Recomendations for a commuter

chero

I have found some help searching prior threads, but would like additional advice on choosing a recumbent commuter. My ride is 10 miles daily each way, suburban to city streets, but a good route without too much traffic. I commute year around except for 5-10 snow and ice days a year. I am fairly happy with my Cannondale flat bar road bike, but exploring other options. Can spend US$ 1000-2000, and possibly buy used. I am willing to devote some time and effort to mastering a new skill, but once I have done so want a bike that will be at least as safe for commuting as my present ride. Please comment on frame design and USS vs. OSS steering.

chero

tutdmt

I am in somewhat the same position. I have a 15 mile each way commute that I have been making on an old DF. Am movng to a 'bent. I think have it down to either a Bachetta Giro (dual 26) or a Rans V2 Formula.

The best way, I think, is to find a shop that specializes in 'bents and go ride a lot of different ones. I went to the Bicycleman in Alfred, NY - about 2 hours drive for me - and spent a day there trying out about 10 different bikes to get it down to the 2 that I plan on taking for a longer ride as soon as I can get back.

I am finding that each person is different. While there the bikes that made me really smile were the worst for others test riding that day. Find a good shop and ride what they got - I think the right bike will find you pretty quickly.

chero

Thanks for the helpful advice tutdmt. The various LBS nearby don't carry recumbents, but you made me reconsider my options by relating your 2 hour trip for your test drives. I CAN find some shops within that radius, and that is what I now see I should do in order to get some hands-on testing. Sounds like the individual preference effect is strong with the very different design options out there, and direct comparison will be of great help.

Based on web research, I had also been looking at the Giro. Did you compare the 20 and the 26, and if so, any thoughts?

chero

tutdmt

First I tried the 26/20 and it was very, very good. They did not have a 26/26 in medium (this size I need) so I rode a large. It was nearly great. I liked the higher bottom bracket and felt more stable on the dual 26. I just couldn't quite get comfortable on the larger frame. On the meduim frame, I felt as though I was wearing the bike - it just fit perfectly but the little wheel is just not my thing.

They normally have a 26/26 in medium, I just went on the wrong day - thus my trip back.

One of the other people thought just the opposite. She loved the 26/20 and felt very wobbly on the 26/26.

For my ride and size, I am concerned that the 20" front wheel won't handle the PA roads as well as the 26".

poweredbysweat

I ride a Long Wheel Base Bike E, but I wouldn't recommend it for speed. I only average about 15 mph on it. I like it though, because it's a workhorse. I can load it up with my tent, sleeping bag, etc, and ride a century, then camp out, totally self-sufficient.

Generally, when somebody first test rides a recumbent, they like the Long Wheel Based models, because they feel more like a DF. However, the SWBs tend to be faster, and I'm ready to gravitate to one of those. You may want to try some of HP Velo models. They make some nice gear. I test rode a Rans Rocket, and thought it would make a nice commuter. With the length of your commute, I'd recommend a SWB with larger wheels for speed. It will probably feel a little wobbly at first.

Also, try posing this same question on Recumbents Forum, and you'll probably get a few more opinions. They also have a nice classifieds section, with a lot of used recumbents for sale. There's a 2005 HPVelo Speed Machine right now for $1700 (Iowa area). You may be able to find one for sale in your area:
http://www.bentrideronline.com/

__________________
Jim
Make a BOLD statement while cycling.
www.oilfreeandhappy.com

chero

Thanks poweredbysweat. I will look into the HP Velo and Rans Rocket too.
Regarding reposting for more visibility, I think this IS the Recumbent
forum. But perhaps there is another?
Any of you use a flag when commuting?

chero

tutdmt

Well I finally did it. I was going to go back to the BicycleMan but saw a deal on eBay for a Bachetta Strada, made a bid and won. The Strada is a dual 26 (actually 650c) and have been riding back and forth for about a week.

I love it. I am still working on getting my 'bent legs but am already faster than I was on the DF although a bit more wobbly. Have to concentrate on not grabbing the handlebars so tightly.

I don't use a flag even though about 6 miles are through the city. I think I am high enough a flag is not needed during daylight hours and they are useless at night.

Then again most of my riding is done in lower light hours and I do use a blinker light on the back which I think is more visible and is a little less "geekie" I use a cheapo Bell light that flashes in a number of patterns the batteries last forever (about 1,200 miles this year between my DF and 'bent and I still haven't changed the batteris!) If I had a low racer, I still wouldn't use a flag but I also would never ride it in town either.

poweredbysweat

Congratulations! I hope you continue to enjoy the world of recumbents.

__________________
Jim
Make a BOLD statement while cycling.
www.oilfreeandhappy.com