Bending yourself...

[Michael & Debbi]

Hi,

I am new both to this group and the world of bents. I would like to start riding again, but it
seems DFs don't work well for me. As a kid I used to ride a lot -- my Dad, once, had bought my
brother and I new Bianchi ten speeds for Christmas, the ones with the shifters at the ends of
the drops (which was a new thing then). Mine was the Bianchi green, and I was so upset. I'd
wanted a Stingray with a banana seat, goose-neck handle bars and a five-speed stickshift (in an
odd kind of way, that was probably closer to a recumbent). I was pretty young, couldn't even
reach the pedals of the Bianchi without blocks. I rode that bike for many years, though. It was
great. But then, when I was about 19 or 20, something changed. I wanted to get another bike for
riding to school and around town. (I don't remember what happened to the Bianchi, but I hadn't
had it for a few years). I bought a Peugeot, but couldn't ride it. I'd go hardly any distance at
all, and it was as if my body locked up. I'd have to down- shift eventually into first, even on
flat terrain. After a few days, I was going so slowly, I could walk faster. And certainly with
less pain. I've tried a several times since, and not much better (I have an old Volkscycle Mark
X gathering cobwebs on my porch). I don't know if it was adolescence, or what. I've been
thinking maybe a recumbent would work better for me. I have a small financial problem, however,
so I need to do this on the cheap. So, finally, I'm looking for advice, information,
suggestions, et al, on building a bent myself.

Thanks, Michael

 

[Alan Weiss]

Hi, Michael. If you would give us some indication of where you live, we may be able to point you
towards some used recumbents. For example, I have one (cheap!) here in NJ, but don't know if that is
anywhere near you.

As far as building one yourself, there are plans available, and kits: http://www.iesales.com/
http://www.radiks.net/~ladue/ And for a wealth of information, look at
http://www.ihpva.org/people/tstrike/building/index.htm

There are only a few recumbents you can buy new that aren't overly pricey. One is the Sun/Easy
Racers EZ-1 (you can probably get one for less than $500). See http://www.easyracers.com/ez_1_sc.htm
for more information.

Good luck, and, if you want more specific info, please give your locale.

Alan Weiss NJ Gold Rush, E2 tandem, and Leitra rider

 

[Lewis Campbell]

Hi, Michael, if you're interested in building your own 'bent, you might want to check this site,
http://www.phred.org/mailman/listinfo/framebuilders

There is a LOT of help and information there.

If you want INSPIRATION, check out my website. I build my own stuff.

Lewis.

http://home.earthlink.net/~limeylew/index.html

..........................

"Michael & Debbie Seltzer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
> Hi,
>
> I am new both to this group and the world of bents. I would like to start riding again, but it
> seems DFs don't work well for me. As a kid I used to ride a lot -- my Dad, once, had bought my
> brother and I new Bianchi ten speeds for Christmas, the ones with the shifters at the ends of
> the drops (which was a new thing then). Mine was the Bianchi green, and I was so upset. I'd
> wanted a Stingray with a banana seat, goose-neck handle bars and a five-speed stickshift (in
> an odd kind of way, that was probably closer to a recumbent). I was pretty young, couldn't
> even reach the pedals of the Bianchi without blocks. I rode that bike for many years, though.
> It was great. But then, when I was about 19 or 20, something changed. I wanted to get another
> bike for riding to school and around town. (I don't remember what happened to the Bianchi, but
> I hadn't had it for a few years). I bought a Peugeot, but couldn't ride it. I'd go hardly any
> distance at all, and it was as if my body locked up. I'd have to down- shift eventually into
> first, even on flat terrain. After a few days, I was going so slowly, I could walk faster. And
> certainly with less pain. I've tried a several times since, and not much better (I have an old
> Volkscycle Mark X gathering cobwebs on my porch). I don't know if it was adolescence, or what.
> I've been thinking maybe a recumbent would work better for me. I have a small financial
> problem, however, so I need to do this on the cheap. So, finally, I'm looking for advice,
> information, suggestions, et al, on building a bent myself.
>
> Thanks, Michael

 

[J. Morris]

Michael & Debbie Seltzer wrote in message ... I
>have a small financial problem, however, so I need to do this on the cheap. >Thanks, Michael

My suggestion is to try a Bike e. Since going under I've seen some really good prices and they are a
good beginner bent. Probably one of the cheapest ways to go with still getting a little quality...