HP Grasshopper - any view on this bike (folding version mainly)?

[Dwarfman]

Any view on this bike, I am interested in the folding version mainly

 

[k4wils]

I can't comment on the fold but - I bought a Grasshopper as my first bent which was a mistake. I found it a difficult bike to ride, despite the small wheels I found it hard to put a foot down and it never felt secure. The result was that it hung in my garage for a couple of years unused and then I sold it losing big money! If you are an experienced bent rider that might not be a problem.

 

[Dwarfman]

I would like if possible to have a go on one, or at least ways a very close look. It the only folding suspended Recumbent at the present. Azub has just announced they may offer a 'foldng option' Is there anyone local in Wiltshire (or close)who might be able to help with this

 

[Dwarfman]

Most of the information on the interweb suggest that this is a good one, an good allrounder.

 

[Falco Frank]

A little info for you:

http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/recumbents/hpvelotechnik/grasshopper/

Sorry, curiosity is a terrible thing.

 

[arallsopp]

I was set on one before I bought my street machine. HpVelotechnik are a good manufacturer whose only real shortcoming seems to be a tendency to over engineer at the expense of weight. If I had to take a folder on a world trip it would be the grasshopper.

You can come ride my street machine in London if you want. Very similar geometry and feel.

I went for the SMGTe over the grasshopper in the end because:

A. The fold isn't quick, easy or small enough to make it convenient how I'd intended to use it.

B. Folding makes things smaller, but no lighter. It's a bit of a beast

I still kinda want a grasshopper, and would definitely commute on one given the chance

 

[Recycle]

I use my grasshopper as my daily commuter and it's reliable, comfortable and a good allrounder, it won't let you down. Arallsopp nailed it with all HpVelotechnik bikes - bomb proof but over engineered and too heavy. It' not a bike I would want to use with lots of hills.
I seldom use the fold because it's clunky and bulky. The fold is not that good that you would want to use it on a train as part of a daily bike/rail commute, though it may be useful on the occasional tour.

 

[ufkacbln]

If you think HPVelotechnik are "over engineered" do NOT ever look at a Hase

 

[Dwarfman]

Ta Falco Frank. I have looked and researched the bike in question even on Japanese website (Ah so Grasshopper?) A few Videos but nothing inspiring, apart from a very highspeed fold one from Germany. London Recumbents hired me a Spirit for an hour, I found that easy enough but a trifle under geared. Bikefix didn't only had Trikes, had a lot of good a advice and chat from both locations though.
Someone else is looking maybe we should gang up... From the CTC site
Hi everyone,
I've been trying to test ride a Grasshopper in / near London with no luck.
If you happen to have one and wouldn't mind me test riding it, please get in touch.
In return I can offer my 2012 Dawes Ultra Galaxy to try and a drink, if you fancy.
Thanks May 24th

 

[Recycle]

I've been trying to test ride a Grasshopper in / near London with no luck.

Whereabouts are you in London, and more importantly, how tall are you?

 

[Falco Frank]

Some interesting folding ideas here:

 

[Recycle]

The Azub origami has had some good write ups in the press as a genuine folder. i.e., being as easy to fold and unfold as a conventional folding bikes. It looks about the same spec as a grasshopper but I don't know who distributes in the UK.

 

[Ganymede]

I have a Spirit and I agree - too heavy though very comfy and I do enjoy riding it. I have an old version with a tiny front wheel (16") and am going to upgrade to something lighter with bigger wheels. I am sticking with two wheels as I want to get on the train but I don't need a folder. I don't think I could carry a folded trike!

I think for test riding you need to go out to D Tek bikes in Cambs - that's what I am planning when my shoulder gets better. But it's quite a long way from Wiltshire. Isn't there a place in Bristol?

 

[Dwarfman]

5' 6" was 5'7" (see below) small but deadly! It the suspension and the fold i am after. I was 'Knocked' off my touring bike 20 years ago. (I've got the photo's, scars and injuries to prove it!) now of the age were back ache, knee/leg neck arms and shoulders are 'not going to up with it put' Bristol no long exists closed up last year. D tek Cambridge seems like the next place, Aberdeen is along way out. The Azub folds but has no suspension, a nice quick fold... Don't want a trike too heavy to lift (?)

 

[Dwarfman]

I live 'ere downe in Wiltshire near Devizes, try uttering it in a Wiltshire accent. Not the 'talk like a pirate one' London is a P*** in the A88 to get to quickly. My Birthday treat was to try and get a ride on a recumbent cycle!