Best Beginner 'Bent for Lady?

[HarryB]

I'm writing to get suggestions for a couple of ladies at work who were
intrigued when I described a recumbent to them. Both ladies are
probably (guessing a lady's age could be hazardous...) in their 40's,
quite trim, and about 5'5" - 5'7". Neither of them presently ride a
bike mainly because they both have back problems which make it too
painful for them to ride a DF. They would both like to ride for
recreational/health reasons and would have no interest in long
distance riding, racing, or high speed club rides.

My wife and I ride an upright tandem so I don't know much about the
'bent world. And I know of only one dealer within a reasonable
distance that they might be willing to drive to for test rides. That
dealer sells some recumbents and from what I recall they stock some
RANS and maybe Burleys.

I have two reservations about the dealer: First, there is not a
parking lot for test rides. The dealer is located in a quiet
residential area, but all of the roads in the area are quite hilly. I
would think that would present difficulties for a beginner trying to
test ride a 'bent for the first time. Secondly, the recumbents are a
side line for that dealer, so I don't know how much he might be
pushing a particular bike he has in stock, rather than working to get
the best possible bike for their individual needs.

Would it be a good idea to suggest that the dealer set up a
prospective bike on a trainer so that they can get an idea of how the
bike feels without having to worry about trying to balance, shift and
brake (because of the hills) and watch out for cars?

Any recommendations of a specific bike would be most appreciated.

Harry

 

[Johnny Sunset]

HarryB wrote:
> I'm writing to get suggestions for a couple of ladies at work who were
> intrigued when I described a recumbent to them. Both ladies are
> probably (guessing a lady's age could be hazardous...) in their 40's,
> quite trim, and about 5'5" - 5'7". Neither of them presently ride a
> bike mainly because they both have back problems which make it too
> painful for them to ride a DF. They would both like to ride for
> recreational/health reasons and would have no interest in long
> distance riding, racing, or high speed club rides.
>
> My wife and I ride an upright tandem so I don't know much about the
> 'bent world. And I know of only one dealer within a reasonable
> distance that they might be willing to drive to for test rides. That
> dealer sells some recumbents and from what I recall they stock some
> RANS and maybe Burleys.
>
> I have two reservations about the dealer: First, there is not a
> parking lot for test rides. The dealer is located in a quiet
> residential area, but all of the roads in the area are quite hilly. I
> would think that would present difficulties for a beginner trying to
> test ride a 'bent for the first time. Secondly, the recumbents are a
> side line for that dealer, so I don't know how much he might be
> pushing a particular bike he has in stock, rather than working to get
> the best possible bike for their individual needs.
>
> Would it be a good idea to suggest that the dealer set up a
> prospective bike on a trainer so that they can get an idea of how the
> bike feels without having to worry about trying to balance, shift and
> brake (because of the hills) and watch out for cars?
>
> Any recommendations of a specific bike would be most appreciated.

This may sound strange to the uninitiated, but short wheelbase (SWB)
recumbents are generally better for taller riders and long wheelbase
(LWB) are generally better for shorter riders. Compact long wheelbase
(CLWB) bikes generally fit most riders.

Most dealers have an account with J&B, so they can order the Sun line
of recumbents. The CLWB EZ-1 SC [1] is fun and easy to ride, and would
work well for the purposes described, but the weight would be a
disadvantage in hilly areas. For about 50% more money, the "Lite"
version [2] offers better components and significantly less weight. The
LWB EZ Sport should provide better performance and ride comfort, but is
a physically larger bike that presents more issue for storage and
transport.

The RANS Tailwind [4] is a surprising fast bike and an excellent value
for the money, and fits riders in the mid 5-foot range very well. It
will do fine for the stated purpose, but is also a capable long
distance bike, so the rider will not necessarily outgrow it if she
expands her range of riding types.

Burley offers the Jett Creek [5] and Koosah which are similar to the
RANS Tailwind in that they should suit both recreational and more
ambitious riders well.

The RANS and Burley bikes have high quality frames and decent to good
components, and both companies have good reputations for supporting
their products.

[1] <http://www.easyracers.com/ez_1_sc.htm>.
[2] <http://www.easyracers.com/ez_1_lite.htm>.
[3] <http://www.easyracers.com/ez_sport.htm>.
[4] <http://www.ransbikes.com/tailwind.htm>.
[5]
<http://www.burley.com/products/recumbents/default73ce.html?p=Jett+Creek&i=0>.
[6]
<http://www.burley.com/products/recumbents/default4269.html?p=Koosah&i=1>.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley Pedant

 

[Edward Dolan]

"Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
[...]
> This may sound strange to the uninitiated, but short wheelbase (SWB)
> recumbents are generally better for taller riders and long wheelbase
> (LWB) are generally better for shorter riders. Compact long wheelbase
> (CLWB) bikes generally fit most riders.


I recall coming across this thought too, but I am not sure why it is so. A
LWB bike for a tall rider will have to be an extra large size which results
in a rather long bike, but other than that I do not see why any other
wheelbase would be better. Fit is everything. I will admit however that SWB
will fit short and tall riders equally well. That is not the case with LWB,
which is why you need so many different sizes.

Regards,

Ed Dolan - Minnesota

 

[Johnny Sunset]

Edward Dolan wrote (on topic, no less):
> "Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> [...]
> > This may sound strange to the uninitiated, but short wheelbase (SWB)
> > recumbents are generally better for taller riders and long wheelbase
> > (LWB) are generally better for shorter riders. Compact long wheelbase
> > (CLWB) bikes generally fit most riders.
>
>
> I recall coming across this thought too, but I am not sure why it is so....

The cranks should not overlap the front wheel [1], as crank to tire
contact will dump the rider in a hurry - this determines minimum boom
length and height. Therefore, a short legged rider will end up sitting
very close to the front wheel, which compromises proper weight
distribution (and can make the use of OSS difficult). This is why there
are no highracers for short to medium height riders, and SWB bicycles
intended for shorter riders have front wheels ranging from ISO 305-mm
to ISO 369-mm in size.

In addition, to keep the seat low enough to the ground for shorter
riders will require a curved main tube on a SWB, but is easily
achievable with straight tubing on a LWB.

[1] Unless one is riding a no-compromise bicycle intended for primarily
racing use.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley Pedant

 

[Steve W]

Got any thing like this in USA?
http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/spirit/details_e.html
Makes a great first 'bent

SW


"HarryB" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm writing to get suggestions for a couple of ladies at work who were
> intrigued when I described a recumbent to them. Both ladies are
> probably (guessing a lady's age could be hazardous...) in their 40's,
> quite trim, and about 5'5" - 5'7". Neither of them presently ride a
> bike mainly because they both have back problems which make it too
> painful for them to ride a DF. They would both like to ride for
> recreational/health reasons and would have no interest in long
> distance riding, racing, or high speed club rides.
>
> My wife and I ride an upright tandem so I don't know much about the
> 'bent world. And I know of only one dealer within a reasonable
> distance that they might be willing to drive to for test rides. That
> dealer sells some recumbents and from what I recall they stock some
> RANS and maybe Burleys.
>
> I have two reservations about the dealer: First, there is not a
> parking lot for test rides. The dealer is located in a quiet
> residential area, but all of the roads in the area are quite hilly. I
> would think that would present difficulties for a beginner trying to
> test ride a 'bent for the first time. Secondly, the recumbents are a
> side line for that dealer, so I don't know how much he might be
> pushing a particular bike he has in stock, rather than working to get
> the best possible bike for their individual needs.
>
> Would it be a good idea to suggest that the dealer set up a
> prospective bike on a trainer so that they can get an idea of how the
> bike feels without having to worry about trying to balance, shift and
> brake (because of the hills) and watch out for cars?
>
> Any recommendations of a specific bike would be most appreciated.
>
> Harry

 

[Dave Larrington]

In article <[email protected]>, Steve W
([email protected]) wrote:

> Got any thing like this in USA?
> http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/spirit/details_e.html
> Makes a great first 'bent

They have that Cannondale Thing. Don't know what the comparative prices
are like Over There, but in the BRITONS' England the Cannondale is about
half as much again as the Spirit.

--
Dave Larrington - <http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/>
I am now returned from both the seventeenth century and the Post Office.

 

[Edward Dolan]

"Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Edward Dolan wrote (on topic, no less):
>> "Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>> [...]
>> > This may sound strange to the uninitiated, but short wheelbase (SWB)
>> > recumbents are generally better for taller riders and long wheelbase
>> > (LWB) are generally better for shorter riders. Compact long wheelbase
>> > (CLWB) bikes generally fit most riders.
>>
>>
>> I recall coming across this thought too, but I am not sure why it is
>> so....
>
> The cranks should not overlap the front wheel [1], as crank to tire
> contact will dump the rider in a hurry - this determines minimum boom
> length and height. Therefore, a short legged rider will end up sitting
> very close to the front wheel, which compromises proper weight
> distribution (and can make the use of OSS difficult). This is why there
> are no highracers for short to medium height riders, and SWB bicycles
> intended for shorter riders have front wheels ranging from ISO 305-mm
> to ISO 369-mm in size.
>
> In addition, to keep the seat low enough to the ground for shorter
> riders will require a curved main tube on a SWB, but is easily
> achievable with straight tubing on a LWB.
>
> [1] Unless one is riding a no-compromise bicycle intended for primarily
> racing use.

Yes, all of the above makes sense. I am a bit long legged myself and I do
not always appreciate the problems that shorter riders may have fitting
themselves to a recumbent. I think many women get into trouble on this issue
of sizing since most recumbents are designed with men in mind.

Regards,

Ed Dolan (still on topic) - Minnesota

PS. Why don't you choose for a user name Tommy Sunset? The Johnny makes no
sense at all.

 

[Johnny Sunset]

Edward Dolan wrote:
> ....
> PS. Why don't you choose for a user name Tommy Sunset? The Johnny makes no
> sense at all.

Johnny NoCom - Fastest Unfaired Bike in the Known Universe

Johnny ReBike - Slowest Bike in the Known Universe

Johnny Sunset - Most Fun Bike in the Known Universe

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)

 

[Johnny Sunset]

Dave Larrington wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>, Steve W
> ([email protected]) wrote:
>
> > Got any thing like this in USA?
> > http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/spirit/details_e.html
> > Makes a great first 'bent
>
> They have that Cannondale Thing. Don't know what the comparative prices
> are like Over There, but in the BRITONS' England the Cannondale is about
> half as much again as the Spirit.

The Cannondale Bent I [1] and Bent II [2] are in the same price range
as the HP Velotechnik Spirit in the US, since the cost increases due to
shipping, import duties and currency exchange rates work the other
direction. Exact price comparisons are difficult due to different
equipment levels (HP Velotechnik offers many optional extras and
upgrades).

[1] <http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6BMER.html>.
[2] <http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6BMRR.html>.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)

 

[Edward Dolan]

"Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Edward Dolan wrote:
>> ....
>> PS. Why don't you choose for a user name Tommy Sunset? The Johnny makes
>> no
>> sense at all.
>
> Johnny NoCom - Fastest Unfaired Bike in the Known Universe
>
> Johnny ReBike - Slowest Bike in the Known Universe
>
> Johnny Sunset - Most Fun Bike in the Known Universe

All of the above is transitory at best. It will be soon gone and forgotten.
Your name is Tommy, not Johnny.

> --
> Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)

Not happy in the Fox River Valley? I recommend that you move into the inner
city of Chicago, maybe get an apartment near DePaul University. The suburbs
are for married folks with children.

Why not enjoy life and move into the city. That way you could attend the
Chicago Symphony concerts and take in cultural events at the universities
(Northwestern U. and U. of Chicago). That is my idea of the good life, not
running around those confounded suburbs in motor vehicles.

Regards,

Ed Dolan - Minnesota

 

[Johnny Sunset]

Edward Dolan wrote:
> "Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > Edward Dolan wrote:
> >> ....
> >> PS. Why don't you choose for a user name Tommy Sunset? The Johnny makes
> >> no
> >> sense at all.
> >
> > Johnny NoCom - Fastest Unfaired Bike in the Known Universe
> >
> > Johnny ReBike - Slowest Bike in the Known Universe
> >
> > Johnny Sunset - Most Fun Bike in the Known Universe
>
> All of the above is transitory at best. It will be soon gone and forgotten.
> Your name is Tommy, not Johnny.
>
> > --
> > Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)
>
> Not happy in the Fox River Valley? I recommend that you move into the inner
> city of Chicago, maybe get an apartment near DePaul University. The suburbs
> are for married folks with children.
>
> Why not enjoy life and move into the city. That way you could attend the
> Chicago Symphony concerts and take in cultural events at the universities
> (Northwestern U. and U. of Chicago). That is my idea of the good life, not
> running around those confounded suburbs in motor vehicles.

Actually, I may end up living in KK's neighborhood. However, I would
need to lose significant weight and improve my aerobic conditioning to
ride with KK, even if he was on his dumpster salvage bike.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)

 

[Jon Meinecke]

"Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote
>
> Johnny NoCom - Fastest Unfaired Bike in the Known Universe
>
> Johnny ReBike - Slowest Bike in the Known Universe

I'd like to see the results from a NoCom vs. ReBike bike
race on level surface. Just the bikes, no riders.

Perhaps someone in the great state of Illinois can set
that competition up. For a reasonable fee, I am available
to officiate.

> Johnny Sunset - Most Fun Bike in the Known Universe

More than a barrel of monkeys?

Jon Meinecke

"This breaking news just in, Generalísimo Francisco
Franco is still dead!"

 

[Johnny Sunset]

Jon Meinecke wrote:
> "Johnny Sunset" <[email protected]> wrote
> >
> > Johnny NoCom - Fastest Unfaired Bike in the Known Universe
> >
> > Johnny ReBike - Slowest Bike in the Known Universe
>
> I'd like to see the results from a NoCom vs. ReBike bike
> race on level surface. Just the bikes, no riders.
>
> Perhaps someone in the great state of Illinois can set
> that competition up. For a reasonable fee, I am available
> to officiate.

I know one (1) ReBike and several Velokraft NoCom owners in
Chicagoland.

> > Johnny Sunset - Most Fun Bike in the Known Universe
>
> More than a barrel of monkeys?

Regular monkeys or Monkey Island monkeys?

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)