"Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
[...]
> However, the inherent performance advantage of either bicycle is likely
> to be outweighed by the influence of rider comfort on performance. Some
> will find the medium height BB on the RANS V2 too high, while others
> will find the upright seating position on the GRR to be uncomfortable
> on longer rides. The potential purchaser will be better off choosing
> the bike that offers the preferred riding position and/or handling
> qualities.
[...]
The above is the one thing that you cannot change on a recumbent, i.e., the
relationship of the seat to the crank. I have often thought that the optimum
for this arrangement is to have the crank only slightly below the seat, as
in the RANS Tailwind and the new Bacchetta Agio. The crank appears to be
only several inches lower than the seat in both of the above cases. This is
also a powerful pedaling position. The only thing against it is that it is
not very aerodynamic.
I think that RANS V2 has slightly too high a crank, but still not bad, and
that the GRR has too low a crank. I have the RANS V2 and it is always a bit
of a learning experience to get back on it after having been on my homemade
Tour Easy with the low crank. As you can see from this, I am strictly a long
wheelbase kind of recumbent guy.
By the way, have there been any reports around on the new Bacchetta Agio? It
is not a high end recumbent, but it looks like a very nice design with
acceptable components - and not too pricey. I think it would handle very
easily and be plenty fast enough. I do not know if it has a lot of tiller in
the steering, which is generally considered a demerit. My old Tailwind, one
of the very earliest ones, has way too much tiller.
Regards,
Ed Dolan - Minnesota