Comments on TW Bents Recumbents?

Michael J. Klein <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I'm considering a custom made PB-960S, recently shown at
the Taipei Cycle Show and not in production yet. They are
willing to make one to fit my size and weight.
Comments/suggestions? Thanks.
recumbent.com.twmodel.htmOpen ↗

Michael J. Klein

These are being imported to the US under the Actionbent
label: actionbent.comproducts.htmlOpen ↗

The bikes in general look pretty good- but I didn't get a
chance to test ride on at the Seattle show, so I can't
really comment on the ride quality. The seat was comfortable
enough in my test-sit.

Just looking at the picture, though- recumbent.com.twpbOpen ↗
960s.htm I'd be worried about the size and material of the
swingarm pivot. It *looks* very small and narrow. Also, the
top run of the chain appears to come quite close to the
right "chainstay"- I'd worry about the chain chewing it up.

Jeff

Quoted message said:

Michael J. Klein <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

I'm considering a custom made PB-960S, recently shown at
the Taipei Cycle Show and not in production yet. They are
willing to make one to fit my size and weight.
Comments/suggestions? Thanks.
recumbent.com.twmodel.htmOpen ↗

You might want to check out the discussions at:

sports.groups.yahoo.comactionbentOpen ↗

where there's a lot of discussion about bikes from this
company, though not that model in particular.

My impression of assembling a Tidal Wave frameset (still
in progress) is that the bikes are decent quality and a
good value, but there are some things that aren't quite
dialed in yet.

Notably -

- some models have cable stops in the wrong place making
them sub-optimal, or even useless (if you want to have
bare cable runs common on upright bikes)

- packaging/boxing from the factory could be improved
(reports from the discussion group above would indicate
that it's gotten better, but has room for improvement)

- some USS steering models are limited in turing radius by
an unnecesarily complex handlebar configuration (one of
the most common mods people make)

- the stock chain management works, but can be noisy, with
many folks replacing idlers or modifying them to reduce
noise (chain running over hard plastic idlers)

- the vinyl covered padded hardshell seat would use some
lateral support, or at least grippier material to prevent
slipping sideways

--
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for legitimate replies.

Michael J. Klein <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I'm considering a custom made PB-960S, recently shown at
the Taipei Cycle Show and not in production yet. They are
willing to make one to fit my size and weight.
Comments/suggestions? Thanks.
recumbent.com.twmodel.htmOpen ↗

Michael J. Klein

Cool looking bikes and I like their website. Appears the
boom is far enough forward to not have heel strike. Also
like the fact that the seat is low. I do agree with Jeff
regarding the chain and chain stay.

Kelly

(Jeff Wills) said:

Michael J. Klein <[email hidden]> wrote in
message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I'm considering a custom made PB-960S, recently shown at
the Taipei Cycle Show and not in production yet. They are
willing to make one to fit my size and weight.
Comments/suggestions? Thanks.
recumbent.com.twmodel.htmOpen ↗

Michael J. Klein

These are being imported to the US under the Actionbent
label: actionbent.comproducts.htmlOpen ↗

The bikes in general look pretty good- but I didn't get a
chance to test ride on at the Seattle show, so I can't
really comment on the ride quality. The seat was
comfortable enough in my test-sit.

Just looking at the picture, though- recumbent.com.twpbOpen ↗
960s.htm I'd be worried about the size and material of the
swingarm pivot. It *looks* very small and narrow. Also, the
top run of the chain appears to come quite close to the
right "chainstay"- I'd worry about the chain chewing it up.

Jeff

Excellent comments Jeff. I am planning a factory visit next
week (I was hoping for this week but I'm just too tied up)
and I'll take a look at the points you brought up. Good
call on the chainstay - I hadn't noticed that in the
picture. I'll try to take some pics so those aspects can
clearly been seen and evaluated by others. I wish I'd gone
to the Taipei Cycle Show but I couldn't make it (geesh, I
think I'm too busy!).

Michael J. Klein

Michael J. Klein <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>... <snip>

Quoted message said:

Excellent comments Jeff. I am planning a factory visit
next week (I was hoping for this week but I'm just too
tied up) and I'll take a look at the points you brought
up. Good call on the chainstay - I hadn't noticed that in
the picture. I'll try to take some pics so those aspects
can clearly been seen and evaluated by others. I wish I'd
gone to the Taipei Cycle Show but I couldn't make it
(geesh, I think I'm too busy!).

Michael J. Klein

Dang, I'd love to go. I spent a year in Taipei long ago ('72-
'73)... a very interesting experience.

Jeff