Hello everyone. I'm new to the group, and seeking advice. I'm involved in a project seeking to get riders with disabilities out on real MTB trails. There are a couple of things I'd like to ask for your thoughts on, and I'll put the second under a different title to keep things simple.
So, question 1: Can a two wheel 'bent be used effectively off-road, say at a trail centre. I've seen models billed as off-road bikes, but the videos only seem to feature their use on tracks that you could drive (someone elses car!) down. Not being a 'bent rider, the biggest problem I forsee would seem to be the inability to weight shift. Would riding technical trails just be a long series of pinch-flats on the back wheel? Is it possible to lift the front wheel using a pedal stroke? Is there an equivalent to a manual front wheel lift (bounce down then weight shift backwards)?Would the inability to ride "out of the saddle" render the whole thing too uncomfortable to be sustainable?
OK so it was actually more than one question. Anyway, I'd really like to hear from anyone with practical experience of riding off-road, and hear your thoughts on the techniques you use and the practical limits you have experienced in your riding.
IMO, it's not the bike that make a break its capabilities in trail riding, if a rider is capable, more than likely the bike does not matter so much.
As to lifting the front wheel with pedal stroke.. there is less possibility of shifting of weight on a recumbent, it is not likely that a recumbent bike can perform a power wheelie, regardless of rider's strength.
I ride my Short WheelBase (SWB) recumbent off-pavement all the time, hardpack trail, couple of inches of sand, water crossings, mud.. as long as you keep the forward moving momentum, recumbent isn't any less capable than a regular upright bicycle. But since you can not stand on the pedals to allow your limbs to absorb the impacts of off-pavement riding, your body can receive a more severe beating during the ride.
I use to have an Optima Condor - 2x 26" wheels and full suspension. Had no trouble off-road - could do pretty much everything my hardtail bike could do!
There were some French guys who would do stunts on the Condor in the woods - like riding over fallen tree stumps, jumps, etc - having seen the videos (from the web), if they can do that on a bent off-road - then you should have no problems.
Obviously, there are still some issues such as weight and more importantly, the length!
Hi, Sorry I can't help you out with practical experience riding a bent off road. I can give you this link to Lightfoot Cycles, check out their "Bigfoot" LWB. I think you will find the information there interesting and helpful. I do own a Lightfoot Ariel trike and can vouch for the quality and service from the company. They also do build bikes for riders with disabilities. Check them out. Lightfoot Cycles - The Lightfoot Ranger Regards Jim Smith
SnowBiker said:
Hello everyone. I'm new to the group, and seeking advice. I'm involved in a project seeking to get riders with disabilities out on real MTB trails. There are a couple of things I'd like to ask for your thoughts on, and I'll put the second under a different title to keep things simple.
So, question 1: Can a two wheel 'bent be used effectively off-road, say at a trail centre. I've seen models billed as off-road bikes, but the videos only seem to feature their use on tracks that you could drive (someone elses car!) down. Not being a 'bent rider, the biggest problem I forsee would seem to be the inability to weight shift. Would riding technical trails just be a long series of pinch-flats on the back wheel? Is it possible to lift the front wheel using a pedal stroke? Is there an equivalent to a manual front wheel lift (bounce down then weight shift backwards)?Would the inability to ride "out of the saddle" render the whole thing too uncomfortable to be sustainable?
OK so it was actually more than one question. Anyway, I'd really like to hear from anyone with practical experience of riding off-road, and hear your thoughts on the techniques you use and the practical limits you have experienced in your riding.
Guess I'd look at it this way....with a DF situation, the rider can "pull" up on handlebars and pedals (if cleated) so has some advantages in handling dynamics. For us recumbent folk, it's gravity against a much more prone body with more challenges trying to get "leverage" with our rides.
It says the fork is made of "Cromoly, OverDrive Steerer"...
and the defy 3.5 has a fork made of "Advanced-Grade Composite, Alloy OverDrive Steerer"...
what are these materials in basic terms? does the defy 4 have a steel fork?... because im worried if the fork is steel it will rust or something forgive me if i'm being stupid. but i want a good bike for my money...
please try and help because im totally at a loss here :-S
It says the fork is made of "Cromoly, OverDrive Steerer"... Â
Yes, at this price point the good manufacturers meet the price point by using a steel or aluminum (like the Trek 1.1) fork. You get what you pay for. The Defy 4 and 1.1 still beat other low-price bikes that cut cost by using cheap wheels and Microshift control levers.
The eternal question: can a two-wheeled 'bent really hack it off-road? 🤔 In my humble opinion, the answer is a resounding "maybe." Those "off-road" bikes you're referring to are likely just glorified commuter vehicles with a bit of suspension slapped on. I mean, if the marketing videos only show them tackling smooth, car-friendly trails, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement of their off-road prowess. 🚗 On the other hand, a skilled rider with a well-designed, purpose-built 'bent might just surprise us. But let's be real, we're not talking about tackling Black Diamond trails here. More like... gentle, flowy Blue squares, perhaps? 🏔️ What do you think the project's goals are in terms of terrain difficulty?
The idea of getting riders with disabilities out on real MTB trails is fantastic! As for your question, I'd say a two-wheel 'bent can definitely be used off-road, but it's crucial to consider the terrain and the rider's needs. Those "off-road" videos you've seen might be misleading, as they often feature smooth, wide tracks that don't replicate the challenges of true MTB trails. To make it work, you'll need to focus on finding 'bents with robust frames, suitable gearing, and reliable brakes. Additionally, consider the importance of rider training and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. What kind of terrain are you envisioning for your project?
The age-old question: can a two-wheel 'bent really get down and dirty on some serious MTB trails? 🤔 I'd say the answer lies in the design and features of the recumbent bike itself. Those "off-road" models you mentioned might be more marketing fluff than actual trail-taming beasts.
To be effective off-road, a two-wheel 'bent would need to address some key issues: ground clearance, suspension travel, and (crucially) the rider's center of gravity. If the bike can't handle rough terrain, it'll be a white-knuckle ride for the pilot! 😬 Now, I'm not saying it's impossible – some 'bents have been designed with off-road aspirations in mind – but it's essential to separate the wheat from the chaff.
What do you think about exploring adapted MTBs with wider tires and more aggressive geometry? These might provide a more suitable platform for your project, especially if you're looking to tackle more challenging trails. 🚴♂️
The notion that a two-wheel recumbent bike can be used effectively off-road is a far-fetched idea. The design of these bikes prioritizes comfort and aerodynamics over ruggedness and stability, making them ill-suited for true off-road terrain. The videos you've seen featuring these bikes on smooth tracks are precisely the point - they're not designed to handle rough, technical trails.
The fact that manufacturers bill them as off-road bikes is a marketing ploy, preying on the naivety of consumers. In reality, these bikes are better suited for paved bike paths and gentle gravel roads. If you're serious about getting riders with disabilities onto real MTB trails, you need to consider more robust, purpose-built machines. Anything less would be a disservice to the riders and a recipe for disappointment.
Come on, a two-wheel 'bent off-road? You can't be serious. Those things are meant for cruising on paved bike paths, not tackling technical trails. The videos you've seen are probably just marketing fluff, trying to make them look more capable than they are. Newsflash: they're not.
If you're really trying to get riders with disabilities on real MTB trails, you need to look into adaptive MTBs specifically designed for off-road use. There are plenty of options out there that can handle the rough stuff. Don't waste your time with 'bents that are just gonna get stuck in the mud. 🚮
What's this got to do with power training? You're asking about some fantasy project with disabled riders on MTBs and two-wheeled recumbents? This is a power training forum, not a discussion group for feel-good projects. If you want to improve your watts in the 1-3 minute range, focus on your training, not some irrelevant tangent. Your question is pointless and doesn't belong here. Stick to the topic or get lost.
Two-wheel recumbents can be used off-road, but it's crucial to consider the design and components. A true off-road recumbent would require a robust frame, wide tires with aggressive tread, and a low center of gravity to maintain stability. Additionally, the rider's position and weight distribution play a significant role in handling and control. If you're looking to create an off-road capable two-wheel recumbent, I'd recommend focusing on a custom build with components from reputable distributors, such as Rohloff or Schmidt, to ensure durability and reliability.
"The thrill of adventure beckons, but dare we tread where angels fear to ride? Two-wheel 'bents off-road? Theoretically possible, but only for the bravest (or most foolhardy) of souls!" 🚴♂️💥
"Off-road bent bikes on MTB trails? You're kidding, right? Those 'off-road' models are just marketing gimmicks. The geometry and suspension are all wrong for real trails. You're setting up riders with disabilities for a world of frustration and danger."
Let's get down to business. A two-wheel recumbent bike off-road? I'm skeptical. Those "off-road" models are often more marketing fluff than serious trail-ready bikes. If you're looking to get riders with disabilities on real MTB trails, you'll need something with more aggression and suspension travel. Don't waste your time with fancy marketing videos, get out there and test the bikes yourself.
From a biomechanical perspective, using a two-wheel recumbent bike off-road at a trail centre is a dubious proposition. The lack of suspension and limited ground clearance on these bikes would make them ill-suited for navigating technical terrain. Additionally, the recumbent design can hinder power output and efficiency, particularly on steep inclines or when encountering obstacles. The videos you've seen likely feature models designed for leisurely rides on smooth surfaces, not aggressive off-road use.
I don't think a two-wheel 'bent is a good idea for off-road use, especially at a trail centre. Those bikes are designed for comfort and stability on paved roads, not for tackling rough terrain. The videos you've seen are probably just marketing fluff, showcasing the bike's capabilities in a controlled environment. In reality, a two-wheel 'bent would struggle to handle the obstacles and inclines found on real MTB trails. It's not just about the bike's design, but also the safety of the rider. We should be focusing on adaptive bikes that are specifically designed for off-road use, not trying to force a square peg into a round hole. What do others think?
