The Recumbent Selection Process

The process of selecting which recumbent type and brand I would purchase was an exercise involving extensive research and actual riding.  I want to preface this article by stating that my criteria may be very different from yours but hopefully will provide some knowledge based on my experience that is benefical. 

I knew from the start that I wanted a recumbent that was suitable for touring.  Trikes held a great deal of apppeal because they are stable and can carry alot of weight.  Although there are a few that have two wheels in the rear and one in the front, the reverse seems to be the case for the most popular brands.  These are called "tadpole" trikes (like the one I'm riding below). 

Trikes can come with or without suspension.  There are several great maufacturers including Catrike, ICE, Greenspeed, HP Velotechnik and more.  After riding an ICE with suspension I fell in love with trikes but was a bit apprehensive about cars being able to see me that close to the ground.  They do come with flags that are on thin poles that do seem to increase overall visibilty quite alot.  I spoke with several dealers and trike owners and most say that they are very visible to cars (after all, you have to be able to see the lines on the road) and that cars give them a wide berth (probably because they look like something that should be on a movie set).  They are my very favorite recumbents even though I opted for one with two wheels.

There are several different types of two wheeled recumbents.  They all sit higher off of the ground than trikes. Many have a 26" rear wheel and a 20" front wheel.  Others have larger 650cc or 26" wheels both front and rear. You can choose from models that have underseat steering (USS) or overseat steering (OSS).  Some have suspension and others do not.  They come in long wheelbase (LWB approx.67"-71") and short wheelbase (SWB approx. 43"-46"). The 26/20 wheel combo is easier to ride but the 26/26 wheel combo is faster and a better climber.  Again there are several great manufacturers including Rans, Bacchetta, Volae and many more. One of my favorites is the HP Velotechnik Street Machine Gte but it is around $5000.00 nicely equipped.  This is a German manufacturer and the exchange rate with the Euro isn't favorable now.  It has USS, 26/20 wheels, full suspension and alot more.  It rides like a dream.  I have spent this much on racing bikes before but didn't want to do so if I could find a bike that would satisfy my needs and was a better value. 

I had almost decided to purchase the Hp Velo when a dealer I called suggested I try the Bacchetta Giro 26 after asking several questions pertaining to my requirements.  So off I drove for two hours to try this bike.  It was a beautiful yellow steel framed bike that seemed well made.  This bike is "high tourer" with 26" wheels front and rear.  I have to say that I didn't like the feeling of having my feet so high in the air initially.  I also prefer USS and this bike has OSS.  After riding it for awhile I decided to go home and give it some thought.  I admit that I just couldn't stop thinking about that bike.  I went back the next day and bought the bike and another for my girlfriend.  Both bikes together were a little over $4000.00.  Her bike is a Bacchetta Giro 20 which has an aluminum frame and the 26/20 wheel combination.   The aluminum Bacchetta frames have a 230 lb. maximum weight capacity and the steel frames 275 lbs.  I am 6'2" and 220 lbs. so I can carry approximately 55 lbs. of gear on tours.  My girlfreind is 5'5" and weighs nothing so can carry the world on hers.   I love my Bacchetta recumbent.  After hundreds of miles including a tour in Florida Keys I am still intoxicated everytime I go for a ride.  It is the most enjoyable and comfortable bicycling experience possible. I encourage you to try a recumbent!  You too may become addicted!

In my next article I will begin to explore the accessories I have added to the bikes and why they were selected.

So You Want To Try A Recumbent

I am now a full blown recumbent bicycle junkie and to help those of you that are considering this wonderful mode of transportation I have created this blog to outline my journey. I will share with you all aspects of the transition and will provide advice with regard to my personal experience.

First about me: I am 52 years old and have been riding traditional bicycles (diamond frame) since I was a teenager. My first nice bike was a steel Fiorelli Tour De France Super with Campagnola Nuevo Record components. Since then I have had numerous bikes from Cannondale, Litespeed, Trek, Fuji and more. Most of my adult riding has been on bikes with road racing geometry. I typically ride 100 miles or more a week with an occasional century. I have developed an interest in bicycle touring but quite frankly have grown tired of my sore neck, wrists and butt from long rides.

A few months ago I was perusing the ads in the back of Bicyling Magazine and came across an ad for Catrikes. I was intrigued and started to research the world of recumbent trikes. I immediately determined that because of their limited market, recumbents cost more than traditional bikes with similar components. I began looking for dealers in my area and also determined that there just aren't that many dealers for recumbents anywhere. I am fortunate enough that there are two not too far from the Charlotte, NC area where I live. By not too far I mean one is an hour away and then other two and a half hours away. Undeterred I visited both dealers and rode some recumbent trikes and bikes. I ultimately decided that I wanted a bike since they sit a little higher which means slightly better for cars to see (only my opinion). I also decided that I wanted a touring model. This narrowed the product market down. I am 6'2" and weight 220 lbs. So with 50 lbs of gear this means I needed a bike that could handle significant weight. I considered a trailer but I wanted to train on the bike to get prepared for some tours and didn't want to do so with a trailer attached everyday.

Let me digress to the bicycle test rides. Riding a recumbent is VERY different from riding a traditional bike. You have to start off with a significant push of your foot against the pedal to get the bike going and then raise your other foot to begin pedaling to keep the bike upright. This took some practice with the pedals out front. It was quite frustrating for me initially but I was able to ride albeit rather clumsily. Also, climbing hills was out of the question at first. You have to learn how to balance and keep the bike moving in a straight line first. I am not a coordinated individual so initially thought perhaps this wasn't for me but with persistance was able to ride fairly well. Now after lots of miles on the bike it is easy.

After researching and riding several brands I decided on the Bacchetta Giro 26 which has a steel frame and two 26" wheels. It is a "high tourer". I bought my girlfriend a Giro 20 ATT which has a 20" front wheel and a 26" rear wheel (I will go into more detail on the selection process in another blog).

I love my recumbent! It is so much fun to ride and extremely comfortable. Cars give me more room than ever and although I'm riding at "touring" speed I enjoy all of the sights along the routes much more. No more soreness either! I highly recommend that you try this wonderful type of bicycling; you may become a convert like I did.