Semi-recumbent bicycles have grown in popularity lately and I researched a few different styles before settling on the Evox LE. There are several models of Evox bikes available from a manufacturer in Quebec, Canada. Each version of the Evox shares the semi-recumbent riding position with the seating position towards the rear of the bike and the pedals quite a bit forward of the seat. Additionally, the handlebar stem is very tall to bring the handle bars within grasp of the rider. The elongated frame completes the bike to give the rider a very comfortable riding position.
The basic model is Evox 140 and I have mixed opinions about this model. The frame is made of high tensile steel and components are entry level parts. Furthermore, the massive seat tube and the lengthy handlebar stem are also steel. This combination results in a heavy bike. Lastly, the small back rest is in a fixed position that may not be suited to some riders. In fact, some reviews have had negative comments about this feature. My first encounter with the Evox style was test riding the Evox 140 at my local bike shop. I was impressed right away with the comfortable ride. The back rest provided basic lower back support and gives the rider something to push against while pedalling. I was equally impressed with the $400 CAD price tag.
I was also made aware of several smaller Evox bikes made for kids and young adults. The Evox 100 is the very smallest one with a single speed coaster brake setup but the Evox design makes it look like a lot of fun for youngsters. The Evox 120 looks like a scaled down version of the 140 with fewer gears and smaller wheels. Both of these bikes share the fixed back rest feature for powerful pedal thrust. (http://www.evoxcycle.com/en/velos.asp)
While investigating the various models, I also learned that the same company markets the Evox design under the Mikado brand name. (http://www.mikadobicycles.com/en/randonnee_bikes.asp?id=4) The Mikado Quetzal models use the same frame style and geometry but they use higher quality components as well. The Mikado Quetzal versions also come with fenders and a carrier rack that I found to be essential. The Quetzal SE is the model with a steel frame but it has alloy seat tube and handle bar stem to reduce weight. The components are also of higher quality with a Shimano Altus derailleur set and high pressure tires (100PSI). I was impressed to find that the alloy seat tube also included a completely adjustable back rest. The back rest was also a bit bigger with more padding. This bike was still a bit heavy so I looked at the next model up called the Mikado Quetzal LE. There were several subtle differences with slightly better drive train components but the best feature was the 6061-T6 aluminium frame. This reduced the weight to just over 15 kg. This bike met my requirements nicely for $850 CAD so I ordered one from my local bike shop.
I waited for a couple of days and then with great anticipation, I went to pick up my new bike. I was shocked to find that the manufacturer in Quebec had shipped an Evox instead of the Mikado Quetzal that I had ordered. The first thing I noticed was the beautiful whale-grey finish that can also be described as smoky-blue. Right away, I could tell that this was no Evox 140. In fact, it was an Evox LE with exactly the same specs as the Quetzal LE complete with racks, fenders, and the aluminium frame and components. The black finish on the Alexrims gleamed while the bright alloy finish on the seat tube and handlebar stem sparkled on the showroom floor. This was a dream bike with a Shimano Deore derailleur system and Suntour triple crank set. After a thorough inspection of the components and the workmanship, I was convinced that the Evox was indeed on par (or better) than the Quetzal LE. Oddly enough, I have never seen another Evox LE or even a Quetzal LE since purchasing mine. There is a French language website at www.quetzal.ca where the Evox line-up is offered under the Azteca brand and they actually list the Evox LE but the picture and the specs are copied from the Quetzal LE.
Riding a semi-recumbent is very comfortable. I found the perfect position for the back rest and adjusted the handlebar height to the appropriate setting. At first, there seemed to be too many lower range gears but I soon found a hill that required a wide range of lower gears. The design of the frame spares the rider from needing to stand up on the pedals. In fact, I’m not sure this is possible at all. Instead, the rider’s back is braced against the back rest and the large thigh muscles allow the rider to thrust against the pedals with more power than is available from standing up on the pedals. This extra thrust also allows for rapid acceleration and sustained speeds on flat roads. During downhill bursts, I managed to attain speed in excess of 50 km/h. I use this bike to commute to work regularly and I average about 25-30 km/r for the 20 km ride each way. When riding in traffic, I feel safer because I am sitting upright and I can see in all directions without having to look under my armpit to see traffic approaching from the rear. Furthermore, the slightly lower seating position lowers my center of gravity for added stability and I can put both feet down firmly on the ground any time. As an extra bonus, it seems that every driver notices the Evox because of its unique appearance so the increased visibility prevents a lot of the ‘blind driver’ syndrome. One of the best experiences that I discovered is that the Evox is a conversation starter. People everywhere make positive comments when an Evox rides past them. Kids say “Hey man! Sick bike!” and that is supposed to be a compliment (believe it or not!). I have met other recumbent riders on bike, trikes and quads who share my enthusiasm for the Evox style and recumbent bikes in general.
Riding a semi-recumbent can feel like riding the old Mustang chopper from your youth combined with the performance of the fastest fully recumbent land speed machines. If you get a chance to give one a test ride, you will be pleasantly surprised. There are many variations of the Evox design suited to fit your age, pocketbook and riding needs. Some day I will reply to this post with a location for pictures of my Evox LE.