In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
Quoted message said:I am considering purchasing my first recumbent. I currently have two upright bike and I rode 2600
miles on them last year, including my first two centuries. The primary thing I want in my next
bike is that it be very comfortable for long distance, loaded touring. Portability is also a
consideration.
So far I have only identified the Lighting P-38 Voyager as a high quality recumbent which has the
S&S coupling option. But does it really cost about $1200 for this option...or is that just
"suggested retail."?
This is very close to actual. I spec'd my Voyager through LCD and ordered through my LBS. My LBS
gave me some overall discount, but You can best figure the $1200 is close to what LCD probably pays
for S&S to fit the coupling on the bike and the cost of the Suitcase to fit the bike.
Quoted message said:
My other questions are:
1. Are there some other models I should consider which have good portability for traveling on
airplanes either with the S&S coupler system or otherwise?
Other than Going to a Bike Saturday, this is about the best (only) 'bent choice. And not a bad
one either.
Quoted message said:
2. I have some arthritis in my hip which doesn't normally bother me when riding an upright bike
unless I get too low and far forward to reduce wind resistence. Then the angle of my back to
my upper leg gets too acute and it bothers my hip. I would guess that riding a recumbent would
be a non-issue hip-pain wise, but I'm not that familiar with the typical recumbent stroke. If
it was necessary for my upper leg to come fairly close to my chest at the top of the stroke I
might have some problems. I know that I should do some test rides to see what is the most
comfortable for me, and I will when the weather improves around here, but I was just wondering
whether anyone was familiar with hip joint related issues and particular types of recumbents
to avoid. (e.g. it may be better for me to have more of a reclining position than to be very
upright...or perhaps I should avoid the models which have the pedals higher than the seat.)
I can not say what effect the Lightning seat would have on your arthritis. The Lightning seat
limits the rider to a closed position not too unlike that of an upright in a full tuck position.
It is a lot more comfortable than riding on a DF with your neck in a crimp. Other SWB 'bent with
high BB allow for a more reclined seat position So, I would not rule those out if the Lightning
does not work.
Quoted message said:3. For loaded touring, what do various member of the group think about racks & panniers vs. using
a B.O.B. trailer with a recumbent?
My preference is Panniers Under the seat and on a rack in back. I've heard too many negative reports
on B.O.B. trailers to invest in one. I have a friend that has oe on a P-38 and he will use in to
haul groceries but not tour. We've toured together in Slovakia and Hungary in 2000.
Quoted message said:4. What do people think about the Lightning P38 Voyager as a candidate for my first recumbent,
given what I have said above?
Some people take to them right away, others need to warm up to them. I got mine after a year on a
LWB RANS Stratus. I took the Stratus to Vienna for the Slovakia trip. I needed to warm up to the
Lightning. It took me about a year and a half after I got the Voyager before I felt as comfortable
with it as I did the Stratus. I now have in addition to the Voyager a Bacchetta Giro There was not
transition form the Voyager to the Giro. I like both bikes equally well. The Voyager will remain my
travel bike. I'd like the Voyager better if the seat reclined and were as comfortable as the Giro.
Quoted message said:By the way, I am 50 years old, 6'3" and 245 pounds and other than the hip issue I am in pretty
good shape with very strong legs.
Here are some of my photos that you might find helpful.
clee.orgvoyager packingOpen ↗
clee.orgdefault.cfmOpen ↗
I think you need to ride the P-38 and several other bikes before making a $5000 commitment on your
first recumbent.
The Voyager is an excellent choice (post 9-11) if flying is in your touring plans.
I would be happy to answer specific touring/Voyager questions either here or via e-mail.
--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager clee.orgclee.orgOpen ↗
- Bellaire, TX USA -
