Is the Belize "Easy Rider" a reliable commuter semi-bent?

[Meditationman]

Is the Belize "Easy Rider" a reliable commuter semi-bent?

Just briefly tested the 6-speed, rear-suspension, scissoring-frame Belize Easy-Rider (labeled
"Porta-Bike") on the frame which is confusing because there are 3 "Porta-Bike" models on their
website, totally different. With the Easy-Rider, I didn't even feel the ruts or bumps on the rear
wheel -- it was unreal! I am very interested in getting one, but I've never owned a (semi?)
recumbent bicycle before; in short trials of a Bike-E and other bents, I wasn't so keen on the
balancing aspect. I already own a MTB and a beach cruiser which I like and intend to keep. I would
use the Belize semi-recumbent for semi-hilly commutes of 4-10 miles on sidestreets and back alleys.
I am not a strong cyclist. My primary interest is in a very comfortable bike over rutty roads.

My questions are as follows:

(1) Anybody know if this is are realiable, road-worthy commuter?
(2) What is its weight?
(3) How different is this bike from the Worksman Bikes "Y3K Easy Glider"?
(4) What are other bicycle makes/models that are also worth considering, for similar comfort.

These are the relevant websites:

http://www.aibq.com/belize/porta.html

http://www.worksman.com/y3kwebpage2.htm

 

[Joshua Goldberg]

Been trying to come up with a BENT that would fit what your needs are and drew a blank....except for
the MAXARYA which has rear suspension and a front Headshock suspension, dual disc brakes and has a
comfortable CLWB riding position. Am not sure how wide the tires are, but for rutty roads you'd need
at least a 1.75 with lots of Kevlar.
---------------------------------------
"MeditationMan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Is the Belize "Easy Rider" a reliable commuter semi-bent?
>
> Just briefly tested the 6-speed, rear-suspension, scissoring-frame Belize Easy-Rider (labeled
> "Porta-Bike") on the frame which is confusing because there are 3 "Porta-Bike" models on their
> website, totally different. With the Easy-Rider, I didn't even feel the ruts or bumps on the
> rear wheel -- it was unreal! I am very interested in getting one, but I've never owned a (semi?)
> recumbent bicycle before; in short trials of a Bike-E and other bents, I wasn't so keen on the
> balancing aspect. I already own a MTB and a beach cruiser which I like and intend to keep. I
> would use the Belize semi-recumbent for semi-hilly commutes of 4-10 miles on sidestreets and
> back alleys. I am not a strong cyclist. My primary interest is in a very comfortable bike over
> rutty roads.
>
> My questions are as follows:
>
> (1) Anybody know if this is are realiable, road-worthy commuter?
> (2) What is its weight?
> (3) How different is this bike from the Worksman Bikes "Y3K Easy Glider"?
> (4) What are other bicycle makes/models that are also worth considering, for similar comfort.
>
>
> These are the relevant websites:
>
> http://www.aibq.com/belize/porta.html
>
> http://www.worksman.com/y3kwebpage2.htm