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[email protected]> wrote in message news:
[email protected]...
>I have a lot of SWB USS experience and am looking to
> make a purchase. The Longbikes LWB USS, though, has caught my
> eye but I have no LWB experience. What are your
> comments on LWB vs. SWB and any comments on the
> Longbikes models.
My first two recumbents were both USS LWB models. One of them was a Ryan
Vanguard, which is essentially identical to the Longbikes Slipstream LWB's.
I loved the Ryan, and sometimes regret selling it. It was nothing if not
smoooth riding. LWB's are far less "twitchy" than SWB's, for obvious
reasons. I have described the ride quality of the Ryan/Longbikes LWB as
being "limo like," or even like a "magic carpet ride". I found the
Ryan-designed sling seat to be quite comfortable. I have not ridden Greg
Peek's version of the Ryan seat, which has some improvements. Actually, from
the looks of recent incarnations of the Slipstream, I'd say Greg has
addressed some of the issues I had with the original. Most notably, by
replacing the original rear U-brake with an Avid disc brake - the best. It
should be near perfect now.
-LWB's are very nice, but nothing is perfect. Here are a few ****les:
They are pretty heavy and fairly unwieldy to carry.
(FWIW/OT: Watch the movie "Brainstorm" to see Christopher Walken carrying a
precursor to the Vanguard/Slipstream through a research facility. Probably
the most screen time ever for a recumbent.)
-The front wheel tends to skid in sharp turns or on gravel.
-Turning circle is quite large - almost like a tandem.
LWB's are designed for long-distance all-day rides and loaded touring. If
that is your intended purpose, then a Longbikes USS LWB will be your vehicle
of choice. I give it (or at least, the Ryan version) a big thumbs up. I
suggest that you at least try an OSS LWB before buying; but I'm betting
you'll prefer the USS steering. It feels so natural and effortless.
R
