steveindenmark
Legendary Member
Has anyone got an Optima Baron Lowracer?
I would like to ask some questions before taking the plunge.
I would like to ask some questions before taking the plunge.
I used to own one. Didn't get on with it as I found it tricky in heavy traffic, far harder to ride at walking speed compared to the Bacchetta Strada (high racer) I also owned at the same time. HOWEVER, up until a few weeks ago I had a Raptobike lowracer, which I also found difficult, but I persisted and kept it for over a year commuting daily with no probs after a month or so acclimatising. The Baron was a bit heavy, but being rear wheel drive, far less faffing than the Rapto. It did feel well planted on fast downhills, and was a quality, well put together and a high spec machine. Like I say, I just didn't put the time in (as is necessary with low racers) and I sold it pretty quickly only because other machines held my interest more.
Forgot to mention. Im not sure if Kevin has any others but there's a Challenge Fujin on ebay.
I used to have a Bachetta Giro 26 and came off it a couple of times. Its a long drop off a Bachetta. I prefer to be lower to the floor next time.
The reason I went for a trike was that I felt I could not trust myself on a two wheel 'bent now I'm at an age where I'm likely to be wobblier than I used to be (And the bones get more brittle too).I came off my old Bacchetta Strada at 30mph on a left handed. Very badly bruised hip, some awful road rash, and a torn glove palm where I'd managed to get my hand down.
I came off the Raptobike lowracer at walking speed, and took a massive chunk out of my left elbow which took ages to heal. On a lowracer you have zero time to react, I was up, I was down. I always thought a lowracer would mean a more forgiving crash, but if I'd been doing 30 I have no doubt I'd have sustained a 'lifelong' injury to my elbow. After my Rapto 'off' I always wore elbow pads.