Considering a Recumbent

[NFC]

I have been cycling all of my life - touring bikes, mountain bikes and currently a single speed. I live in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, and cycle mostly on rural roads and have a 20 mile each way commute to work. I am considering switching to a recumbent and like the idea of a low racer. I ride near the coast with one or two hills but almost all flat or undulating roads. Cross and head winds are the main challenges on a daily basis. I'd be interested to hear from people who commute on recumbents, what you ride and why. Thank you in anticipation.

 

[steveindenmark]

I had a Bacchetta Giro 26 and could not get along with it. If I were getting another recumbent it would be a low racer.

 

[ufkacbln]

As always... the choice is massive

All you need to do is find the one that suits you. (not as simple as it sounds.... I have over 25 years experience, run a stable of 6 and still none is the ideal)

I think that Kinetics in Glasgow is probably your nearest post of call, followed by Laidback in Edinburgh

 

[Ganymede]

The sheer comfort is what sells it for me. I have neck and shoulder issues and the difference in posture is just fabulous. I do think there is a bit of getting used to it - the muscles are different etc - but you're obviously a bike experimenter and I would say go for it. I ride a high recumbent and I like the visibility, but my next bike with be a mid-racer 2-wheeler I think.

Compared with a fixie you'd probably find a bent fairly heavy but for rural riding I like mine very much - I am not a speed freak although I do seem to have gained a bit of speed recently...

EDIT sorry, not fixie, single speed

 

[NFC]

I had a Bacchetta Giro 26 and could not get along with it. If I were getting another recumbent it would be a low racer.

It is definitely the low racer which attracts me. A lot of people are suggesting a mid or high racer but I like the idea of getting down as low as possible in order to counter the head and cross winds which are so much part of any commute.

 

[NFC]

The sheer comfort is what sells it for me. I have neck and shoulder issues and the difference in posture is just fabulous. I do think there is a bit of getting used to it - the muscles are different etc - but you're obviously a bike experimenter and I would say go for it. I ride a high recumbent and I like the visibility, but my next bike with be a mid-racer 2-wheeler I think.

Compared with a fixie you'd probably find a bent fairly heavy but for rural riding I like mine very much - I am not a speed freak although I do seem to have gained a bit of speed recently...

EDIT sorry, not fixie, single speed

Thank you. yes, the wight does seem to be significant on a lot of the bikes at which I've looked so far but I imagine that the weight disadvantage is compensated for in terms of position and other factors. The comfort factor is a big attraction for me too.

 

[NFC]

As always... the choice is massive

All you need to do is find the one that suits you. (not as simple as it sounds.... I have over 25 years experience, run a stable of 6 and still none is the ideal)

I think that Kinetics in Glasgow is probably your nearest post of call, followed by Laidback in Edinburgh

Ah yes, the one that suits. This is going to be the challenge! I have been talking to David at Laid Back Bikes in Edinburgh. I am in Edinburgh frequently and have been very impressed by his knowledge and willingness to chat and answer my endless questions. I like the Fuego but am attracted to the Raptobike low racer which I suspect might be a bit faster. What does your stable of six comprise?

 

[ufkacbln]

Kettwiesel
Catrike Expedition
HP Velotechnik Gekko
HP Velotechnik Gekko wit Bionx (Wife's machine)
HP Velotechnik Street Machine
Challenge Hurricane

 

[biggs682]

its something i would love to try as well , have even thought about trying to hire 1 for a while to give it a bash

 

[Ganymede]

Thank you. yes, the wight does seem to be significant on a lot of the bikes at which I've looked so far but I imagine that the weight disadvantage is compensated for in terms of position and other factors. The comfort factor is a big attraction for me too.

You feel so solid going downhill - you are feet-first not head-first, your visibility is brilliant and because you are lower your brakes work better. The weight gives you good terminal velocity!

 

[grellboy]

Almost ran one over as I reversed off my drive way. Very poor visibility imho, even with flag poles attached!

 

[ufkacbln]

... And as for those bleeding children often smaller than a recumbent profile,and equally "invisible"


There is no visibility issue with recumbents

There is an observation issue with drivers

If you cannot see a recumbent in sufficient time to safely interact, then you are a risk to all other road users

 

[NFC]

its something i would love to try as well , have even thought about trying to hire 1 for a while to give it a bash

I have. I am going to spend an afternoon with David at Laid Back bikes and he suggested that we go for a bit of tour in order to get the feel of things. Knowing me, I'll change my mind completely and end up going for the very bike I didn't like the look of at first. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[3narf]

... And as for those bleeding children often smaller than a recumbent profile,and equally "invisible"


There is no visibility issue with recumbents

There is an observation issue with drivers

If you cannot see a recumbent in sufficient time to safely interact, then you are a risk to all other road users

This defensive reaction always pervades discussion about recumbents. Yes, if you're knocked off in traffic by a driver who didn't see you, it's his/her fault. But it will still hurt!

 

[3narf]

I have. I am going to spend an afternoon with David at Laid Back bikes and he suggested that we go for a bit of tour in order to get the feel of things. Knowing me, I'll change my mind completely and end up going for the very bike I didn't like the look of at first. I'll let you know how I get on.

I've never ridden one but I'd love to have a go, especially around your area.

BTW I was born in Newbie! My dad was Annan Athletic's star centre forward in the mid '60s!