This thread is probably dead, but I thought I'd reply anyway. I took a chance on the Revive after test riding it in June. I've had the bike now all season, so here's my observations...
A. The bike is comfortable. After years of commuting to work my neck and shoulders were giving out. I wanted something comfortable that would allow me to enjoy riding again... The Revive seems to work for me. Darn near everything is adjustable: seat post, lumbar support, headset, and hinged frame. And I love the view the head-up seating position provides on rural/rail trail rides.
B. Handling is OK. The longer I ride it (had it since late June) the better I've become with tight turns on urban bike paths and obstacles. Now toward the end of August, I feel as though standard bikes handle awkwardly... go figure.
C. It's heavy. Lots of aluminum on this bike. Even before I left the LBS, I had the techs remove the wheel covers, fenders, and chainguard. Maybe four or so pounds were shed from just that. I have other ideas such as sawing off extra seat tubing (I'm only 5' 9") and lopping off the back part of the frame with the integrated rack.
D. For long rides the small 20" wheels make you work a little harder, but the semi-bent position is so comfortable for me that I don't seem to mind... However, the single chain ring, 8-speed combined with the bent position is killing me on some of the small, steep, nasty hills here in the Ozarks. I'm taking this machine out for the MS 150 in Sept. and that's my main worry. The bike is loads of fun on level, rolling roads with shallow grades, but a bear on the hills. Max speed is certainly less, but I'm not *that* much slower than the roadies.
E. It's goofy looking and cool looking at the same time... colleagues call it the two-wheeled hospital bed, while younger folks and kids always call out "cool bike!"
In sum, it's working out pretty well for me. I've had some problems with the chain jumping off during shifting on downhills and straightaways, but so far this bike has gotten me back into biking again. Before the Revive I rode only 6-8 miles every other day. Now I enjoy 10, 20, and 30 mile rides. I had my first 56 mile training ride last weekend, and she did OK. I have to say "OK" because it's not meant to be a performance bike.
I’ll be happy to entertain any questions concerning this odd, semi-bent mule. I’d love to hear from other Revive riders too.
DR
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ReviveRider
Originally posted by Joe
I've never owned a recumbent and I am considering buying a Giant Revive. Does anyone have an opinion
on this bike? Thanks