Please help me choose a new bike

[Greg]

I am looking for a new bike and I am strongly considering a recumbent.
I would like to ask the group for some advice. When I've ridden long
distances on a bike in the past, my hands always went numb and after
much reading, I'm thinking a recumbent would be the best solution to
the problem. I've never ridden a recumbent before, I live in the south
hills, does anyone know the best place to try some out?

Second, there are alot of choices online and I'm having a difficult
time narrowing it down to one. I would like a versatile bike with
comfort being the primary factor. Efficiency is secondary, but
somewhat important. I would like to have the ability to pull a trailer
(for kids or gear) and/or load the bike with panniers as we like to
backpack and would like to be able to do it from a bike. Also, I would
like to be able to handle unpaved trails easily.

My current budget is $1000. I would like a great frame, but I can
always upgrade the shifters and brakes later. So far, my top choice
from online research is this one.

http://cruzbike.com/sofrider

I am open to any advice or suggestions.

Thanks in advance,

Greg

[Dan Blumenfeld]

Greg,

   There are at least as many opinions on the best 'bent choices as there are recumbent riders. :-)

   That said, I'd strongly recommend that you head out to State College and spend an afternoon at RBR (www.rbr.info). There is so much variety in 'bents that it's very difficult to find one that fits you without some seat time...visiting a good shop will let you try out dozens, in order to see what works best for you.

   Off the cuff, I'd say a used RANS V-Rex or Rocket would work well for your needs; the rear triangulation of the frames means that many trailer hitches will work, and they are designed for racks, fenders, and reasonably wide tires. (The Rocket is out of production, and the V-Rex is ~$1700 new, hence the "used" recommendation.) There are many other options, however.

   I live in the North (Brighton Heights, near Bellevue); would be happy to bring a couple of mine down to the Montour Trail or the Washington Blvd cycling oval sometime, if you'd like to try them out. For sizing perspective, I'm 5' 10", somewhere between 210 and 220 pounds.

I have no personal experience with any of the Cruzbike models (although I'd love to get some seat time on a Vendetta!); some people have reported trouble getting used to the front-wheel-drive moving bottom bracket thing, while others love it.

--Dan

Greg

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[Dan Blumenfeld]

As an example: one can find a decent used V-Rex for $575 as shown( http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=79012 ), and spend a few bucks to upgrade/replace any parts desired.

I'd still recommend getting some seat time in at the shop, though.

--Dan

[zarky rudavsky]

In agreement with Dan's letter, you should try some bikes first.  I have a used VRex  I might sell, and I would certainly let you try.  It's an older model with an unusual wheel size combination, but it is in excellent mechanical condition.  I would recommend starting with a used all-around bike to break into the recumbent market.  You can always sell the bike and upgrade without a loss.  The best bet is to try riding as many bikes as you can, as they are all different.  I also question the cruzbike; I've heard they are difficult to ride because of the front wheel drive.  Especially if this is your first recumbent experience, you may be looking for trouble.

Zarky Rudavsky

On Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 10:05 AM, Greg <gregor...@gmail.com> wrote:

Greg

[marti...@sbcglobal.net]

I was in the same position a few years back...bought a slightly used Actionbent Jetstream USS for under $500 and have been happy with it. It's short enough to throw in the back of my van without taking out the seat. You are welcome to try it out. Ron M
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