Short bentriders-What do you ride? - Page 2

"Gary Krause" <artist200@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:13d3e57e.0303161533.52a946bb@posting.google.com...
> I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and I
> can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet slipping
> out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with small frames
> and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough. I've looked at
> the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
>
> So what bents work for your short legs and why?
>
> Gary

Gary,

We're about the same size, however you have a half inch more x-seam than I. I've owned a Lightning
Stealth (Phantom), Haluzak Leprechaun, a couple tadpole trikes, and my current ride, a Tour Easy.
The TE is the easiest of the 2-wheelers as far as feet on ground . The Haluzak and Lightning both
allowed me to get feet flat on the ground, but both required me to lean forward a bit to do so. That
despite a 349 front wheel on both.

If getting stable at a stop is paramount, I'd consider a LWB like a TE, RANS Stratus or V2. The
Strat has the added advantage of a lower seat height the further forward it is adjusted. The V2
will be a mite tougher to start up because the BB is much higher than the others. Best to ride 'em
all and see.

Tom Thompson

Hi Tom,

I am considering the V2 not only for the lower seat but, also for the higher BB. I like to lay back
and if I have the seat too upright, such as on the Easy Racer, I tend to get recumbent butt. Having
my feet flat on the ground isn't really essential otherwise, I wouldn't have a Canto and V-Rex. It
sure would be nice though. Thanks.

"Tom Thompson" <toomanybikes@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:<b55m6h$26a6n0$1@ID-163254.news.dfncis.de>...
> "Gary Krause" <artist200@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:13d3e57e.0303161533.52a946bb@posting.google.com...
> > I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> > with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> > flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and
> > I can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet
> > slipping out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with
> > small frames and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough.
> > I've looked at the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
> >
> > So what bents work for your short legs and why?
> >
> > Gary
>
> Gary,
>
> We're about the same size, however you have a half inch more x-seam than I. I've owned a Lightning
> Stealth (Phantom), Haluzak Leprechaun, a couple tadpole trikes, and my current ride, a Tour Easy.
> The TE is the easiest of the 2-wheelers as far as feet on ground . The Haluzak and Lightning both
> allowed me to get feet flat on the ground, but both required me to lean forward a bit to do so.
> That despite a 349 front wheel on both.
>
> If getting stable at a stop is paramount, I'd consider a LWB like a TE, RANS Stratus or V2. The
> Strat has the added advantage of a lower seat height the further forward it is adjusted. The V2
> will be a mite tougher to start up because the BB is much higher than the others. Best to ride 'em
> all and see.
>
> Tom Thompson

I have owned a number of bents over the past decade. I also have a 29" inseam (at best). I have come
to the conlusion that if you are this short and want both your feet planted safely on the ground -
stick with a LWB. As far a people with 28" inseams touching the ground flat footed on thier SWB
machines - I don't belive it. There are a number of other benefits as well, such as often better
weight distribution.

I have owned the following SWBs: Lightning stealth, RANS V-rex, RANS Rocket, Small size Giro. The
Giro had the best reach to the ground due to the smaller seat base. It also had a pretty good weight
distribution, but the granks were too high for me. All the rest had too forward a weight
distribution - you have to move the seat forward in order to reach the pedals - often this places
too much weight over the front wheel.

I have owned the following LWB models: RANS Tailwind, Tour Easy, RANS Stratus. The Tailwind has a
little higher seat but it is still possible to sit flat footed. I also offers near perfect weight
distribution for a shorter person. The Stratus has a very low seat and gets lower the closer you are
to the pedals. However the bike is long and so are the handlebars. The TourEasy is available in
several sizes. For a short person the TourEasy is not too long of a bike.

Andrew

artist200@earthlink.net (Gary Krause) wrote in message
news:<13d3e57e.0303161533.52a946bb@posting.google.com>...
> I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and I
> can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet slipping
> out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with small frames
> and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough. I've looked at
> the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
>
> So what bents work for your short legs and why?
>
> Gary

The two shortest recumbentistas I know both ride Kingcycle SWB's with a seat height of ~18". This
suggests that a Rotator Tiger might serve the vertically challenged quite nicely too.

Dave Larrington - http://legslarry.crosswinds.net/
===========================================================
Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
http://www.bhpc.org.uk/
===========================================================

I agree that LWB's are better suited for shorter riders. I have owned a Rans Rocket, Vision R-40,
Rans V-Rex and Burley Canto. The SWB's are a blast to ride but, I feel that my weight is too far
forward. Not only that, I don't like being so close to the riser. The only SWB that didn't give me
that feeling was a USS R-40. The OSS R-40 that I had was a small frame and the rear wheel actually
came off the ground in an emergency braking situation. I agree that the LWB's have better weight
distribution. Generally the seats seem to be a little lower to the ground depending on the design.
Short wheel base designs just aren't conducive to shorter riders but, that doesn't stop me from
riding my V-Rex.:-) I've spent some time on a Rans Stratus and it's a really nice bike however, I
like a higher bottom bracket.

It has been interesting to hear what other's are riding and why. There is no such thing as the
perfect recumbent and I think that's why many of us have owned more than one. Not only that, they
are so much fun to ride!

Gary

artisticwill@worldnet.att.net (rocketman58) wrote in message
news:<70ce0d5a.0303172108.6b57c4e@posting.google.com>...
> I have owned a number of bents over the past decade. I also have a 29" inseam (at best). I have
> come to the conlusion that if you are this short and want both your feet planted safely on the
> ground - stick with a LWB. As far a people with 28" inseams touching the ground flat footed on
> thier SWB machines - I don't belive it. There are a number of other benefits as well, such as
> often better weight distribution.
>
> I have owned the following SWBs: Lightning stealth, RANS V-rex, RANS Rocket, Small size Giro. The
> Giro had the best reach to the ground due to the smaller seat base. It also had a pretty good
> weight distribution, but the granks were too high for me. All the rest had too forward a weight
> distribution - you have to move the seat forward in order to reach the pedals - often this places
> too much weight over the front wheel.
>
> I have owned the following LWB models: RANS Tailwind, Tour Easy, RANS Stratus. The Tailwind has a
> little higher seat but it is still possible to sit flat footed. I also offers near perfect weight
> distribution for a shorter person. The Stratus has a very low seat and gets lower the closer you
> are to the pedals. However the bike is long and so are the handlebars. The TourEasy is available
> in several sizes. For a short person the TourEasy is not too long of a bike.
>
> Andrew
>
> artist200@earthlink.net (Gary Krause) wrote in message
> news:<13d3e57e.0303161533.52a946bb@posting.google.com>...
> > I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> > with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> > flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and
> > I can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet
> > slipping out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with
> > small frames and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough.
> > I've looked at the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
> >
> > So what bents work for your short legs and why?
> >
> > Gary

"Gary Krause" <artist200@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:13d3e57e.0303190751.57bcfeee@posting.google.com...
> I agree that LWB's are better suited for shorter riders. I have owned a Rans Rocket, Vision R-40,
> Rans V-Rex and Burley Canto. The SWB's are a blast to ride but, I feel that my weight is too far
> forward. Not only that, I don't like being so close to the riser. The only SWB that didn't give me
> that feeling was a USS R-40. The OSS R-40 that I had was a small frame and the rear wheel actually
> came off the ground in an emergency braking situation. I agree that the LWB's have better weight
> distribution. Generally the seats seem to be a little lower to the ground depending on the design.
> Short wheel base designs just aren't conducive to shorter riders but, that doesn't stop me from
> riding my V-Rex.:-) I've spent some time on a Rans Stratus and it's a really nice bike however, I
> like a higher bottom bracket.
>
> It has been interesting to hear what other's are riding and why. There is no such thing as the
> perfect recumbent and I think that's why many of us have owned more than one. Not only that, they
> are so much fun to ride!
>

I have a 30" inseam and 40.5" x-seam. I found that the seats on the LWB bikes generally fit better,
but I also like the higher BB and maneuverability on SWB bikes. I found that the Rotator Tiger fits
great and has a much better weight distribution. I washed out the rear wheel a few times on my
Haluzak while breaking on a curve, but have yet to lift the rear on the Tiger. The hard part with
the Tiger is getting the seat positioned just right. I have it right on top of the mid-drive, and
you are limited where you can put the hose clamps with the mid-drive tab in the way.

"Dave Larrington" <legs_larry@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:<b5a412$27urfi$1@ID-120318.news.dfncis.de>...
> The two shortest recumbentistas I know both ride Kingcycle SWB's with a seat height of ~18". This
> suggests that a Rotator Tiger might serve the vertically challenged quite nicely too.
>
> Dave Larrington - http://legslarry.crosswinds.net/
> ===========================================================
> Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
> http://www.bhpc.org.uk/
> ===========================================================

When I saw the ? about short riders I thought one of my questions might be answered. I was wronged.
I have been looking for a bent for a couple of friends and they think that people of 5'6" are tall.
Both of my friends are sub 5 feet and still looking. Some manufactures say that there bikes fit
people from 5 feet to 6'2". Most of us that are the same height have different leg lenghts. Tom in
Dayton Ohio builds custom bents for kids and that might be the only way that my friends can get a
bent, Any other ideas out there?

Gary

One recumbent friend, who is about 4'10", rides a Varna Velocipede.

It has a curved monotube frame with overall dimensionsions and geometry similar to those of a BikeE.

There's a picture at:

http://www.ihpva.org/com/Varna/velocipede.jpg

-- Chris Broome

************************

Gary Krause wrote:
>
> I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and I
> can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet slipping
> out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with small frames
> and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough. I've looked at
> the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
>
> So what bents work for your short legs and why?
>
> Gary

rocketman58 wrote:
>
> I have owned a number of bents over the past decade. I also have a 29" inseam (at best). I have
> come to the conlusion that if you are this short and want both your feet planted safely on the
> ground - stick with a LWB. As far a people with 28" inseams touching the ground flat footed on
> thier SWB machines - I don't belive it. There are a number of other benefits as well, such as
> often better weight distribution....

The person in the front row to the far left in this picture (as viewed)
[1] (red sweater, black shirt, and light blue pants) is the previous owner of my SWB Earth Cycles
Sunset, and had no problem putting both her feet on the ground at a stop.

As an aside, the wheelbase on my Sunset is about 6 inches longer than when "Little Barbie" was
riding it.

[2] < http://home.earthlink.net/~gkpsol/holidayparty2000.html > [2]
[3] I am incorrectly listed in the text below as Tom Smith - not the first time our names have
been confused.

Tom Sherman - Various HPV's Quad Cities USA (Illinois side)

At least one of the Kingcyclists referred to above is sub-five foot, but since the said bike has not
been manufactured for about five years, this doesn't help much...

Dave Larrington - http://legslarry.crosswinds.net/
===========================================================
Editor - British Human Power Club Newsletter
http://www.bhpc.org.uk/
===========================================================

Tom Thompson <toomanybikes@comcast.net> wrote:

: If getting stable at a stop is paramount, I'd consider a LWB like a TE, RANS Stratus or V2. The
: Strat has the added advantage of a lower seat height the further forward it is adjusted. The V2
: will be a mite tougher to start up because the BB is much higher than the others. Best to ride 'em
: all and see.

How about considering SWBs with low seat? Such as semi-lowracers? Too expensive in your continent?
Other problems with fit?

Anybody took a look at what sells in Japan yet?

--
Risto Varanka | http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/ varis at no spam please iki fi

>Gary Krause at artist200@earthlink.net wrote:

> I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and I
> can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet slipping
> out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with small frames
> and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough. I've looked at
> the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
>
> So what bents work for your short legs and why?

Try being 5ft 2in Gary. :^( I go to recumbent events and can barely ride anything.

Currently I have two homebuilts (SWB with OSS and a tadpole trike) I mostly ride a Greenspeed GTC.
It is a variation of the popular GTO. I am currently just barely the right size for the standard
size of this smaller sized trike. They are designing a small size of the small size.

I just purchased and I wil get delivery March 30 of three more homebuilts so as to have a stable of
bents to lend out for recumbent events. One is a Delta trike with corraplast fairing. (will fit
various sizes, including me) One is a tadpole trike (fits perfectly) One is a USS lever style
steering LWB ( It may not adjust enough to fit me)

Jay <--sized like an elf

Hi Jay,

I've been looking at trikes also. I have never ridden one and my local LBS doesn't carry them. I
would have to make a 100 mile trip to ride one which, I will probably do when the weather gets
better. I'm currently digging my way out of the snow drifts from the blizzard we had yesterday. I'm
in Cheyenne, Wyoming one hundred miles north of Denver, Colorado.

It's great that you can get bents custom made. I have thought about taking a welding class at the
local community college and building my own. I might just do that.

I laughed when you said "sized like an elf". My late wife use to refer to me as the "elf king"
because, of my size and my personality. It brought back lots of fond memories. Thanks.:-)

It sounds like you will have quite a fleet of recumbents. I currently have two and I'm toying with
the idea of a third. I keep asking myself, what am I going to do with three? Do I have room? Will I
ride one more than the others? Will the others be jealous?:-0

You'll have to give us a ride report when you get your new bents. Some pictures would be nice too!

Gary

Jay <jay@siberian.org> wrote in message news:<BA9F611B.62D4%jay@siberian.org>...
> >Gary Krause at artist200@earthlink.net wrote:
>
> > I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> > with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> > flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and
> > I can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet
> > slipping out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with
> > small frames and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough.
> > I've looked at the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
> >
> > So what bents work for your short legs and why?
>
> Try being 5ft 2in Gary. :^( I go to recumbent events and can barely ride anything.
>
> Currently I have two homebuilts (SWB with OSS and a tadpole trike) I mostly ride a Greenspeed GTC.
> It is a variation of the popular GTO. I am currently just barely the right size for the standard
> size of this smaller sized trike. They are designing a small size of the small size.
>
> I just purchased and I wil get delivery March 30 of three more homebuilts so as to have a stable
> of bents to lend out for recumbent events. One is a Delta trike with corraplast fairing. (will fit
> various sizes, including me) One is a tadpole trike (fits perfectly) One is a USS lever style
> steering LWB ( It may not adjust enough to fit me)
>
> Jay <--sized like an elf

>>> Gary Krause at artist200@earthlink.net wrote: I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch
>>> x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else with short legs is riding?<snip> So what bents
>>> work for your short legs and why?

>> Jay <jay@siberian.org> wrote in message Try being 5ft 2in Gary. :^( I go to recumbent events and
>> can barely ride anything. <snip summary of 6 bents soon> Jay <--sized like an elf

>Gary Krause at artist200@earthlink.net wrote: I've been looking at trikes also. I have never ridden
>one and my local LBS doesn't carry them. I would have to make a 100 mile trip to ride one which,

Try it. As you can tell by three tadpoles and one delta - I like 'em. Trikes have their own
strengths and weaknesses. I describe it as between a custom recliner and a go-cart to newbies.

Generalities (with some exceptions): No need to balance- sit and ride. Heavier than two wheels. More
stable for loads. Hard to store. Hard to travel.

> I will probably do when the weather gets better. I'm currently digging my way out of the snow
> drifts from the blizzard we had yesterday. I'm in Cheyenne, Wyoming one hundred miles north of
> Denver, Colorado.

I live in southern Ontario, Canada. As a yearround transportational cyclist- I know snow.

> It's great that you can get bents custom made. I have thought about taking a welding class at the
> local community college and building my own. I might just do that.

Getting bikes/trikes custom built is harder than you think. I have buddies who are garage-builders,
but I am mostly a wannabe.

I am studying a beginner's level general course in welding at a nearby school. Oxy/acetaline
MIG and ARC

Bike building is a lot more than welding. You may want to also look at other groups/organizations
regarding bike building. I belong to the framebuilders list, HPV Builders on yahoo groups, a local
recumbent group, IHPVA (trikes, HPV, boats, workbikes)

Also consider the ihpva website (building resources), magazines like Recumbent Cyclist News, Bicycle
Design by Mike Burrows, Bicycles and Tricycles by A. Sharp, Bike Design by Whitt and Wilson,
>
> I laughed when you said "sized like an elf". My late wife use to refer to me as the "elf king"
> because, of my size and my personality. It brought back lots of fond memories. Thanks.:-)
>
> It sounds like you will have quite a fleet of recumbents. I currently have two and I'm toying with
> the idea of a third. I keep asking myself, what am I going to do with three? Do I have room? Will
> I ride one more than the others? Will the others be jealous?:-0

I live in an apartment. I also host recumbent events and wish to be generous in my ability to let
other people try a range of bents.

With recumbents, each style of steering, frame, drive train, seat, etc has their own personality and
specialized areas that they are good for- much as people do with careers. Is one better than
another? DEPENDS. What do YOU want it for? (touring, speed, snow, hauling loads, comfort,etc) What
do YOU need? (arthritis, balance problems, stroke, etc) What can you afford?

Spend time with bent people and at bent events to get as much info as you can. Mostly ride as many
bents as you can and for as long as you can. I prefer to let people ride for at least 20 min, but an
hour or more is better. Let's someone get past "this different and a bit weird" to what I consider
to be real evaluation. The ideal would be days of riding on each style you are considering.

>
> You'll have to give us a ride report when you get your new bents. Some pictures would be nice too!

In the past: Do a google search for my name last August and you will see postings for the World
Championships and Trikefest. I also keep labelled photo albums of recumbent events that people love
to look through.

I'm the exact same height with the exact same inseam, and I find riding my Burley Taiki (Canto) just
fine. I have no problem planting my feet on the ground.

Ian

"Gary Krause" <artist200@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:13d3e57e.0303161533.52a946bb@posting.google.com...
> I'm 5' 7" with a 29 inch inseam and a 39.5 inch x-seam. I was just wondering what everyone else
> with short legs is riding? I currently have a V-Rex and a Burley Canto and I can't plant my feet
> flat on the ground on either bike. I'm considering getting a V2 because, it has a lower seat and I
> can place both feet flat on the ground. It sure is nice not having to worry about my feet slipping
> out from under me in gravel or sand. I've looked at just about all of the SWB's with small frames
> and even owned a small framed Vision R-40. But, the seats just aren't low enough. I've looked at
> the Status and V2 and I like the looks of the new Haluzak LWB.
>
> So what bents work for your short legs and why?
>
> Gary