A lady on here got me interested in a Recumbent Trike!
#1
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A lady on here got me interested in a Recumbent Trike!
The more I think about it, the more enjoyment I think it would be. I'm almost 64, and may as well call me a beginner since I haven't "ever" ridden long distances, only biked as a kid, then in my 20s, 30s, then again a little in my 50s. And those were just a couple hours or so, and not daily.
So, I see a Recumbent will cost me more right off the bat, so I'm going to get the cheap, Mountain bike from Walmart I planned to get, I think. Either that or save another month to get a Recumbent. Everything I'm seeing about these Recumbents are way better for me. My legs are strong as I've been walking 16-24 miles (3-6 days a week) for the last year and a half, and before that, still walked at least an hour a day.
My arms are building slowly from body-weight exercises. I'm looking forward to the "board" and was way excited to see you had a group of posters just on this type of bike.
I live on the Pacific Coast, and have some wonderful "off the main road" areas to ride. I am not much for mountain biking, looking more at day tours, and eventually, some overnight camping on our Pacific Coast campgrounds. The highway riding is a bit scarey, but yet again, I think the Recumbent Bike could be much, more safe for me, and comfy, yessssssss, comfy!!
So, I see a Recumbent will cost me more right off the bat, so I'm going to get the cheap, Mountain bike from Walmart I planned to get, I think. Either that or save another month to get a Recumbent. Everything I'm seeing about these Recumbents are way better for me. My legs are strong as I've been walking 16-24 miles (3-6 days a week) for the last year and a half, and before that, still walked at least an hour a day.
My arms are building slowly from body-weight exercises. I'm looking forward to the "board" and was way excited to see you had a group of posters just on this type of bike.
I live on the Pacific Coast, and have some wonderful "off the main road" areas to ride. I am not much for mountain biking, looking more at day tours, and eventually, some overnight camping on our Pacific Coast campgrounds. The highway riding is a bit scarey, but yet again, I think the Recumbent Bike could be much, more safe for me, and comfy, yessssssss, comfy!!
Last edited by abbynormal; 07-27-16 at 09:59 AM.
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One thing that comes to mind, on the down side, is the size/length of the Trike. I'm looking at some online right now, and trying to gather specs. I'm 5'2", and at 129-130 lbs. My inseam is 30" so my legs are super long.
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#6
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The prices I'm seeing for "new" are high for me, so yes, I will be looking for a used recumbent I'm pretty sure that is what I want to save for I'll get used to riding some miles at least of my 2 wheeler, but I just think this is a really great idea!!
#7
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I can imagine the comfort, and so many less worries. The only thing will be storage, and the size of the recumbent length, etc. I live in an apartment with 3 floors, but do have an elevator as well. I can get a 2 wheel bike in the elevator, no problem.
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#9
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A 30-inch inseam isn't all that short. X-seam is more important for most recumbents, and you can probably find x-seam ranges as one of the specs on a recumbent. Here's how to measure your x-seam:
Last edited by BlazingPedals; 09-06-16 at 01:56 PM.
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Are you considering both recumbent bikes and trikes? As you mention, bikes are generally easier to haul than trikes, although many 'bent bikes are much longer than 'normal' bikes.
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A 30-inch inseam isn't all that short. X-seam is more important for most recumbents, and you can probably find x-seam ranges as one of the specs on a recumbent. Here's how to measure your inseam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwVE_es9rtE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwVE_es9rtE
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I also want to get the tail-light that flashes. That is highly recommended I will only be biking up to 26 miles, thereabouts, on backroads near where I live. They all have good biking lanes, been checking them out. Actually, there are several more miles of those that go down along the beach "scenic" drive as well.
I really have a ways to go before I can take a road-trip (be in good enough shape as well as afford a more reliable bike).
I don't think a recumbent trike is going to be for me only because of cost, as well as storage. I talked with my landlady and I just have no way of storing it other than my apartment. Plus fitting one into the elevator since there is no way I could get it up the stairs.
I do appreciate meeting you all, and learning something about the trikes. It could be in my future, but a new place to live would have to come with that which isn't totally out of the question
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Most of us here have a very low opinion of department store bikes. Not only are the components very low quality and the frames heavy, they're put together by monkeys(tm), that is, someone is paid by the bike to assemble them, and knowing what they're doing is not usually a job requirement.
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I don't think a recumbent trike is going to be for me only because of cost, as well as storage. I talked with my landlady and I just have no way of storing it other than my apartment. Plus fitting one into the elevator since there is no way I could get it up the stairs.
My advice is, when you starting looking for a new apartment, to take a tape measure with you. Look for an apartment with a 36" wide door.
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Oh dear! You're at the point in which you are thinking about storing and transporting a recumbent trike. That means that you're serious. I'm afraid that you have gotten the disease.
My advice is, when you starting looking for a new apartment, to take a tape measure with you. Look for an apartment with a 36" wide door.
My advice is, when you starting looking for a new apartment, to take a tape measure with you. Look for an apartment with a 36" wide door.
Well, I'm just going to be happy with the little, hybrid I'm getting for now I did find a riding buddy that will go with me on some of the more uninhabited trails (only lions, and tigers, and bears). There may be a day when I can have a Recumbent though. The more I see them, the more I progress in my disease, like dis..ease sitting on that skinny lil saddle, oochee ouchee
denise, Far Northern Callifornia
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You can save a bundle by buying a used one. There's a Catrike Pocket that shows up for $1,250 in Paso Robales near Palm Springs. Probably too far away if you are in NoCal. Definitely a quality brand with a lot of satisfied long-time users. I ride a Catrike 700 and would buy another just like it if it were ever stolen.
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FWIW, Mrs. Grouch has a Catrike Trail and I have a 559, which is similar but with a larger rear wheel. Both fold for transportation and storage but it's about a 5 minute job. Both of us are delighted with our choices.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
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Well I need to read a lot more about them RG!! I had no idea they folded up! Now that is some very helpful info, thank you much!! denise
#20
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HP Velotechnik and Trident both make folding trikes. I think the new Catrike 559 also folds. That will help you solve the elevator problem and might solve your storage problem.
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Catrike 559 folds in about 5 minutes (give or take) with 2 quick releases and costs around $3,500. Catrike Trail is similar but has a smaller rear wheel and costs around $3,000. Either is around 32" wide so a 36" wide door makes moving them much easier. The Catrike website posts the folded (vertical) dimensions. Both designs have roll-around wheels for moving them while folded. It's a pretty nifty design. Comfy to ride too.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
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Hi. Recumbent bikes allow you to lap up the scenery so if you are blessed to be living in a coastal area seems like you'd be much better off with a recumbent bike than a regular one. A trike for extra riding comfort!
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This electric foldable looks the absolute business!
Electric Foldable Recumbent Tricycle, Trike - Recumbent Bikes
Electric Foldable Recumbent Tricycle, Trike - Recumbent Bikes
#24
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I don't know what your budget is, but right now there's a RANS Tailwind for sale on BentRiderOnline for $350. Shipping would add another hundred or so, though. Better to look for one closer to your home.
2002 Rans Tailwind $350 - BentRider Online Forums
2002 Rans Tailwind $350 - BentRider Online Forums