Volae Team report

This is my final test report on my new 2003 Volae Team. It is a keeper. A winner.

This week I rode the skinny tire ( 145 psi Continental SuperSonic 23-571) Volae Team a total of
about 100 miles, about 90% in steady Florida Keys winds between 15 and 20 knots. It is very
comfortable, manageable and easy to ride ... and it always goes faster than I expect with less
effort than I expect. I definitely am no racer but I can cruise comfortably around 20 mph in
anything except direct headwinds. For this 75-year-old, that's good. Especially noticeable is riding
directly into a 15-20 knot headwind or up a highway overpass. On the Volae Team, I easily maintain
14-15 mph into any headwind. And twice daily I granny gear effortlessly at 10-12 mph up and over the
moderately steep Vaca Cut bridge incline.

On less-than-good surfaces, my 2002 Ti Rush with its front Pantour hub (even with its Stelvio 140-
120 psi 700c x 23 tires) is a more civilized, cushier ride than the Volae, requiring considerably
less rider focus and attention. However, the Volae hardshell seat is easier on my long-troubled
lower back. The Rush is an unbeatable recumbent for many kinds of rides, so I'll be patient about
any decision to sell it.

Bob Siegel in the FL Keys, back home in Gainesville next week.