Joe Keenan wrote:
>
[email protected] (Sbtypesetter) wrote in message news:<20040220120912.02049.00000033@mb-
> m19.aol.com>...
>
>>I'm still undecided as what to buy. Tell me what you're riding, what you like - dislike about it,
>>given the opportunity, would you buy it again, or look for a better 'bent?
>>
>>I live at the foothills of the Cascade mountains. Some rollers, then some steep climbs, high speed
>>decents, some semi- prarie areas, high winds are uncommon.
>>
>>I used to race years ago, and I have a nice custom tailored road bike that is close to the
>>ultimate in road machines, so I'm not afraid to spend money, just don't care to spend a thousand
>>for something I won't like when I could have been happy for $5,000. Just don't want to go through
>>a parade of bikes until finding one I like. Prefer comfort, high speed, and am never off road.
>>
>>Your suggestions?
>
>
> Rick,
>
> A little long winded here. Excusa me.
>
> Two Part Answer: (1) Would I buy my bent again (2) Suggestions for someone who wants: Comfort.
> Speed. Never Off Road. (One thing you didnt say: Flat, rolling or hilly terrain where you live?)
>
> (1) Would I buy my bent again?
>
> Quick background: When I bought mine in early 1999 the selections and the LBS that carried
> recumbents were few and far between. I did most of my research on the net by reading and emailing.
> I wanted: Best performance for the buck. Quality. Manufacture reputation. And "transportability".
>
> Because of the transportability issues such as the bike must fit on a normal car rack and fit
> inside a hatchback for security, led me to SWB's. Even without that I just liked the way SWB's
> looked when compared to CLWB's or LWB's. Nothing technical: Just my preference. That narrowed the
> field to ONLY SWB's.
>
> Three of the best were: RANS V-REX, Lighting P-38 or Stealth and Vision models. I didn't want to
> mess with boom adjustment, chain length, etc for "fit" so I eliminated Lightning. Everyone I spoke
> to rated RANS and Vision highly. Close call but I ended up with a V-REX.
>
> Would I buy it again: Without a doubt. It has excellent performance, quality components, easy seat
> adjustments, manfucaturer support, etc. Simply, I love this bent.
>
> Would I buy it again given what's on the market?: Probably yes, as a first bike. Not knowing
> anything else the HIGH bottom brackets might scare me off.
>
> Would I buy it again knowing what's out there now and knowing what kind of rider I am? I'm sorry
> to say: No. I'd buy a Bacchetta. Matter of fact, I just did. A Strada But the V-REX won't go away.
>
) Can't end a love affair.
>
> About the SWB, CLWB & LWB choice. I have some bent friends who love their fully socked LWB for
> speed. Either the TE or GRR.
>
> (2) What's for you given you want comfort, high speed, and you're never off road?
>
> High Racers: Bacchetta, Volae, RANS Force 5. Plus, the dual 26" wheels mean only one tire and tube
> size. Plus, I believe you will be accepted "more readily" into pace lines.
>
> Low Racers: Reynolds, umm Speed Machine ? (Out of my element here). If you want to pace line with
> these, you're going to have to be polite and ask if you tag along at the back. They won't be able
> to draft off you. DF's can't draft off my V-REX, but they can off the Strada.
>
> Small side "proof of the SPEED pudding" story. I rode my Strada for the 2nd time today. The first
> was a 186 mile brevet, so speed wasn't in the cards. Today was a metric and I wanted to see what I
> could do.
>
> I'm a slow rider. On my V-REX, I'll do a metric going as best I can with an average of about 14.5
> to 15.5. Tops. I've never hit an average of 16 on a ride over 50 miles.
>
> Today I averaged 17.5 for the 63 mile course. The 17.5 is about a 15% increase. Hard to believe I
> know. More funner, was that I was able to hop on pace lines and keep a speed of 20 to 25 mph with
> the draft and I didn't feel like I was going to blow up doing it. With a High Racer, I do think
> you're easily accepted in a pace line. I was feeling so good, that I jumped to the front and did
> my pull at 20 to 21 mph for about 4 to 5 miles.
>
> Again, I'm speaking from my bent point of view. The Bacchetta mesh seat is incredibly comfortable.
> I'd rate it just or more comfortable than the RANS seat, which has been the industry standard for
> ages. Also, the Bacchetta Strada with the 26" dual wheels does smooth out the ride. I felt like I
> was gliding the whole day.
>
> So for speed and comfort, I don't think you can go wrong with a Bacchetta and being fair, trying
> the Volae or Force 5 models. Oh, and they climb better too. Right now I have limited experience
> going over bridges here in Florida, but I can tell you I flew up them, whereas I know I wouldn't
> on my other bent.
>
> Happy Hunting. Ride as many as you can before you make your choice.
>
> Slow Joe Recumbo
And speaking of the Bacchetta Strada, I happen to know where a very-slightly-used one, built up
with some great components, is available for sale at a great price: Valley Bikes in Carmel,
Indiana (
http://www.valleybikes.com). The reason I know is, I have a friend who has it there on
consignment. I'd be interested, but I'm a trike guy, y'know. And as for pacelines
- the only lines I get into, are the ones leading to the bathroom.
--
Larry Varney Cold Spring, KY
http://home.fuse.net/larryvarney