Short wheel base for beginner

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken
--
[T]he bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting
calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles
per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

Ken,

Perhaps a RANS Rocket might be suitable?
(http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket.htm) I found it to be a fun ride when
I tried out some SWBs a few months back.

The Bacchetta Giro 20 (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/jh-giro20.htm)
was also nice, but a little pricier.

It's an oft-repeated suggestion, but your best bet would probably be
to visit a decent 'bent shop and try out a bunch of different models.
Besides, there are far worse ways to spend an afternoon than trying out
new bikes...

Hope this helps,

Dan

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

I ride a LWB (Tour Easy), but I've often thought about trying a SWB
for a change. I lean towrds a Lightning P-38 but finances would
probably send me towards something like a used V-Rex.

For something even lower inprice you might consider the EZ Speedster,
although I haven't heard much about this model.

Indiana Mike

"Ken M" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting with
a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful attempt.
Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for recommendations on
bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot, the BikeE and the
EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I would prefer a SWB
design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while they do give a nice
ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does anyone have any suggestions
for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

I would agree with the other poster that you might like a Giro. I own a
Rocket but believe you might find it a little twitchy to start but it is a
good bike.

Currently ride a Volae Team and believe it is a fine performance bike.

But if you can afford one I highly recommend a Barcroft Virginia. For me it
was the best compromise of speed and performance. Not quite the performance
of the Volae but far more comfortable to ride for hours on end.

Jim

Mike Rice wrote:
<snip>

Quoted message said:

I ride a LWB (Tour Easy), but I've often thought about trying a SWB
for a change. I lean towrds a Lightning P-38 but finances would
probably send me towards something like a used V-Rex.

<snip>

Heh...I'm in (almost) the same boat. I've been quite happy riding my
Tour Easy clone, but I confess I've dabbled with the possibility of
adultery with a P-38 or a V-Rex.

Maybe next year...

Dan

Jim said:

...
But if you can afford one I highly recommend a Barcroft Virginia. For me it
was the best compromise of speed and performance. Not quite the performance
of the Volae but far more comfortable to ride for hours on end.

With a Barcroft [1], Bill Cook will have it painted any way you like
for an additional charge, after Rotator [2] builds the frames.

Be aware that the Virginia GT is a rather limited bike in some ways,
since the fork does not allow clearance for fat tires or fenders. A
Barcroft Dakota would be the better choice for all-around riding with
only a very small weight and performance penalty.

[1] <http://www.barcroftcycles.com/bikes.html>.
[2] Considering the quality of work Rotator normally does, this is a
strong positive for Barcroft.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Hey Ken,

I think anyone with normal range gross motor coordination and balance
can ride a SWB bike such as the RANS Rocket or Lightning Cycle Dynamics
P-38 in reasonably short order, and with some experience these SWB
bikes are no harder to ride than a CLWB (e.g. the aforementioned EZ-1
SC).

One possible option would be to rent or borrow a CLWB for a couple of
weeks to adapt to the different quality of balance a recumbent requires
compared to an upright.

While there is nothing wrong with CLWB bikes (it is the best design for
certain purposes) they are not the best for riders interested in longer
distances at higher speeds. For faster club rides, longer invitational
rides, or extended touring a used RANS Rocket in decent condition would
be a better choice for the same money.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley

I went on a search for a a first-recumbent SWB bike about a two months ago.
I'm 52, in reasonable shape, have good balance- I think (thought). I was
able to try a V-Rex, Lightning Phantom, Rocket, and a CSWB called a Spirit
by Velotechnik. The Spirit was the easiest to ride by far but. The Phantom
and V-Rex were not hard to ride but definitely introduced a learning curve
for starting and turning (heel issue). The Rocket seemed a bit easier but
also introduced the same learning curves. I bought the Rocket as it was the
least expensive and had received many good reviews. I've been riding it for
about a month in a suburban setting. It has been a lot of fun, still
struggling with tight turns, still struggling (less) with starting with
complete directional control. The experience has been fun but somewhat
harder than I thought. Rich

"Ken M" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken
--
[T]he bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting
calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles
per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

Richard Greenberg said:

I went on a search for a a first-recumbent SWB bike about a two
months ago. I'm 52, in reasonable shape, have good balance- I think
(thought). I was able to try a V-Rex, Lightning Phantom, Rocket,
and a CSWB called a Spirit by Velotechnik. The Spirit was the
easiest to ride by far but. The Phantom and V-Rex were not hard to
ride but definitely introduced a learning curve for starting and
turning (heel issue). The Rocket seemed a bit easier but also
introduced the same learning curves. I bought the Rocket as it was
the least expensive and had received many good reviews. I've been
riding it for about a month in a suburban setting. It has been a lot
of fun, still struggling with tight turns, still struggling (less)
with starting with complete directional control. The experience has
been fun but somewhat harder than I thought. Rich

Two tricks:

1) Lean back into the seat. If you find a "wobble" situation, make sure
you are leaning back firmly into the seat and try it again.

2) Look where you want to go, not where you fear falling, getting into
trouble or putting a foot down. The body follows the eyes.

If trying a U-turn, then look where you want to go which is some way after
the exit from the turn, not half-way round the turn, and not the verge on
the other side ! It should be possible to U-turn most "normal road"
machines in under 24 feet of road width.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

Dan B. said:

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken
--
[T]he bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting
calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles
per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

Ken,

Perhaps a RANS Rocket might be suitable?
(http://www.ransbikes.com/Rocket.htm) I found it to be a fun ride when
I tried out some SWBs a few months back.

I have looked at that one. It looks like what I want. Well I want a p-38
lighting, but my funds may dictate something more along the lines of a
uses Rocket or similar, used but not too abused.

Quoted message said:

The Bacchetta Giro 20 (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/jh-giro20.htm)
was also nice, but a little pricier.

Definately a pretty bike. But looks like it might be out of my range.

Quoted message said:

It's an oft-repeated suggestion, but your best bet would probably be
to visit a decent 'bent shop and try out a bunch of different models.
Besides, there are far worse ways to spend an afternoon than trying out
new bikes...

Finding a dealer will be a hard project. The 2 LBS's here one sells SUNS
and the other sells Giants.

Ken
--
[T]he bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting
calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles
per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

Mike Rice said:

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

I ride a LWB (Tour Easy), but I've often thought about trying a SWB
for a change. I lean towrds a Lightning P-38 but finances would
probably send me towards something like a used V-Rex.

For something even lower inprice you might consider the EZ Speedster,
although I haven't heard much about this model.

Indiana Mike

Well I was in the LBS checking on a part for my upright, and they had a
nice LWB Sun on display, it was the Sportster cx model I believe.
Althought it was a LWB, it was close to or maybe even in my stretched
price range.

Ken
--
[T]he bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting
calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles
per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

Jim said:

"Ken M" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting with
a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful attempt.
Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for recommendations on
bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot, the BikeE and the
EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I would prefer a SWB
design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while they do give a nice
ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does anyone have any suggestions
for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

I would agree with the other poster that you might like a Giro. I own a
Rocket but believe you might find it a little twitchy to start but it is a
good bike.

Currently ride a Volae Team and believe it is a fine performance bike.

But if you can afford one I highly recommend a Barcroft Virginia. For me it
was the best compromise of speed and performance. Not quite the performance
of the Volae but far more comfortable to ride for hours on end.

The Barcrofts are PRETTY bikes, definately one of the best looking bents
I have seen. But way out of my price range.

Ken
--
[T]he bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created: Converting
calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles
per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

Ken M said:

Jim said:

"Ken M" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting with
a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful attempt.
Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for recommendations on
bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot, the BikeE and the
EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I would prefer a SWB
design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while they do give a nice
ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does anyone have any suggestions
for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

I would agree with the other poster that you might like a Giro. I own a
Rocket but believe you might find it a little twitchy to start but it is a
good bike.

Currently ride a Volae Team and believe it is a fine performance bike.

But if you can afford one I highly recommend a Barcroft Virginia. For me it
was the best compromise of speed and performance. Not quite the performance
of the Volae but far more comfortable to ride for hours on end.

The Barcrofts are PRETTY bikes, definately one of the best looking bents
I have seen. But way out of my price range.

Ken

Hi Ken,

When I was doing my test ridesand deciding which recumbent to get (you
may remember from my prvious post to this thread that I picked a Tour
Easy) the owner of the bike shop really tried to get me into a Sun
model. "I hate to see you leave without getting into anything" she
pled. I had decided that I would get the Tour Easy, but I would have
to delay the purchase for a few months due to finances.

When it became clear that I was not going to get the 'entry' model she
told me that most of the customers pick out a bike they really like
and then buy the one they think they can afford instead. And within
tthe first year they are back to buy the one they really liked at
first.

I do know someone who bought a Sun trike & is very happy with it and
will likely never get anything better. But this person was not at all
into bicyling for at least 30 years prior to the Sun trike. More
thanks to Gardner Martin for bringing out a line of recumbents with a
price within the percieved reach of many folks who would not otherwise
get to experience the relaxed ride.

Indiana Mike

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

Ken,

I have ridden both a BikeE and a Rans Tailwind; both are classified as
"compact long wheelbase" recumbents. Both have a low bottom bracket height
and an upright position that beginners find comfortable and reassuring. Of
the two, I would recommend the Rans. It has higher quality components, the
Rans cro-mag frame flexes more over bumps (the standard BikeE with its
aluminum frame and without the rear shock absorber was murder!) and the
sitting position is more toward the center (as opposed to sitting over the
rear wheel on the BikeE). In addition, the Rans seat is very comfortable.
I don't have any personal experience with the EZ1, but I understand it is
very heavy. I just happen to have a Rans Tailwind for sale that I've
ridden for 8000 miles - I've upgraded to a Rans V2 on Christmas! Contact
me at [email hidden] privately if you're interested.

Regards,
Jim

Jim Wylie said:

Ken M said:

Hello, I posted here a few times last winter when I was experimenting
with a home-built short wheel base bent. It was a less than successful
attempt. Anyway, I was browsing some older threads, looking for
recommendations on bikes for beginners. I see two are recommended a lot,
the BikeE and the EZ1. From my limited experience with bents, I think I
would prefer a SWB design. I have ridden a couple of LWB bikes and while
they do give a nice ride, I still think I would prefer a SWB, does
anyone have any suggestions for a beginner besides the BikeE?

Ken

Ken,

I have ridden both a BikeE and a Rans Tailwind; both are classified as
"compact long wheelbase" recumbents. Both have a low bottom bracket height
and an upright position that beginners find comfortable and reassuring. Of
the two, I would recommend the Rans. It has higher quality components, the
Rans cro-mag frame flexes more over bumps (the standard BikeE with its
aluminum frame and without the rear shock absorber was murder!) and the
sitting position is more toward the center (as opposed to sitting over the
rear wheel on the BikeE). In addition, the Rans seat is very comfortable.
I don't have any personal experience with the EZ1, but I understand it is
very heavy. I just happen to have a Rans Tailwind for sale that I've
ridden for 8000 miles - I've upgraded to a Rans V2 on Christmas! Contact
me at [email hidden] privately if you're interested.

Is the Rans (sic) Tailwind anything like this bike:
<http://www.RANSbikes.com/tailwind.htm>? 😉 [1]

Other than to point out the RANS Tailwind frame is made from 4130
chromium-molybdenum steel, not chromium-manganese steel, I agree with
the above.

Of course the BikeE is out of production, but both the RANS Tailwind
and BikeE CT (and its predecessor) and AT models should be easy to find
used (BikeE FX/RX models would be somewhat less common, with the NX and
RoadE models being relatively rare).

[1] I won the 2000 alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent AWARD FOR EFFECTIVELY
MONITORING THE APPROPRIATE USE OF CAPITAL LETTERS [2]
[2] See
<http://groups.google.com/group/alt.rec.bicycles.recumbent/msg/d38f4253c556c402?dmode=source>.
--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley