Grolch said:I am about to make the switch from my loved Bridgestone MB1, circa 1991 to a
recumbent. The reason being to get the weight off of my poor, oft injured
wrists. Has anybody had experience with Burley's recumbents, specifically
their SWB, OSS Hepcat or the Django. Also, does anybody have any practical
experience with the BionX electric assist units. At less than 9 pounds for
the 350 watt unit, batteries and all I am considering it.
Regards, H
I've had a Burley Django since 2002. I've put over 12,000 miles on it,
and I think it's a great bike. I live in the finger lakes region of New
York, and I love taking it out for all day rides in the countryside. I
don't know how to rate it's climbing ability, except to say I've gone up
everything I tried to climb.
It's not really designed to be a touring bike, but I've used it as such.
This summer I'll be taking it on a 10 day self supported tour through
the Cascade mountains. Portland to Seattle via Mt. Hood and Mt Rainier.
Some people do not like the seat used for the Django and Hepcat.
Personally, I think it's a good seat. I've done many, many centuries on
the Django, and the seat has always been comfortable throughout the
ride. Last year I toyed with the idea of replacing the Corbin seat with
a carbon shell to get a more rigid seat. I opted instead to install the
Burley speed struts. Those have added enough rigidity that I'm no longer
looking at other seating options.
While I think the Django is a great bike for riding in rural areas, and
I enjoy riding it far more than an upright in that environment, I find
uprights are superior for urban streets. I like the visibility that the
higher position of an upright gives. By visibility I don't mean the
ability of motor vehicles to see me, but my ability to see what's around
me.
After owning a Django for four years, if I was in the market for a new
bent the Django and Hepcat would be on my shortlist.
---
John Knez
