Anyone here know recumbents?

Like most of you I get asked things that are outside my area of interest-- anyone know recumbents well enough to suggest some sort of trike or tadpole that's reasonably light and doesn't cost a ton?

I'l monitor the thread and report back to her . . .

Thx . . .

 

 

I would like your advice on a bicycle matter.

In my youth, whenever that was, I was an avid 10 speed cyclist and hosteled.
I loved it.

Then my loss of hearing set in.  [Husband] didn't think I was safe on my bike.
Then the vertigo and balance issues.  Anyway, I have the best set of hearing
aids I have ever had.  I don't think of myself as severely hearing impaired,
unless they aren't working which I try to prevent.

Anyway, [Husband] got a new bike.  I would really like to go riding with him.  I
tried his bike in the alley.  Not a good choice.

So I was thinking of a adult trike.  Nothing like regressing to your
childhood.  I tried one of the Sun bikes at a place up at Bryn Mawr and
Western yesterday.  I didn't feel it was the right size.  I think I would
like a three speed.  I also seemed to veer to the right.  The kid who was
helping me rode it and it didn't do it.  I don't know if this is a subtle
balance deficit showing up.

Any suggestions?  I have also heard of that gentleman, I believe located in
Saint Charles that does adaptive bikes.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by knowbody on May 9, 2010 at 3:28pm
I have an Organic Engines SUV/pedicab which would be perfect for someone in her situation. One prerequisite may be a garage to keep these large tricycles in.

One amazing thing about how it rides is the lean-to-steer feature which makes for an exciting flying sensation. If anyone would like to check out how it rides just let me know.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 10, 2010 at 4:44am
I'm just getting started with a recumbents and considered a trike, but decided to opt for 2 wheels so it's more easily transportable.

I agree with David's assessment on price. You're unlikely to find anything under $1500. I've seen models that are a nice balance between utility and performance, but they're not cheap.

The Hase Kettwiesel is *amazing* but is anything but cheap. I got to check one out on the North Shore Century a few years ago. It's a sweet ride, but not for the faint of wallet.

David R Glass said:
I've been riding recumbents now for 14 years so I guess that must make me something of an expert around here although I've never ridden a trike.

If your friend tried a Sun and wasn't happy with that, she may have some problems finding something suitable. Most recumbent trikes that are out there now are more performance oriented. It is very easy to spend $3,000 or more. At the low end, it's going to be at least $1,500. Also, on most of them, the seat is much lower to the ground, often less than 12" which can be a big problem in the city.

Locally, besides Rapid Transit, there's Amlings on Milwaukee in Niles, and the Bike Rack in St Charles which is where I believe Adaptive Technology is.

I also suggest that you or she spend some time at http://www.bentrideronline.com/ this is the only really good recumbent site that I know of and there are lots and lots of links plus a very good message area with a lot of users so if you post a question there, you should get a lot of responses.

Hope this helps.
Permalink Reply by Rich Ferrin on May 10, 2010 at 1:12pm
The advantage to the Kett's is they can be connected in tandem. Great builds, and I've seen them at Amlings. Four of my Six Recumbents were bought from Joe. Spend the $, Ride a Trike, Feel like 12 again

Anne Alt said:
I'm just getting started with a recumbents and considered a trike, but decided to opt for 2 wheels so it's more easily transportable.

I agree with David's assessment on price. You're unlikely to find anything under $1500. I've seen models that are a nice balance between utility and performance, but they're not cheap.

The Hase Kettwiesel is *amazing* but is anything but cheap. I got to check one out on the North Shore Century a few years ago. It's a sweet ride, but not for the faint of wallet.

David R Glass said:
I've been riding recumbents now for 14 years so I guess that must make me something of an expert around here although I've never ridden a trike.

If your friend tried a Sun and wasn't happy with that, she may have some problems finding something suitable. Most recumbent trikes that are out there now are more performance oriented. It is very easy to spend $3,000 or more. At the low end, it's going to be at least $1,500. Also, on most of them, the seat is much lower to the ground, often less than 12" which can be a big problem in the city.

Locally, besides Rapid Transit, there's Amlings on Milwaukee in Niles, and the Bike Rack in St Charles which is where I believe Adaptive Technology is.

I also suggest that you or she spend some time at http://www.bentrideronline.com/ this is the only really good recumbent site that I know of and there are lots and lots of links plus a very good message area with a lot of users so if you post a question there, you should get a lot of responses.

Hope this helps.
Permalink Reply by knowbody on May 10, 2010 at 6:07pm
Maybe you're right. Though one might be pleasantly surprised just how little energy it takes to get this rig underway. I'm only getting used to it now but it surprisingly navigates off road with very little difficulty. On groomed pavement it is a virtual land sled. Uphill, downhill, or for flat out speed, it is just a matter of finessing the gears. Granted the overall weight is a huge limiting factor in its portability requiring a trailer or partial disassembly and reassembly (yikes!)

Wish I could but I'm afraid my current work schedule prevents me from participating in a Critical Mass. Or maybe I should just take the day off... and then, of course, by all means. Let's all go for a ride!
Permalink Reply by Matt AKA Jimbo/BMXican on May 11, 2010 at 4:38am
They do make adult training wheels called the Bike USA Stabilizer Wheel Kit. They can fit 700c and are surprisingly light. They retail for about $200. We set up a lady a few days ago. Out the door it only set her back $650 with a bike. That might be the best bet, I don't know if we went direct or through a distributor. Let me know if she would like to go that route, We keep them in stock to if you would like to check them out,
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 12, 2010 at 1:59pm
I've seen these and similar trikes around town. Looks like a good utility ride.

Anson Moy said:
Trek makes Trike. It's not a recumbent though, but looks kinda neat. A grown-up trike. lol

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/pure/puretrike/
Permalink Reply by Todd Allen on May 13, 2010 at 3:37am
Howard, yes it was the Wizwheels Terratrike http://www.terratrike.com/ I mentioned as a sub $1000 trike made locally. I didn't actually say made in Chicago but I knew they were within a day's drive (Grand Rapids Michigan). I'd expect that one can be found through a local retailer.

The Sun EZ3 was the other trike I mentioned, http://www.sunbicycles.com/products.php?cl1=RECUMBENT
I believe they are the highest volume producer of recumbent trikes and I've seen several of them on Critical Mass rides. An older guy named Peter has been riding one with a file cabinet on the back of it regularly on the mass since nearly the beginning of CCM.

But your best bet if on a budget would be to watch the for sale forum on BROL. http://www.bentrideronline.com/
It's not uncommon to find a nice used bike for half the price of new.

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