane. She gets the sensation that she's sliding forward off the seat when she's not pedaling, that's why the crankarms are offset to their to locals to allow the pedals at the approximate furthest point for both riders at around the same time.
The quality of the bike isn't the same as a Hase Pino, but you won't be paying nearly as much as a Hase Pino neither.
If you want a tandem to be able to be ridden for a fully loaded camping trip, this is not a good choice, the weight of extra luggage/gear may stress the frame/components. But Myself and my stoker have ridden this bike over 400 miles, a few metric centuries.. no 100 miler just yet, I could only sit upright for so long on that saddle.
27 speed, approx. 38-40 lb. as equipped in picture. I changed the stoker crankarms from 170 to 155mm and captn's crankarms from 170 to 175mm. Originally comes with Kenda rear tire that have narrower profile to allow faster speed, but I changed it out to allow more complience to make the rear wheel last longer, that may be unnecessary. I also changed out teh rear brake to accomedate for the clearance issue of the rear rack.
The timing chain idler and plastic tube could be tricky to setup, but nothing too complicated.

cat0020

A semi-recumbent tandem avaialble on eBay auction, no connection to me, item# 110230161798