K
Ken Huizenga
Guest
I am considering purchasing my first recumbent. I currently have two upright bike and I rode 2600
miles on them last year, including my first two centuries. The primary thing I want in my next bike
is that it be very comfortable for long distance, loaded touring. Portability is also a
consideration.
So far I have only identified the Lighting P-38 Voyager as a high quality recumbent which has the
S&S coupling option. But does it really cost about $1200 for this option...or is that just
"suggested retail."?
My other questions are:
1. Are there some other models I should consider which have good portability for traveling on
airplanes either with the S&S coupler system or otherwise?
2. I have some arthritis in my hip which doesn't normally bother me when riding an upright bike
unless I get too low and far forward to reduce wind resistence. Then the angle of my back to my
upper leg gets too acute and it bothers my hip. I would guess that riding a recumbent would be a
non-issue hip-pain wise, but I'm not that familiar with the typical recumbent stroke. If it was
necessary for my upper leg to come fairly close to my chest at the top of the stroke I might
have some problems. I know that I should do some test rides to see what is the most comfortable
for me, and I will when the weather improves around here, but I was just wondering whether
anyone was familiar with hip joint related issues and particular types of recumbents to avoid.
(e.g. it may be better for me to have more of a reclining position than to be very upright...or
perhaps I should avoid the models which have the pedals higher than the seat.)
3. For loaded touring, what do various member of the group think about racks & panniers vs. using a
B.O.B. trailer with a recumbent?
4. What do people think about the Lightning P38 Voyager as a candidate for my first recumbent, given
what I have said above?
By the way, I am 50 years old, 6'3" and 245 pounds and other than the hip issue I am in pretty good
shape with very strong legs.
Ken Appleton, Wisconsin [email protected]
miles on them last year, including my first two centuries. The primary thing I want in my next bike
is that it be very comfortable for long distance, loaded touring. Portability is also a
consideration.
So far I have only identified the Lighting P-38 Voyager as a high quality recumbent which has the
S&S coupling option. But does it really cost about $1200 for this option...or is that just
"suggested retail."?
My other questions are:
1. Are there some other models I should consider which have good portability for traveling on
airplanes either with the S&S coupler system or otherwise?
2. I have some arthritis in my hip which doesn't normally bother me when riding an upright bike
unless I get too low and far forward to reduce wind resistence. Then the angle of my back to my
upper leg gets too acute and it bothers my hip. I would guess that riding a recumbent would be a
non-issue hip-pain wise, but I'm not that familiar with the typical recumbent stroke. If it was
necessary for my upper leg to come fairly close to my chest at the top of the stroke I might
have some problems. I know that I should do some test rides to see what is the most comfortable
for me, and I will when the weather improves around here, but I was just wondering whether
anyone was familiar with hip joint related issues and particular types of recumbents to avoid.
(e.g. it may be better for me to have more of a reclining position than to be very upright...or
perhaps I should avoid the models which have the pedals higher than the seat.)
3. For loaded touring, what do various member of the group think about racks & panniers vs. using a
B.O.B. trailer with a recumbent?
4. What do people think about the Lightning P38 Voyager as a candidate for my first recumbent, given
what I have said above?
By the way, I am 50 years old, 6'3" and 245 pounds and other than the hip issue I am in pretty good
shape with very strong legs.
Ken Appleton, Wisconsin [email protected]