Bicycles, that is. Recumbent bicycles, in my case. In the past few months I ended up selling 4 of my bikes, partly because I had a bit of a falling out with the builder who made 3 of those bikes. So I ended up with enough money to buy 2 brand new bikes, with some left in the bank.
Thisismy new commuting bike. It’s a Bacchetta Cafe. Reasonably priced, very comfortable, highly adjustable. If anyone is interested in getting their first recumbent, I’d recommend this highly.
Thisis my new “racing bike”. Well, I don’t actually race, but I wanted a dedicated bike for century rides and club rides. It’s a Challenge Fujin. Some of you might remember that this was damaged in shipping, and I sought advice here. It was either further damaged when it was shipped to me, or the damage was worse than I was led to believe, so I sent it back and finally received a shiny new replacement.
Anybody else want to show off theirs?
I’ve been tempted to get one of the Challenges (I had a RANS Rocket for awhile but didn’t ride it much, though I really like the “swoopiness” of the Challenges).
So tell me–how hard are those to ride if you don’t have much experience with a recumbent? Do they work in traffic, or are you so low that you’re constantly in fear of being run over?
How long did it take you to get it (the new replacement, I mean)? That’s the other thing that stopped me–didn’t want to order something like that sight unseen with no experience.
Recumbents have a slight disadvantage because you can’t change positions. On a road bike, I think standing vs. sitting (and other changes) allows you to use different muscles while allowing others to rest. Then again, recumbent riders have done well in brevets and races that allow recumbents. I understand RAAM 2005 was a fairly hilly course, and the Bacchetta recumbent team came in 4th place overall. Not a bad result considering the average age of the team was 42.
In general, taller bikes are easier to balance because they “fall” much more slowly. It’s the same reason it’s easier to balance a broomstick on your palm than a pencil. But as far as lowracers and quasi-lowracers go, the Challenge Fujin handles extremely well. It shouldn’t take long to get used to it. The most important thing on any recumbent is to relax your upper body and arms.
That’s difficult to answer. Of course it feels a little scary the first time you ride it. And when I’m riding something this low, I take extra care to ride predictably, to use high-visibility clothes and accessories, and to not ride too close to the curb. I also try to avoid high-traffic roads and narrow 2-lane roads. But as long as you take such precautions, I think it’s perfectly safe to ride it in moderate traffic.
About 3 or 4 weeks, from the day I asked for a new frame to when it showed up on my doorstep. Considering it’s a custom color frame, I think that’s a pretty good response.
Eurdis is the US distributor of Challenge bikes. Maybe you can ask them if there’s a dealer in your area. They also sell direct, but you’d have to assemble it yourself. It’s not difficult, but if you have little experience setting up bikes, you may need to find an open-minded bike mechanic to help you.
Here’s my new toy! Not a recumbent, but still cool (I think!) Picked it up back in November, in time to get about two outdoor rides in before the snow fell. Any month now, spring should arrive in Saskatchewan and I’ll be able to take her out of the basement
Just a Trek 520 here. http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1432000&f=8
Mine is grey and an older model year. (in fact I got it at a reasonable discount because it wasn’t the current model year wehn I bought it a few years ago)
I got a Trek 7100 Hybrid for Christmas, and I love it to bits. I’ve never had a bike that actually fit me, so it was a major revelation to ride a bike whose frame wasn’t a few inches too big for me. I know it’s nothing fancy, but it tickles me to bits. I just can’t wait for the rain to stop here in sunny Los Angeles (HA!) so I get out there and start riding again.
Nice one. My Fuji Crosstown 3.0 finally arrived early this month and I’ve been riding it to work whenever I can. I haven’t ridden for years and it feels great to be back in the saddle instead of packed in a commuter train every morning.
2 weeks ago I bought last years Giant Trance 3 mtn bike. Full suspension, I should glide over those rocks & logs this year. Haven’t had it out yet, just sitting in my living room against a wall…soon. This is this years model…
I don’t have pics of my bike right now because it’s in the shop, getting tuned up and accessorized. It’s a pretty standard mountain bike, but I got it for free. The people next door put it out on the curb, so I rang the doorbell and asked if I could take it (just to be sure). I have no idea why they were throwing it out. The only thing wrong with it was that the brakes were too tight, which is why it’s in the shop. My last bike was stolen the first time I rode it to work, so I feel like some cosmic debt has been paid by giving me a free one.
It’s good to see so many people riding bikes! I had a Trek hybrid bike in college - nice and dependable.
Mine is the 22-lb SL (Super Light) version, and US list price is $2700. There’s also a 34-lb “Endurance” model which is slightly cheaper, and comes with suspension and disc brakes. And also a 17.6 lb “SL-II” version for $3900.
I bought a 2005 model CycleGenius CGX Starling last year on Ebay for a real good price. I’m not into racing and my family and I are into day trips once in awhile so I wanted something that was affordable, but still comfortable.
I’m never looking back. I absoltely LOVE my recumbent!
