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.