sun bicycle speedster - Page 2

Yes mine is a Speedster AX. Rides very nice, the AX is a bit stiff with the tires aired up to the max 100lbs, but is a bit faster aired all the way up. In fact I have fudged and went all the way up to 120 lbs with these tires, really cuts down on the rolling resistance. If you want a softer ride just use 80-85 lbs. Once up to speed the weight of 36 lbs is not hard to keep moving. A change of tires made a big difference and new wheels would help too. All in all the weight does not matter, if your riding for exercise the extra few lbs just burns more cal. The speedster has more adjustments to handlebars, seats than any other bent I have ever seen. Any one could find a comfortable position on this bent. This bike is very study and would work well for the full figure riders.

Just picked up my Speedster SX this week, and am totally jazzed! Took her for a spin of a couple of miles and could feel the need to develop my bent legs, but am very happy with her perfomance. I wanted a SWB with ASS and could only spend around $600 (wanted a new bike as this is the first I have ever purchased, and I am 41!), and for the price ($519) I feel I got my money's worth.

Already buying a few accessories -- rack, kickstand, 100psi tires, bag, pump, comp, ect. My goal, after a week or so of getting used to her is to begin commuting to work (36 miles RT), alternating between driving and riding one way for the first month or two.

All the best,

KW

Congratulations, Kilted Wolf......I think you have one of the best bargains available in recumbent bikes. Let us know how you like the 100psi tires. I'm using the basic Kendas, around 55 psi.

Thanks PrairieBentCat! I will let you know about the tires, but it will be July until I get them. The LBS is 80 miles away (OW) and I won't be going back until my two month tune up. There was a mix up and they didn't have the tires I requested when I picked up the bike, so they are letting me ride on the stock ones for free and I'll trade them in at the tune up.

KW

Here is a pic of my bike! I just installed the mirror and flags and lock holder...

Ok, not too exciting I admit, but this is the first bike I have purchased in 41 years of living...

Really looking forward to my Shimano sandals coming from REI...

KW

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Hi,

I just bought a new speedster sx today. While riding it, I noticed that it clunks when my right pedal (chainring side) is at its fullest extension. I took it back to the store. The mechanic rode it around, thought it was the pedals, changed them, moved the chain guide under the seat forward, and finally concluded that the problem was inherent in the bike chain. (He was an authorized Sun dealer). I rode it for about 6 miles today. The clunk is very noticeable. I thought it might be the bottom bracket, but it only happens when I'm pushing hard on the pedals (straining the drivetrain). It doesn't clunk when I'm pedaling lightly (so the bb is okay).
Have you had this problem or heard of this before? If so, can you suggest a solution. I love the bike otherwise save for the clunking (a thud that seems to come from the crank but shakes the whole bike) with every revolution of the pedals.

any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Pop the crankarm's dust caps and check the bolt which holds each arm on. Will probably require a 14mm socket.

Hey cjengineer,
I actually already did that. Did it with a torque wrench to 600lb-ft. Won't tighten anymore. Already determined that it's not in the crank. My two bets are either the bb or the chain for some reason is twanging.

Anyone know of a knowledgeable Sun dealer in Colorado? I'm thinking of taking it in to get checked out by a better mechanic than the one at the store I bought it at.

I doubt you put 600lb-ft on a crank bolt since it's rated to no more than about 35 lb-ft. No matter.

1. Verify no cracks in the arms by looking at the inside of each crankarm near the BB spindle. (The fastners may be tight, but if the arm is damaged, you won't be able to tighten it).

2. Unwrap the chain from the chainrings (without removing it completely from the bike, then feel for ANY lateral movement. There should be NONE, but the crank should spin freely and without drag.

3. The power you feed to the chain comes from BOTH legs, so if your symtoms are correct, then the chain is probably fine.

4. Also, it wouldn't hurt to check the chainring bolts too.

Your crankset and BB are standard, off the shelf "bike" parts, so ANY competent LBS can easily find and repair as necessary.

Thanks cjengineer,

I checked it all out as you said. The arms had no cracks. The chain was fine. The chainrings were on tight. It turns out that the bottom bracket had some bad bearings. As soon as I replaced the bb, the knock went away. Now I can get on to some serious riding. Thanks for all your help!

fyi: Any and All Bikes in Denver, CO who sold me the bike was no help at all. Westend Cycling & Fitness in Lakewood really took the time to help me out.

Sempe Fi!!!!!!!!

Im interested in buying the speedster as well. . .Ive heard theyve been discontinued for 06 - Is that true? . . .Im planning to test ride this comming tuesday July 19 on a speedster that is aparently a few years old. Depending on how old the bike is, I would imagine the age reflects the price I can expect to pay? Whats the quickest way to determine what year the model is? I understand there are three different grades for the speedster sx, cx, and somthing else. . .are the different models allways the same color regardless of the year (blue, silver, white) ?

Yes discontinued by Sun, the competition for swb recumbents must have been too fierce. Mine was purchased this spring, it is the 05 model. The suggested price is $1499 I think. As the news of Sun not making them for 06 got our the price went down. I got a good price on mine, but have moved on to a trike. Try it survice bad knees, shoulders and a bad back. It is a good bike with good components, sram x9 rear deraillure and x9 shifters. The 100lb Kenda Kwest tires, very durable. My bike has rear carrier, speedo, mirror, and kickstand as extras. The seat is comfortable and this bike has many adjustments for positions. Cant imagine anyone not being able to ride.

Rusty Brown
2176496858

By the way yes, a sx, cx and an ax. Mine is an ax model.

[QUOTE=bikingarcola]Yes discontinued by Sun, the competition for swb recumbents must have been too fierce. Mine was purchased this spring, it is the 05 model. The suggested price is $1499 I think. As the news of Sun not making them for 06 got our the price went down. I got a good price on mine, but have moved on to a trike. Try it survice bad knees, shoulders and a bad back. It is a good bike with good components, sram x9 rear deraillure and x9 shifters. The 100lb Kenda Kwest tires, very durable. My bike has rear carrier, speedo, mirror, and kickstand as extras. The seat is comfortable and this bike has many adjustments for positions. Cant imagine anyone not being able to ride.

thanks for the info. Bikingarcola. . .I look forward to test riding it tue. . .any negatives youve personaly discoverd about the speedster?. . .Ive heard its rather heavy (which wouldnt be all that nice since I most often have to lift it to the car top carriers - but I guess Ill see that tue)