After the Linear ?
28/9/23
Progress so far with the HP Velotechnik Spirit.
I’ve had this Compact Long Wheelbase Recumbent for a bit over three months now, so thought I’d just do an update on it.
My main concerns were in setting up some cockpit type bars and getting used to the seat recline by degrees.
I’d initially reversed the original bars so they were rather more backswept and downturned than as supplied but still were not quite where I wanted them. I then fitted some Humpert Englischer bars to get the cockpit effect on a budget but with the stem set swept back as the manufacturer intended gave too much tiller effect. I was reluctant to reverse the stem but having looked at photos of other recumbents with cockpit style bars it seemed that that was what I needed to do. This actually did work well, bringing the handlebar grips closer to the steering axis, so I made some adaptations and with some small adjustments got them to fit comfortably.
As the grips essentially point downwards with these, I got hold of some barrel shaped handlebar grips to make holding them with light fingertip pressure more convenient, so that my hands were less likely to slip off on uneven road surfaces. Maybe something more like a vintage doorknob style grip would be even better.
As I’ve gradually stretched my mileage I’ve had none of the arm or hand issues that I’d been expecting with the transition from underseat to overseat steering. There’s no hint that even longer rides will cause any to develop.
The range of seat recline isn’t particularly extreme but due to neck issues I thought I might have some twinges, so had planned to increase the recline by degrees. In the end I just went for the full recline, and haven’t had any problems.
The curious sensation of having bars with a lot of leverage yet a small, lightly loaded front wheel has taken some getting used to but it’s just a matter of adaptation and getting used to the feel of it. It hasn’t let go yet, and pretty much goes where it’s pointed.
The Radical seat back bag, which also works well on the Linear, rather dwarfs this bike. It’s useful, and I delude myself that its shape might add 0.001 mph to my average speed.
I have some small Carradice cotton duck panniers which I’ve tried on the underseat rack though I had to order a set of Carradice rack adapter rails as the underseat rack has much thicker tubing than the vintage panniers were designed for. They look ok, though I’m tempted to order a set of Super C recumbent panniers since I’ve got the rack. It’s just overcoming the hurdle of the Carradice price premium.
I initially had qualms about the rolling ability of the small wheels but with decent pressure in the tyres they roll well and the suspension soaks up the bumps. I certainly don’t have any worries about doing longer trips on it.
HP Velotechnik recumbents have a reputation for being heavy but the Spirit doesn’t give that impression. Maybe due to its low slung design the weight may be there, but isn’t obvious, even when climbing. The previous owner lowered the gearing so the lower range is similar to that on the Linear and there are low gears to spare. It’s not spectacular but gets up there steadily. Weight wise it doesn’t feel so much like a Panzerfiets or Panzerwagen. With its curvaceous yellow frame, maybe more like ein Bananenwagen.
When I first had it the rear derailleur was a little reluctant to change between some gears but it’s settled down now. Some cable/ chain stickiness from lack of use, perhaps. I’ve even got used to the plasticky clickety clackety sound of the Sram twistgrip shifters, though I preferred the faint zizz of the ratchets on the Linear’s bar end ones.
I recently bought a couple of basic chrome mirrors from
Halfords. They were very inexpensive so I had no hesitation in cutting down the stems to suit my needs. With one each side the rear view is now very reassuring.
The bars get through local cycleway access barriers OK and the bike is fine on mild off road trails and bridleways.
It just remains to do some longer day trips to confirm that this can match the Linear for comfort. It looks promising so far. The 160mm cranks suit me OK, no thoughts of going for longer ones at present.
It came with a Supernova E3 “always on” front light and SON hub dynamo. Not being able to switch it off used to bother me when I first had it but now I just ride it and only think about it when I notice it. Certainly on one of my earlier rail trail rides I caught up with a couple of walkers who said they’d seen me coming from “miles away”. I’m not an advocate of daytime running lights but as it’s reputedly a good light I’m not going to mess about with it. Now that winter is coming I’ll soon have the chance to evaluate it for myself.
Even though it’s “compact” it’s still a long wheelbase bike which together with the suspension helps as plus points towards a comfortable ride. The small wheels have the usual advantages of spinning up fairly quickly when accelerating, and quick steering, while giving a low frame stepover.
An interesting assortment of qualities to be getting on with. A further update will appear in due course.
