eBent Recumbent Cycling
A Bent Look at Self Contained Touring
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USS for me. I switched to a Longbikes Slipstream USS due to arthritis in my neck and shoulders. It was becoming so severe I could not go 2 miles without pain on my Trek DF bike.
Now I seldom go out for less than 20 miles and the pain is gone.
Charles
November 1, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I’m planning on getting a recumbent in the next couple of years, for the same reason–plenty of arthritis in neck and shoulders. I’m trying to find one that doesn’t make me feel like an idiot when I’m riding it, but so far have had no success. I would simply like a long-base recumbent, with larger wheels than what I’ve seen so far. Any suggestions?
And how are recumbents when it comes to steep hills–better than regular bikes, or worse?
Howard J. Blodgett
December 13, 2008 at 12:09 pm
At first, I prefered Above seat steering because it resembled steering on a regular bicycle. But now that I have it, I’m second guessing my choice.
Cullen Carter
January 15, 2009 at 8:42 am
Before I got my first recumbent, I thought that I would prefer USS, but I never had an opportunity to try one. I eventually went with a used Burley Cantos. The steering is very close to the chest and feel very natural. So without ever trying USS, I voted for ASS for three reasons. I find it very comfortable, less wind resistance, and a good place to hold a bottle of water and a bike computer.
I would love to give USS a chance someday and I love appearance of the simple lines of the of bikes like the Slipstream and the Linear.
Jason
January 28, 2009 at 4:01 pm
This is in response to Howard.
The only recumbent I’ve ever owned is the Burley Canto in a medium wheelbase set-up. I love it and can’t think of a better bike. But it has some major drawbacks. Heavy, like many recumbents and this contributes to the poor climbing ability. I switched my front crank-set out for lower gears, so I have to spin more and climb slower. I get there, just not fast. Second, it uses a linkage for steering, I personally love it, but it add more complication to the setup. Finally, Burley no longer makes recumbent bikes, so specific replacement part are hard to come by.
You mentioned you wanted a simple long wheel base with larger wheel. Have you looked into the Rans Stratus XP and the Easyracer Tour Easy? I’ve never tried them, but they have a loyal following, been tested on the market for along time, simple design (simple chain alignment and straight forward frame layout), and easier to find at local bicycle shops, including parts and upgrades.
Also, recumbent bikes do have a longer learning curve. If at first you’re feeling like an “idiot”, give it some more time. Most rider state that it took a couple of rides to get comfortable on their bikes.
Finally, http://www.bentrideronline.com has a lot of information and reviews, plus a lot of friendly reader to post question to.
Jason
Jason
January 28, 2009 at 4:30 pm
To Howard:
Check out RANS’ bikes. http://www.ransbikes.com/ The website has a lot of good info. I’m a RANS dealer.
The Stratus line are excellent LWBs. The XP is a 26×26. The Stratus LE is a 26×20. That 20″ wheel in the front is still plenty big to be smooth. Either bike is so fast I think the only word people will think is “wow.” RANS’ other LWB’s are interesting, depending on what you want.
RANS’ crankforwards may be a good option for you too.
- Robert
Robert Matson
February 14, 2009 at 3:19 am