I'd like some info on 'recumbant bicycles,' specifically downsides, things to watch out for when buying one, things to watch out for when using one, and so forth.
I'm aware of a problem involving the long drive chain, and have heard there are designs using an intermediate gear to help this. How well do these work out?
How about seats and handlebars (I've seen a few of these being used and the handlebars seem to always be 'ape hanger' style).
I'm NOT a regular bike rider (haven't been for more than 20 years and even then it was just a casual thing). My physical situation is such that the sheer height of a std bike would cause me to fall over at stops, as my legs are not 'lockable' (in the knees), but from the knee down, not as much problem is anticipated.
If I do get a recumbant, it'd not be used for long distance touring or mountain biking, just super casual going places and back (sometimes).
-- jimbo@sonic.net
"I used to be self employed until my job got outsourced.."
On 4 Nov 2005 14:13:55 -0800, Chalo wrote:>Jim Bianchi wrote:>> I'd like some info on 'recumbant bicycles,' specifically downsides,>> things to watch out for when buying one, things to watch out for when>> using one, and so forth.>
There is a great summary of the characteristics, benefits, and>drawbacks of recumbents on Wikipedia. It's largely the work of>frequent r.b.t contributor Guy Chapman:>
Thank you for this link. It sure tells me all I might want to know.
I'm aware of a problem involving the long drive chain, and have>> heard there are designs using an intermediate gear to help this. How well>> do these work out?>
Recumbents with rear wheel drive must necessarily have long chains.>When the rider is seated up above the chain line, chain management>measures are used simply to keep the chain from flailing around so much>that it derails unintentionally. Usually these measures consist of>simple frame-mounted flexible tubing or guide loops in the middle of>the chain's span.>
When the rider is seated low, such that the chain would drag against>the underside of the seat if not rerouted, then load-bearing idler>pulleys are used. These are often like skateboard wheels with grooves>cut into them for the chain to follow. This type of chain management>device has a noticeable effect on drivetrain efficicency, and is>usually used to effect a lower rider position that offers better enough>aerodynamic efficiency to fully compensate for additional drivetrain>losses.>
How about seats and handlebars (I've seen a few of these being used>> and the handlebars seem to always be 'ape hanger' style).>
Recumbents usually have one of three different kinds of handlebars-->the "ape hanger" type you have seen, used on some long-wheelbase>'bents; wide handlebars with upturned ends, which attach beneath the>seat; or short flat handlebars mounted on long, often articulated>stems, which are used on short-wheelbase 'bents.>
I've not yet seen these, but I will. Thanks again, sir.
I specifically chose to show Sun bikes because they are among the least>expensive 'bents available, and because almost any bike shop can get>them.>
I'm NOT a regular bike rider (haven't been for more than 20 years>> and even then it was just a casual thing). My physical situation is such>> that the sheer height of a std bike would cause me to fall over at stops,>> as my legs are not 'lockable' (in the knees), but from the knee down, not>> as much problem is anticipated.>>
If I do get a recumbant, it'd not be used for long distance touring>> or mountain biking, just super casual going places and back (sometimes).>
In my experience, recumbent bikes can be awkward to balance at a stop>and wobbly on startup-- more so even than upright bikes. However,>recumbent trikes offer most of the benefits of recumbent bikes while>resolving any such issues. A trike rider can come to a stop without>removing feet from pedals, and can climb hills as slowly as necessary>without struggling to maintain balance.
Again good advice. This kinda stuff is exactly what I was looking for. At that Wikipedia site, I got sucked in by the Windcheetah (AVD). Specifically the HyperSport. Too bad they cost so much. Oh, well. I'll have a look at those Sun bikes. Thanks again..
-- jimbo@sonic.net
"There are only 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary, and those who don't."
(So it costs $5350 -- I also want a REAL Mini-Cooper S, a Norton Manx 500cc single, and a pre-64 Winchester M70 in 22-250). Even though my chances of obtaining any of those things is effectively zero, I can dream.
At any rate, I feel I could best use a trike 'bent. I repeat, this would just be used for (relatively) short occasional outings, nothing long or particularly hazardous.
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