Bikee

[Richard Greenberg]

Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing with
the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't see
any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles of
LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks for
any info/advice.

 

[Peter Clinch]

Richard Greenberg wrote:

> I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?

That depends on what you want a recumbent bike /for/. The BikeE should
make a good urban runaround but it's never, ever going to break any
speed records, so if you want comfortable, clean local transport it
would be a great place to start and if your interest in recumbents is
from speed then it would suck a great deal.

Recumbents vary even more than upright bikes, so its even more important
to decide what you're looking to get from one before you go shopping.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email protected] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

 

[Jeff Grippe]

Richard,

There used to be a shop on LI called Dr. Bike who sold recumbents. I bought
my first and second ones from that shop. I believe that he sold the shop a
while ago and moved west and I'm not sure if the current owner still sell
recumbent bikes. I wish I could tell you more about the shop.

It is a long trip to any of the shops in NJ or MD that sell a lot of
recumbents but it is worth the trip if you happen to be going that way
anyway.

Regarding the BikeE, I've never ridden one so I'm giving you third hand
information. They seem to have a pretty good reputation and there were a lot
of them made. Also, if you are patient, you can pick one up on eBay for
under $300. Most of them sell for more but if you keep looking you will find
one that sells a bit less expensively. It is hard to go wrong at that price
unless the bike has been abused or isn't in good shape.

You might also consider the ActionBent bikes. They cost a bit more but they
are still being made. I haven't ridden one of them either so I can't tell
you about the bike specifically.

Good luck,
Jeff
"Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
> with
> the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
> see
> any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
> have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles
> of
> LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
> for
> any info/advice.
>
>

 

[Richard Greenberg]

Thanks for the info. Most appreciated.

"Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
with
> the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
see
> any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
> have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles
of
> LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
for
> any info/advice.
>
>

 

[Slugger]

In article <CjR1f.317$C62.137@trndny05>, Richard Greenberg
<[email protected]> wrote:

> Thanks for the info. Most appreciated.
>
> "Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> > Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
> with
> > the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
> see
> > any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
> > have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles
> of
> > LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> > sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> > What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
> for
> > any info/advice.
> >
> >
>
>
Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
need a part.

 

[What Me Worry?]

"Slugger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:091020050042250536%[email protected]...
> In article <CjR1f.317$C62.137@trndny05>, Richard Greenberg
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the info. Most appreciated.
>>
>> "Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
>> > Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
>> with
>> > the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
>> see
>> > any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't
>> > really
>> > have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500
>> > miles
>> of
>> > LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's)
>> > for
>> > sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to
>> > start?
>> > What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
>> for
>> > any info/advice.
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
> Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
> company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
> need a part.

Very good point.

 

[What Me Worry?]

"Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
> with
> the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
> see
> any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
> have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles
> of
> LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
> for
> any info/advice.

Richard, as one who has riddent and owned a variety of recumbents, I have to
recommend: Test ride as many as you can before choosing which one to buy.
The various major types - LWB, SWB, CLWB, Trikes, etc - vary widely in their
ride characteristics and capabilities. There are always trade-offs with
recumbents. The key is figuring out which tradeoffs you prefer. That means
lots of test rides.

I've been very happy with my RANS Rocket SWB/OSS recumbent (Short WheelBase,
Over-Seat Steering). You can find one for under $500 on Ebay (also check
Bent Rider Online). It's a fun, practical, versatile, relatively quick, and
"sporty" recumbent. However, the short wheelbase is a bit twitchy. Some
would say too twitchy. For me, it's manageable; but I've wondered about
getting a Long WheelBase (LWB) bike. They handle completely differently.

As for the ActionBent offerings on Ebay (and elsewhere): There is an
ActionBent enthusiast's group on Yahoo Groups, which I recommend that you
join. They are responsive to questions from newcomers.

If you're handy with a wrench, and not afraid to fix your bike, then buying
online is a good choice. If you prefer not fixing your own bike, buy from a
local/regional dealer, or find a mechanic locally. Recumbents can sometimes
need some "dialing in" to get them working correctly.

Maybe a Bike E will work for you. Maybe not.

good luck

 

[Jon Meinecke]

"Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote
> I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?

I've had a BikeE AT/XL since 1998. I've acquired two other
'bents since, but I still regularly ride the BikeE for errands and
short trips.

So, a BikeE is a reasonable way to start. But be careful,
recumbents are addictive! %^)

As others have pointed out, a BikeE isn't likely to set speed records,
but in my experience, BikeEs are great utility bikes and fun to ride.
They are very adjustable for rider height, but if you're 6 feet tall or
more or a heavier rider, you probably want to look for an XL
(extra-long) model. The weight distribution is better, I believe
if the seat isn't adjusted too far back.

What at first may seem like "squirrelly" handling will fairly quickly
become responsive feeling. This is not a bike you can ride
without hands, but a light touch on the handlebars is all that is
needed. It will take some practice to hold a straight line at
slow speeds.

BikeE's are out of production, so any specialized parts will
be difficult to come by. For the most part, however, I think
they are quire reliable. Most parts, including the drive train
are standard components and very maintainable.

Finding one for $300-400 seems like a good price to me.
There were many with very low mileage, for a time, but I
don't know what the market is like today. Check the for
sale message board at www.bentrideronline.com and the
classified ads at www.hostelshoppe.com and other lists.
Other "entry level bikes you might consider include
the "EZ" line, RANS Tailwind, Rocket, etc...

Good luck,

Jon Meinecke
BikeE, Tour Easy, Volae Sport

 

[Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic]

Slugger wrote:
> In article <CjR1f.317$C62.137@trndny05>, Richard Greenberg
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the info. Most appreciated.
> >
> > "Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> > > Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
> > with
> > > the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
> > see
> > > any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
> > > have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles
> > of
> > > LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
> > > sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> > > What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
> > for
> > > any info/advice.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
> company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
> need a part.

If an "orphan" is worth riding, then it is worth having replacement
parts custom made. Ask me why I have considered this.
--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley
Hominid - The Other White Meat!

 

[Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic]

What Me Worry? wrote:
> ...
> I've been very happy with my RANS Rocket SWB/OSS recumbent (Short WheelBase,
> Over-Seat Steering). You can find one for under $500 on Ebay (also check
> Bent Rider Online). It's a fun, practical, versatile, relatively quick, and
> "sporty" recumbent. However, the short wheelbase is a bit twitchy. Some
> would say too twitchy. For me, it's manageable; but I've wondered about
> getting a Long WheelBase (LWB) bike. They handle completely differently....\

I will have to disagree about the RANS Rocket being "twitchy". Twitchy
implies difficult to control due to a lack of dynamic [1] directional
stability and/or non-linear control response. While the RANS Rocket has
highly responsive steering and requires low control forces, it does not
suffer from the aforementioned faults.

[1] All single-track vehicles are of course statically unstable.
--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley
Hominid - The Other White Meat!

 

[Mike]

What Me Worry? wrote:
> "Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
>
>>Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
>>with
>>the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
>>see
>>any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't really
>>have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500 miles
>>of
>>LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's) for
>>sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
>>What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
>>for
>>any info/advice.
>
>
> Richard, as one who has riddent and owned a variety of recumbents, I have to
> recommend: Test ride as many as you can before choosing which one to buy.
> The various major types - LWB, SWB, CLWB, Trikes, etc - vary widely in their
> ride characteristics and capabilities. There are always trade-offs with
> recumbents. The key is figuring out which tradeoffs you prefer. That means
> lots of test rides.
>
> ,,,
> If you're handy with a wrench, and not afraid to fix your bike, then buying
> online is a good choice. If you prefer not fixing your own bike, buy from a
> local/regional dealer, or find a mechanic locally. Recumbents can sometimes
> need some "dialing in" to get them working correctly.
>
> Maybe a Bike E will work for you. Maybe not.
>

I started with a new Bike-E and after about 2 years I upgraded to a Burley.
My advise is; the Bike-E is a good 'starter' bike if it is in good shape. But
plan to upgrade in a couple years after you get the feel of riding a 'bent and
know what you are really looking for - and by then you probably will have to
give the Bike-E away.

As for "Dialing in" any bike - probably seat and handle bar positions for
comfort and efficiency, tire type (brand) also for efficiency, and to a lesser
extent tire pressures for handling - probably the highest rated pressure will
be what you go for.

Also things like: 'kick stand' (keeps the mud out of the cluster), lock (keeps
honest people honest), water bottles (keeps you hydrated), lights (night
riding), bell or horn (to wake up the pedestrians), rack (groceries), and
plenty of reflectors (gives the drivers something to aim for Darn, this
list could be endless so I'll stop.

 

[Mike]

What Me Worry? wrote:
> "Slugger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:091020050042250536%[email protected]...

>>Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
>>company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
>>need a part.
>
>
> Very good point.
>
>

The only things that broke (wore out) on my Bike-E were standard bike parts.
Now on my Burley that's a another story.

 

[Capri]

Richard, good replies all but I'd suggest making that trip to a good
'bent shop. It may be a long ways away but well worth your time, esp if
you call ahaead and let them know you are coming. The can have several
different bikes ready for you when you get there. Plus you'll be able
to as a lot of questions and get some really good answers.

 

[Slugger]

In article <[email protected]>,
Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic <[email protected]> wrote:

> Slugger wrote:
> > In article <CjR1f.317$C62.137@trndny05>, Richard Greenberg
> > <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> > > Thanks for the info. Most appreciated.
> > >
> > > "Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> > > > Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
> > > with
> > > > the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
> > > see
> > > > any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't
> > > > really
> > > > have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500
> > > > miles
> > > of
> > > > LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's)
> > > > for
> > > > sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> > > > What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
> > > for
> > > > any info/advice.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
> > company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
> > need a part.
>
> If an "orphan" is worth riding, then it is worth having replacement
> parts custom made. Ask me why I have considered this.

I'm not saying its a bad bike but first of all it looks like a 2by4 and
due to the company being titz up it should be sold for cheap. Whenever
I see them, they cost 1000 CAD used. Thats pretty steep for a used
2by4.

 

[Ken the Troll]

We started with a pair of BikeE ATs which we loved. They are easy to
ride once you learn to let your elbows just hang ahd you just lightly
hook your fingers over the handle grips and move the handlebars gently.
They are slow, compared to our current rides (Rans V-Rex), but are
reliable and fun to ride. You can still get factory new bikes from the
guy who owns the Whytoole site
(http://members.aol.com/whytoole/WHYTOOLE.html?mtbrand=AOL_US).

He also has the only unique part (the Delrin seat sliders) other than
the frame in the BikeE design. I would pick up a set of 8 if you buy a
BikeE from anywhere.

Ken the Troll (not a Upper)

 

[Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic]

Slugger wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Slugger wrote:
> > > In article <CjR1f.317$C62.137@trndny05>, Richard Greenberg
> > > <[email protected]> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Thanks for the info. Most appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > "Richard Greenberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > > news:c%i1f.2716$026.1245@trndny09...
> > > > > Hi. I'm not a recumbent cycler (not yet anyway), but have been playing
> > > > with
> > > > > the idea of purchasing a "not too expensive' one to play with. I don't
> > > > see
> > > > > any easy way to "try out" recumbents in my neighborhood, and don't
> > > > > really
> > > > > have the time to travel hours to any of the 2 or 3 shops within 500
> > > > > miles
> > > > of
> > > > > LI, NY. I've noticed that there are a few Bikee's (or is it Bike E's)
> > > > > for
> > > > > sale now and then on Ebay. Are these bikes a reasonable place to start?
> > > > > What should one pay for a good to excellent condition specimen? Thanks
> > > > for
> > > > > any info/advice.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
> > > company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
> > > need a part.
> >
> > If an "orphan" is worth riding, then it is worth having replacement
> > parts custom made. Ask me why I have considered this.
>
> I'm not saying its a bad bike but first of all it looks like a 2by4 and
> due to the company being titz up it should be sold for cheap. Whenever
> I see them, they cost 1000 CAD used. Thats pretty steep for a used
> 2by4.

I would not trade a Sunset Lowracer for a dozen (12) BikeE's (and I
have two (2) Sunsets.
--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley

 

[meb]

What Me Worry? wrote:
> "Slugger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:091020050042250536%[email protected]...

>>Richard, also keep in mind the BikeE is no longer in production and the
>>company went under. This may be trouble when break something and you
>>need a part.
>
>
> Very good point.
>
>

The only things that broke (wore out) on my Bike-E were standard bike parts.
Now on my Burley that's a another story.

What parts, particularly recumbent specific parts, broke on the Burley?