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Ergonomic vehicle in the non-virtual world (thus in First
Life ;-). Not that it moves by its own, but even a cyclist without
athletic ambitions notices the difference. For instance if one
reaches an average speed of just above 20 km/h (12.5 mph)
with the (race) MTB one will achieve close up to 25 km/h
(15.5 mph). Provided that it is an adequate course, thus
neither extreme off-road nor exclusively on tear by head
wind.
Cycling on a recumbent stresses the legs, however, anyhow it goes
easier. While one really feels a MTB tour of 100 km (about 62
miles), with the recumbent some additional ten miles are easily
possible.
The faster one can cycle the more advantage lies on the side of
the recumbent. A recumbent without fairing is somehow comparable
with a racing bicycle. A completely streamlined recumbent is not to
beat - almost any speed record is held by recumbents. But they have
their weight and their price.
The relaxed sitting position permits a large range and a great view. (Gentle to the backside ;-) Also one's wrists are relieved.
The reduced wind resistance improves the average and maybe the maximum velocity. (Comparison: at a certain tarred drop one reaches about 55 km/h (approx. 34 mph) on a MTB in racing position and with power, with just rolling recumbent easily more than 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph))
In a frontal crash the crush section starts far away from one's nose. And one does not fall so deep.
Difficult (better: unfamiliar) to ride; due to the low center of
gravity no correction of driving faults by balancing with the
weight is possible. Perhaps somehow a bit rough run due to the
twitch/torque of the back and forth moving legs.
Center steering recumbents are a special theme, but interesting to
ride (even without holding on!).
No sight over parking cars, fences, etc. and one is hard to see - but easy to kill. What's about a pennant?
No relief of the leg muscles by using the weight. No chance to throw your weight on the pedal. So have much fun in long slopes. Above about 10% it starts to get really annoying, nevertheless even 17% are feasible.
Riding a recumbent is different - therefore check during a longer test ride whether a recumbent holds what you are expecting.
In all probability slipping off the pedals results in a fall. Thus mount racing locks at least, namely such with plastic cage and loose tighten belts. Or just try click pedals (so-called »clipless« or »with cleats«; somehow similar to a ski binding). Not, however, the racing version, but e.g. Shimano SM-SH 55 plates with multi-exit option. Choose as pedals e.g. Shimano PD-M 323 or 324, which can be used together with normal shoes, too. Therefore one can drive »clicked out« with them as well. In general one should note that due to more shifting phases, light MTB shoes are the better choice instead of pure racer shoes.
Revolutions is what you need, especially in slopes, i.e. restrictions in changing gear will get on your bones. Ensure to have enough gears.
Danger of sunburn. Possibly you lie in the sun like on a deckchair. And consider wearing (sun-) glasses with UV protection.
One additional note: Beware of horses, with or without riders. They fear recumbents and even they bolt - especially when one uses a pennant. Although when one slowly approaches only or even stops. The critical distance is about 5 to 10 meters (15 to 30 feet).
Easy to handle - the full suspension Quantum of those
times was really good-natured. In spite of the rather simple
construction with a rubber buffer the rear suspension is very
effective. Built with Al square tubes (unusual optics!) the Quantum
is comparatively light but yet stable.
After two test rides in March 1997, in all 90 km (approx. 56
miles) on the road and gravel, I was sure: I need a recumbent even
though I tipped over three or four times.
The present models look great, refer to the link on the left.
Especially on pavement riding the Hornet is more
comfortable than a MTB and concerning cross-country capability it
is in competition with a folding bike - so sufficient enough for
gravel paths in the forest or if need be for field paths.
With approx. 17.5 kg (approx. 35 pounds) rather heavy (CrMo
frame), but thanks to the in-ride lockable rear suspension
(really recommended) slops up to 15% are to be mastered with
bearable effort.
The deep located indirect steering gear is very agreeable -
(nearly) always one gets one's feet on the ground just right in
time. Besides it is a good protection against risk of injury when
upsetting. Result: A great bike with a lot of intelligent detail
solutions which is worth its high price.
Since April 1997 the hunter in the speed limit area »Zone 30«. And
concerning distance, almost one time around the world.
Else often I'm on tour otherwise, when it is stormy
weather or in snowy winters and for raging - live richly...
However I've chosen the Magura HS 33 hydraulic brakes again. And
meanwhile it's switched to a new frame of 2007.
Advantageous are the wiring exclusively at the upper tube, the
damper position out of the splash region and, of course, the low
weight Al frame.
The switch from Grip-Shift towards Rapidfire levers takes a bit of
time. But the gear change works very fast and precisely. Besides
the grip space and possibilities are slightly reduced. Therefore
additional bar ends are recommended.
Really a very impressive vehicle, even hill-up. On tour since May
2003.
Exact saddle height of the MTB - I have to look up it, too, e.g. according to Handbuch Radsport, BLV, 1994, p. 44:
saddle height = standover × 0.893
measured between top level of saddle and middle of bottom
bracket.
And if no pocket rule is available at the moment? Adjust by just
putting your heel on the pedal with unbend leg. Then your leg is
not completely unbend when the ball of your foot hits the
pedal.
You can calculate the frame height of a racer out of the standover
by a factor 0.65 and of a MTB by a factor 0.61.
Tips for cycle around the Noris (Nuremberg):
Some selected bike tours (suitable for recumbent)
in the Nuremberg region:
Enjoy these couple of links for some a bit different vehicles:
Recumbent overview: Liegeradmagazin.de
Recumbents with patent front-wheel drive: www.zoxbikes.de
The ultimate vehicle: www.go-one.de
And the pendant with engine: www.carver-one.de
Or nevertheless with four wheels: www.jetcar.de,
www.loremo.com
Compromise - three wheels, electric + pedals: www.twiketours.ch
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Update: V8.4, 2012-03-02
