ovadoc

My wife and I (empty nesters) want to get back to biking again and have settled on getting a pair of bents. Looking for health benefits and enjoyment. In our 60's and in relatively good shape. We also ride our Harley a lot, but want a little more recreation. Test rode a couple bents last week and you couldn't wipe the smile off my wife's face. (Same look she had on her first Harley). We are looking for our first models to be in the 1,000 to 1,500 range. Like the Catrike Dumont a lot. Rear suspension could be useful. Any comments welcome. Look out world!!!

Retro Grouch 

There are a lot of variations on the recumbent theme and they all ride a little bit differently. Getting a recumbent sized and set up right takes a little bit of know how too. There are also some potential issues in the transportation and storage of recumbents.

My advice is to take a road trip to a recumbent specialty store. A bike shop that has 2 recumbents on the floor isn't good enough. A recumbent specialty shop will be able to help you to select the bikes (trikes) that suit you best, will be able to set them up to suit you, and will be able to talk you through any transportation and storage issues that you may have. Well worth the extra time and expense.

superj

yup. but also try some two wheel recumbents too. they are also nice and fun to ride

ovadoc

Thanks for the advice. We are going to a shop about 130 miles from home that specialize in recumbents. Great selection and very knowledgeable staff. Transportation not as big of an issue, but would like to take with 5th Wheel eventually.



"My Goal in Life is to NOT die in a well preserved boy, but to slide in the grave sideways, at 40 MPH yelling..."

sch

Dumont is in $4200 range, but nicely configured especially the folding aspect for transport and storage purposes. Consider getting a headrest when
looking at trikes (and some 2-wheel bents), keeps the neck a lot more comfortable. You have to learn early to down shift before coming to a stop.
Some people have difficulty extracting themselves from trikes, check that out as well, depends partly on where you can touch the ground with your
feet while sitting on the bike.

JanMM

Looking for bikes or trikes or not sure?

ovadoc

Great input...thank you. We decided to get my wife a SUN T3, which she loves. I bought a use 2013 Sun model that is a few steps up from the T3 and really enjoying it. We ride 3 to 4 days a week and keep increasing our mileage. We will see where this goes, but so far so good.

Leisesturm

AFAIK the T3 is the top of the line. What exactly model of Sun do you have?

eyewannabike

Like others said, go to a store and try them. Understand the difference between direct and indirect sterring and no suspension/rear/full and the drawbacks. Also, test something with an engine added. Where you actually ride will influence what is more appropriate for what you need.