SWB -vs- LWB; USS -vs- OSS
09-10-07, 10:58 AM
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SWB -vs- LWB; USS -vs- OSS
What are the advantages / disadvantages of SWB -vs- LWB? And for SWBs: the advantages / disadvantages of USS -vs- OSS?
A friend with an older Vision SWB converted it from USS to OSS. I have only ridden an SWB with USS. It felt very confortable and natural.
For USS: the slack span of the chain has to go over the bars & cables. Does this create problems?
A friend with an older Vision SWB converted it from USS to OSS. I have only ridden an SWB with USS. It felt very confortable and natural.
For USS: the slack span of the chain has to go over the bars & cables. Does this create problems?
09-10-07, 11:43 AM
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Just what I could think of:
SWB pro: Weight less, more compact, easier to transport, take up less room in the garage/house, more nimble in city traffic.
SWB con: Less stable, quick/sensitive steering, danger of the front wheel rub against feet during tight turns.
USS pro: Less likely to have arm fatigue for long distance riding, weight less than OSS (less cable/housing length).
USS con: wider profile, less capable in tight traffic situation.
SWB pro: Weight less, more compact, easier to transport, take up less room in the garage/house, more nimble in city traffic.
SWB con: Less stable, quick/sensitive steering, danger of the front wheel rub against feet during tight turns.
USS pro: Less likely to have arm fatigue for long distance riding, weight less than OSS (less cable/housing length).
USS con: wider profile, less capable in tight traffic situation.
09-10-07, 01:01 PM
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Thanks -
Also, I notice that I feel more vulnerable (wider) along the shoulder of the road with the USS than I do on a DF bike. Is this something you get used to?
Also, I notice that I feel more vulnerable (wider) along the shoulder of the road with the USS than I do on a DF bike. Is this something you get used to?
09-10-07, 01:13 PM
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That's rather personal.. I much rather be narrower on a OSS and able to sneak between tightly parked cars at a traffic light. If I hit anything on my recumbent, it will be hit by my chainrings, preferably... not with my knuckles.
09-10-07, 02:12 PM
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SWB pro: the front wheel is protected by the boom so that you cannot touch it to someone's rear wheel in a crowded situation. Hitting your front wheel can put you down on the pavement right now; in fact it's probably the most common reason for pacelines going down. I've touched my foot to someone's rear wheel twice this year, with no bad results (both their fault.)
