Touring with a recumbent
10-01-18, 04:56 PM
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Touring with a recumbent
EXPERIENCES TOURING WITH GREENSPEED MAGNUM
BACKGROUND
I have just competed my first long distance tour with My Greenspeed Magnum. I am pleased to report that the Magnum performed excellently in all ways.
The tour was a 1100km+ ride through southern Spain. We experienced all road conditions from AutoVias (motorways) to minor sealed roads, gravel roads, rutted farm tracks and washed out dry river beds of loose gravel and sand. I rode over some of the steepest hills I have ever encountered. The Magnum managed all these conditions with ease, climbing steep hills at very slow speeds and taking high speed declines with great stability and comfort. I experience zero mechanical problems throughout the entire trip.
MY PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE
I purchased my Magnum after completing several long distance tours on an upright touring bike. Like most tourers, I experience significant structural pain in my neck, shoulders, back, butt and arms. I was hoping that the Magnum would help reduce the effects and it delivered completely on that promise. I had no physical pains at all while my two riding mates (touring on traditional upright tourers) suffered considerably and required numerous visits to physios as a result. This result alone would be sufficient to justify my decision to purchase a Magnum.
MY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Prior to leaving I was very concerned about how the airlines would respond to the Magnum. Whether they would accept it. Whether they would levy significant charges. Whether they would insist on breaking the trike down and having to wrap it up in some way. I need not have worried. I flew with Qantas and Emirates who both accepted the trike without any need to break it down at all. I merely rolled it over to oversize baggage and that was that. When I think about the hassle I used to experience with an upright tourer (having to remove handlebars ,saddle, pedals and wheels and pack everything into a box) this was such a breeze by comparison.
I also found that the novelty of the trike caused many people to acknowledge my presence in very positive ways. Cars tooting and waving, lorries giving me a wide birth and acknowledging me with friendly toots, pedestrians staring with fascination and amusement and giving friendly waves and greetings. All of these added tremendously to the joy of the tour and I do not recall very much of this happening when touring on a conventional bike.
SUMMARY
If you are considering buying a Magnum for touring, go with it. You will not be disappointed. It is reliable, safe, comfortable and fun.
BACKGROUND
I have just competed my first long distance tour with My Greenspeed Magnum. I am pleased to report that the Magnum performed excellently in all ways.
The tour was a 1100km+ ride through southern Spain. We experienced all road conditions from AutoVias (motorways) to minor sealed roads, gravel roads, rutted farm tracks and washed out dry river beds of loose gravel and sand. I rode over some of the steepest hills I have ever encountered. The Magnum managed all these conditions with ease, climbing steep hills at very slow speeds and taking high speed declines with great stability and comfort. I experience zero mechanical problems throughout the entire trip.
MY PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE
I purchased my Magnum after completing several long distance tours on an upright touring bike. Like most tourers, I experience significant structural pain in my neck, shoulders, back, butt and arms. I was hoping that the Magnum would help reduce the effects and it delivered completely on that promise. I had no physical pains at all while my two riding mates (touring on traditional upright tourers) suffered considerably and required numerous visits to physios as a result. This result alone would be sufficient to justify my decision to purchase a Magnum.
MY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Prior to leaving I was very concerned about how the airlines would respond to the Magnum. Whether they would accept it. Whether they would levy significant charges. Whether they would insist on breaking the trike down and having to wrap it up in some way. I need not have worried. I flew with Qantas and Emirates who both accepted the trike without any need to break it down at all. I merely rolled it over to oversize baggage and that was that. When I think about the hassle I used to experience with an upright tourer (having to remove handlebars ,saddle, pedals and wheels and pack everything into a box) this was such a breeze by comparison.
I also found that the novelty of the trike caused many people to acknowledge my presence in very positive ways. Cars tooting and waving, lorries giving me a wide birth and acknowledging me with friendly toots, pedestrians staring with fascination and amusement and giving friendly waves and greetings. All of these added tremendously to the joy of the tour and I do not recall very much of this happening when touring on a conventional bike.
SUMMARY
If you are considering buying a Magnum for touring, go with it. You will not be disappointed. It is reliable, safe, comfortable and fun.
10-02-18, 04:38 PM
#2
Senior Member
Like most tourers, I experience significant structural pain in my neck, shoulders, back, butt and arms. I was hoping that the Magnum would help reduce the effects and it delivered completely on that promise. I had no physical pains at all while my two riding mates (touring on traditional upright tourers) suffered considerably and required numerous visits to physios as a result.
10-02-18, 06:16 PM
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To Dan and others who have fixated on my 'most tourers' statement. The statement was made based my own experience and observation of others. I am not interested in entering into a debate on whether it is most or some. That was not the intention of the post.
It was, in fact, a genuine attempt to provide feedback to others who might be considering their options because they are experiencing some or all of the issues that I mentioned. I am not trying to convert anyone to recumbents. If you don’t have any of these issues then I am pleased for you. If you are not interested in the recumbent option that’s fine with me.To the moderator, if what I have done is not in the sprit or intent of this forum feel free to delete my post.
If, on the other hand, anyone would like any additional info, I would be happy to oblige.
It was, in fact, a genuine attempt to provide feedback to others who might be considering their options because they are experiencing some or all of the issues that I mentioned. I am not trying to convert anyone to recumbents. If you don’t have any of these issues then I am pleased for you. If you are not interested in the recumbent option that’s fine with me.To the moderator, if what I have done is not in the sprit or intent of this forum feel free to delete my post.
If, on the other hand, anyone would like any additional info, I would be happy to oblige.
10-02-18, 07:27 PM
#4
Every day a winding road
Amtrak won't take a trike. I doubt they will take a recumbent bicycle either. Probably would have have the same issues on buses. Certainly you would have issues on local buses with racks.
It does seem like a really comfortable way to tour though I would be concerned about visibility.
It does seem like a really comfortable way to tour though I would be concerned about visibility.
10-03-18, 04:56 AM
#5
Senior Member
I'm not hung up on anything, that's just the only part I had a question about and I think it's legitimate. I think recumbents are cool and I've thought about trying one some day. They seem fun and I'm certainly glad it solved your problems. I can definitely see the benefits. If 1000kms on the bike required multiple visits to a physio therapist to get my body right again then I'd be looking for a solution too, but I think I'd first look into whether my current bike actually fit me considering the millions of people who ride upright bikes big miles without it causing them serious physical damage.
Last edited by DanBell; 10-03-18 at 05:40 AM. Reason: Typos
10-03-18, 05:36 AM
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10-03-18, 05:56 AM
#7
10-03-18, 06:14 AM
#8
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...Prior to leaving I was very concerned about how the airlines would respond to the Magnum. Whether they would accept it. Whether they would levy significant charges. Whether they would insist on breaking the trike down and having to wrap it up in some way. I need not have worried. I flew with Qantas and Emirates who both accepted the trike without any need to break it down at all. I merely rolled it over to oversize baggage and that was that. When I think about the hassle I used to experience with an upright tourer (having to remove handlebars ,saddle, pedals and wheels and pack everything into a box) this was such a breeze by comparison...
i am confused. do qantas and/or emirates require bicycles to be disassembles and packed in a box? what airline did you fly before? do you know of other airlines that require boxing of bikes but not of a GREENSPEED MAGNUM®.
10-03-18, 07:18 AM
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LOVE GOOD NEWS about folks bicycle tours. GABBA GABBA HEY. It was your MAGNUM OPUS......arf!
I will ask: did you feel intimidated by being at the "same level as cars?" Was it difficult for you to be seen?
I have seen many people touring on recumbents, and the different styles amuse me. When you are going UP a steep hill, do you get the sensation that your legs are higher than your head?
I will ask: did you feel intimidated by being at the "same level as cars?" Was it difficult for you to be seen?
I have seen many people touring on recumbents, and the different styles amuse me. When you are going UP a steep hill, do you get the sensation that your legs are higher than your head?
10-03-18, 08:28 AM
#10
bicycle tourist
I do most all my touring on normal bikes but do have a long wheelbase of same model as below, except I have both a rear rack and an under the seat rack. I mostly taken it on shorter weekend tours and also ridden hotter than hell hundred on it twice (mostly because of a quirk: tandems and recumbents are allowed up front and my normal speed placement would place me so much further back that I would start an hour later and miss a lot of cool morning temperatures - not sure why HHH has a tandems and recumbents rule but because they do I ride this bike).
This particular model was marketed as a "recumbent mountain bike". I wouldn't do well on technical single track or if one needs to jump over logs/rocks/etc but it is pretty stable on gravel roads and similar terrain. Dual 26" wheels makes for a rather big bike in my XL size - longer even than a tandem and not easy to bring on buses or trains. When I sit on the bike, I'm taller than some small mountain bikers, so not as big a concern for visibility. I have rented a minivan or large SUV to do some one-direction rides. I had it built with S&S couplers but not used that much.
I've found it exercises different muscles so nice for variety when I am commuting with my other bikes during the week to ride the recumbent on weekends. It is a heavier bike than even my upright bikes, so tougher on short steep hills and just slightly faster on level. Also stable enough that I'm comfortable going faster downhill than my other bikes.
As far as recumbents being better or worse for touring - I say whatever floats your boat. As described above, there are some tradeoffs and perhaps for some they might find one or the other more comfortable. Not an issue for me and I'll use my recumbent more for variety. As far as this particular model goes, it isn't sold anymore and the company was a pain to deal with when I ordered the bike. So this isn't a recommendation on those fronts, though I do enjoy riding the end product.
This particular model was marketed as a "recumbent mountain bike". I wouldn't do well on technical single track or if one needs to jump over logs/rocks/etc but it is pretty stable on gravel roads and similar terrain. Dual 26" wheels makes for a rather big bike in my XL size - longer even than a tandem and not easy to bring on buses or trains. When I sit on the bike, I'm taller than some small mountain bikers, so not as big a concern for visibility. I have rented a minivan or large SUV to do some one-direction rides. I had it built with S&S couplers but not used that much.
I've found it exercises different muscles so nice for variety when I am commuting with my other bikes during the week to ride the recumbent on weekends. It is a heavier bike than even my upright bikes, so tougher on short steep hills and just slightly faster on level. Also stable enough that I'm comfortable going faster downhill than my other bikes.
As far as recumbents being better or worse for touring - I say whatever floats your boat. As described above, there are some tradeoffs and perhaps for some they might find one or the other more comfortable. Not an issue for me and I'll use my recumbent more for variety. As far as this particular model goes, it isn't sold anymore and the company was a pain to deal with when I ordered the bike. So this isn't a recommendation on those fronts, though I do enjoy riding the end product.
10-03-18, 03:55 PM
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You are confused!
I am equally confused. I mistakenly believed that these forums could be used to impart information and/or experiences rather than stimulate debate. My experiences are with Qantas, Emirates, BA and Virgin all of whom require bikes to be boxed meaning that saddles, handlebars pedals and at least one wheel be removed. I have no knowledge of any other airlines. I was also expressing my surprised delight that these restrictions did not apply to my rucumbent. By the way, I did not intend to imply that this only applied to my Magnum, merely that it was a Magnum in my case. I spent many months worrying about this so was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and thought that others might find this feedback helpful
10-03-18, 04:05 PM
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Was I shilling for Greenspeed
Regarding the moderator's comment about posting in two discussions, the above applies. I had posted in one when I realised that there was another where the post may apply. I was not aware of the restriction mentioned. My apologies for this error.
10-03-18, 04:18 PM
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Feeling intimidated
LOVE GOOD NEWS about folks bicycle tours. GABBA GABBA HEY. It was your MAGNUM OPUS......arf!
I will ask: did you feel intimidated by being at the "same level as cars?" Was it difficult for you to be seen?
I have seen many people touring on recumbents, and the different styles amuse me. When you are going UP a steep hill, do you get the sensation that your legs are higher than your head?
I will ask: did you feel intimidated by being at the "same level as cars?" Was it difficult for you to be seen?
I have seen many people touring on recumbents, and the different styles amuse me. When you are going UP a steep hill, do you get the sensation that your legs are higher than your head?
this is the most common question I am asked. I do use a flag and bright rear light in anticipation of this concern. I also have mirrors so I am aware of on coming vehicles and can take defensive action, pulling over to one side or even off the road to allow them to pass. I have to say though that my experience is that oncoming vehicles see me long before any evasive action is required and universally give me a wide berth. I believe that the novelty effect outweighs any issue regarding visibility caused by height. Given some of the responses already received to my post let me be clear. These comments are only made from my own experience and are NOT based on in depth research.
re the head versus feet question - I can’t say that I have noticed this but am aware that I have to crane my neck forward more on steep hills which can be uncomfortable at first. On the other hand, because the trike is so stable, I can safely climb at much lower speeds without wavering about.
10-03-18, 06:18 PM
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trike has n buses
Amtrak won't take a trike. I doubt they will take a recumbent bicycle either. Probably would have have the same issues on buses. Certainly you would have issues on local buses with racks.
It does seem like a really comfortable way to tour though I would be concerned about visibility.
It does seem like a really comfortable way to tour though I would be concerned about visibility.
Re visibility. See post elsewhere in this thread
10-03-18, 06:25 PM
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Re bike discomfort
I'm not hung up on anything, that's just the only part I had a question about and I think it's legitimate. I think recumbents are cool and I've thought about trying one some day. They seem fun and I'm certainly glad it solved your problems. I can definitely see the benefits. If 1000kms on the bike required multiple visits to a physio therapist to get my body right again then I'd be looking for a solution too, but I think I'd first look into whether my current bike actually fit me considering the millions of people who ride upright bikes big miles without it causing them serious physical damage.
10-03-18, 06:28 PM
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Recumbents v upright
M
agree with your 'whatever floats your boat '. Not trying to convert anyone. Just offering input. Cheers Ian’s
I do most all my touring on normal bikes but do have a long wheelbase of same model as below, except I have both a rear rack and an under the seat rack. I mostly taken it on shorter weekend tours and also ridden hotter than hell hundred on it twice (mostly because of a quirk: tandems and recumbents are allowed up front and my normal speed placement would place me so much further back that I would start an hour later and miss a lot of cool morning temperatures - not sure why HHH has a tandems and recumbents rule but because they do I ride this bike).
This particular model was marketed as a "recumbent mountain bike". I wouldn't do well on technical single track or if one needs to jump over logs/rocks/etc but it is pretty stable on gravel roads and similar terrain. Dual 26" wheels makes for a rather big bike in my XL size - longer even than a tandem and not easy to bring on buses or trains. When I sit on the bike, I'm taller than some small mountain bikers, so not as big a concern for visibility. I have rented a minivan or large SUV to do some one-direction rides. I had it built with S&S couplers but not used that much.
I've found it exercises different muscles so nice for variety when I am commuting with my other bikes during the week to ride the recumbent on weekends. It is a heavier bike than even my upright bikes, so tougher on short steep hills and just slightly faster on level. Also stable enough that I'm comfortable going faster downhill than my other bikes.
As far as recumbents being better or worse for touring - I say whatever floats your boat. As described above, there are some tradeoffs and perhaps for some they might find one or the other more comfortable. Not an issue for me and I'll use my recumbent more for variety. As far as this particular model goes, it isn't sold anymore and the company was a pain to deal with when I ordered the bike. So this isn't a recommendation on those fronts, though I do enjoy riding the end product.
This particular model was marketed as a "recumbent mountain bike". I wouldn't do well on technical single track or if one needs to jump over logs/rocks/etc but it is pretty stable on gravel roads and similar terrain. Dual 26" wheels makes for a rather big bike in my XL size - longer even than a tandem and not easy to bring on buses or trains. When I sit on the bike, I'm taller than some small mountain bikers, so not as big a concern for visibility. I have rented a minivan or large SUV to do some one-direction rides. I had it built with S&S couplers but not used that much.
I've found it exercises different muscles so nice for variety when I am commuting with my other bikes during the week to ride the recumbent on weekends. It is a heavier bike than even my upright bikes, so tougher on short steep hills and just slightly faster on level. Also stable enough that I'm comfortable going faster downhill than my other bikes.
As far as recumbents being better or worse for touring - I say whatever floats your boat. As described above, there are some tradeoffs and perhaps for some they might find one or the other more comfortable. Not an issue for me and I'll use my recumbent more for variety. As far as this particular model goes, it isn't sold anymore and the company was a pain to deal with when I ordered the bike. So this isn't a recommendation on those fronts, though I do enjoy riding the end product.
10-03-18, 06:29 PM
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Am I for real?
Re pushing Greenspeed. - see comments elsewhere in this discussion. Cheers Ian.
Last edited by lidzau; 10-03-18 at 06:31 PM. Reason: Incomplete response
10-03-18, 07:05 PM
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10-03-18, 07:50 PM
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10-03-18, 10:40 PM
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OTOH it's good to read that folks like 'bent touring. Climbing is slower but one avoids the effort of keeping an upright bike going straight on steep climbs?
10-04-18, 05:41 AM
#21
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had a rear rack, could load up the panniers, go on long rides, not affected as much by headwinds due to lower profile. but sitting down, no way to hop over potholes and debris.
Last edited by saddlesores; 10-04-18 at 05:46 AM.
10-04-18, 07:33 PM
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useta have a couple of these infinity® long wheelbase recumbents. awesome fun on the flats but a real pain on hills. just couldn't get the torque as you would from a normal bike. set up with standard mtb/touring 3*9 gearing.
had a rear rack, could load up the panniers, go on long rides, not affected as much by headwinds due to lower profile. but sitting down, no way to hop over potholes and debris.
had a rear rack, could load up the panniers, go on long rides, not affected as much by headwinds due to lower profile. but sitting down, no way to hop over potholes and debris.
10-04-18, 11:54 PM
#23
Senior Member
I'm not hung up on anything, that's just the only part I had a question about and I think it's legitimate. I think recumbents are cool and I've thought about trying one some day. They seem fun and I'm certainly glad it solved your problems. I can definitely see the benefits. If 1000kms on the bike required multiple visits to a physio therapist to get my body right again then I'd be looking for a solution too, but I think I'd first look into whether my current bike actually fit me considering the millions of people who ride upright bikes big miles without it causing them serious physical damage.
Then there are 'micro adjusters' for whom a millimeter will make a huge difference and riding any longer distance with a sub par fit will cause issues. Examples of these kinds of people are me and Eddy Merckx.
For micro adjusters bike fitting is a journey which takes years and can end up in frustration and escalate into getting a bent. Nothing wrong with bents, I've considered them but they are too expensive for me atm and I like uprights.
Some people push through the pain and injure themselves in the process. Paris Brest Paris is a prime example of this where people get hand numbness and/or nerve injuries which last a long time after the event or are even permanent. But being able to push through the pain should not be acceptable. But bike fits are expensive and there is also a chance a reputable bike fitter has no idea what they are doing (recently watched GCN video where a Shimano fit rep went with KOPS to set saddle setback). So it is no wonder some people give up and go with alternative methods and saying their fit is not right is actually less than helpful. These people probably know their fit is off but also have not found a working solution because ultimately bike fitting is incredible complicated where everything affects everything.
10-05-18, 04:43 AM
#24
Senior Member
Thanks for the info about macro absorbers and micro adjusters. I hadn't heard that before. I'm definitely a macro absorber and often wondered why people had so much trouble with fit. It definitely illuminates my bias here. I hardly think asking whether their bikes fit them is "less than helpful" though. We're on a forum with limited information from the OP, his entire premise was that he and his two touring partners were seriously suffering, and that most cycle tourists that he has met have the same problems. Add to that the fact that lots of people ignore or don't know about the importance of bike fit and are often unaware that the discomfort they feel can be alleviated by changes to their bike and I think it was a reasonable question to ask; I just wanted to know if they had been workng on this issue or not. We regularly have new posters come in here and talk about touring on a bike that doesn't fit them. It's a common issue.
Anyway, I do appreciate the micro/macro angle. That's interesting information and will help me be more understanding in the future.
Anyway, I do appreciate the micro/macro angle. That's interesting information and will help me be more understanding in the future.
10-05-18, 11:45 AM
#25
Banned
I have had to box and ship a few from the LBS, on the coast, it's quite time consuming ,
and being an oversize box will be a more expensive shipping cost..
SWB may be better than an LWB.. in this regard.
For time required , having the shop reassemble and tune up
the bike ready to ride when rider arrives,
a fee paid will be pretty cheap..
Here the fee is more , because the rime required is much longer.
...
and being an oversize box will be a more expensive shipping cost..
SWB may be better than an LWB.. in this regard.
For time required , having the shop reassemble and tune up
the bike ready to ride when rider arrives,
a fee paid will be pretty cheap..
Here the fee is more , because the rime required is much longer.
...
