Best Recumbant for touring
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Best Recumbant for touring
Hey guys and gals, I am new to bents and want a longer bike and was wondering what would be the best bike to get for touring long distances. I want comfort and lots of gears. I do a lot of touring on my long haul trucker but want something more comfortable. My butt back and neck just won't take 100 mile rides anymore. I can pedal all day but the aches and pains kill me. I am 55 years old and want to ride long distances. Any names would help. I know it is a broad question but any suggestions would help. thanks
#2
Fat Guy Rolling
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisville Kentucky
Posts: 2,434
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
How about a Tour Easy? If you want three wheels, what about the Catrike Expedition?
I own a Bacchetta Agio and I'm taking it on a four-day tour starting this Saturday.
Oh, and they are recumbents.
I own a Bacchetta Agio and I'm taking it on a four-day tour starting this Saturday.
Oh, and they are recumbents.
#3
We're both in the same boat. Even short rides for me on a diamond frame ends up with neck, back aches and numbness where it counts.
I personally feel that the long wheelbase format is good for touring - Tour Easy, Rans has their own version and maybe the Ez1. Hardest part of the bike is transporting the bike.
You need a special rack or a van. I built a bent for myself crossing the dimensions of the Tour Easy but with the
16/20" wheelsize of the BikeE's. I've mounted an MP3 player on the bike and I no longer feel bored even
on long rides. There is even a camera mount so I can see the camcorder screen while riding.
I personally feel that the long wheelbase format is good for touring - Tour Easy, Rans has their own version and maybe the Ez1. Hardest part of the bike is transporting the bike.
You need a special rack or a van. I built a bent for myself crossing the dimensions of the Tour Easy but with the
16/20" wheelsize of the BikeE's. I've mounted an MP3 player on the bike and I no longer feel bored even
on long rides. There is even a camera mount so I can see the camcorder screen while riding.
#4
Senior Member
I would agree that a long-wheelbase would be the better choice.
I started out with a short-wheelbase recumbent and the steering was very jittery--needed lots of attention. The seat comfort was fantastic, but if I looked back over my shoulder for more than 2 seconds I'd be headed towards one side of the street or the other. There just wasn't a lot of steering feel, and small steering inputs resulted in relatively large direction changes. Plus I got numb feet riding it, that I couldn't prevent any other way.
The 20/26" LWB is far more relaxed, and I've never gotten numb feet on it.
Cycle Genius and Sun makes some lower-priced LWBs.
The Cycle Genius Falcon/Raven bikes have a very similar position to a TE and are more adjustable, but heavier. If you are taller (above 6') you may need to put longer handlebars on.
-----
No matter what bike you end up with,,,,,
Most recumbents have a lack of custom-fit touring racks, except for the most very expensive bikes. So you may have to make or modify racks, or you can pull a trailer.
For touring bicycles it is a good idea to stick with common sizes of rims and tires. Every bike store and Wal-Mart everywhere sells 20 and 26 tubes and tires. They're not great tires, but they will work.
If you ended up with something with odd size wheels like 650 or 451, you might have a much harder time finding tires and tubes while touring.
I started out with a short-wheelbase recumbent and the steering was very jittery--needed lots of attention. The seat comfort was fantastic, but if I looked back over my shoulder for more than 2 seconds I'd be headed towards one side of the street or the other. There just wasn't a lot of steering feel, and small steering inputs resulted in relatively large direction changes. Plus I got numb feet riding it, that I couldn't prevent any other way.
The 20/26" LWB is far more relaxed, and I've never gotten numb feet on it.
Cycle Genius and Sun makes some lower-priced LWBs.
The Cycle Genius Falcon/Raven bikes have a very similar position to a TE and are more adjustable, but heavier. If you are taller (above 6') you may need to put longer handlebars on.
-----
No matter what bike you end up with,,,,,
Most recumbents have a lack of custom-fit touring racks, except for the most very expensive bikes. So you may have to make or modify racks, or you can pull a trailer.
For touring bicycles it is a good idea to stick with common sizes of rims and tires. Every bike store and Wal-Mart everywhere sells 20 and 26 tubes and tires. They're not great tires, but they will work.
If you ended up with something with odd size wheels like 650 or 451, you might have a much harder time finding tires and tubes while touring.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Puyallup WA US (near Seattle)
Posts: 90
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20, Specialized Roubaix, Kona Jake the Snake, Cannondale Super V, Electra Straight 8
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bacchetta Bella, https://bacchettabikes.com/bikes/touring/bella
I don't own one ( have a Giro 20). I've test ridden one before and they are very easy to learn. In my opinion Bacchettas are a good deal. Love mine.
Get a Terracycle Easy Reacher rack and a normal rear rack and you can haul 4 panniers. Bike is rated for 300lbs so you'll only hurt yourself, not the bike, if you overload it. Has mounts to upgrade to disks brakes if you want.
I don't own one ( have a Giro 20). I've test ridden one before and they are very easy to learn. In my opinion Bacchettas are a good deal. Love mine.
Get a Terracycle Easy Reacher rack and a normal rear rack and you can haul 4 panniers. Bike is rated for 300lbs so you'll only hurt yourself, not the bike, if you overload it. Has mounts to upgrade to disks brakes if you want.
#6
Senior Member
I agree that LWB is probably the best touring plartform. I'd recommend a Longbikes Slipstream. I have its precursor (a Ryan Vanguard) and it just eats up the miles in absolute comfort.
https://www.longbikes.com
https://www.longbikes.com
#7
No one cares
This
__________________
I prefer emails to private messages - holiday76@gmail.com
Jack Taylor Super Tourer Tandem (FOR SALE), Jack Taylor Tour of Britain, Px-10, Carlton Flyer, Fuji The Finest, Salsa Fargo, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Carver All-Road .
I prefer emails to private messages - holiday76@gmail.com
Jack Taylor Super Tourer Tandem (FOR SALE), Jack Taylor Tour of Britain, Px-10, Carlton Flyer, Fuji The Finest, Salsa Fargo, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Carver All-Road .
#8
Fat Guy Rolling
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisville Kentucky
Posts: 2,434
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I greatly enjoyed my tour on my Bacchetta. It was harder up hills and I still got sore legs, but I had absolutely no pain in my wrists, neck, or butt.
Details here.
Details here.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NE Tx
Posts: 2,766
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This:
Tour Easy, loaded for touring. Seat design is outstanding, as much can be crammed in space behind the seat back by adding some lacing. Hard to explain, but it is a great catch all. On a recent tour in Big Bend country in S. Texas, I toted 4 liters of water in that space and could have carried 6 liters. Comes with 4 attach points for bottle cages. A great touring bike.
Tour Easy, loaded for touring. Seat design is outstanding, as much can be crammed in space behind the seat back by adding some lacing. Hard to explain, but it is a great catch all. On a recent tour in Big Bend country in S. Texas, I toted 4 liters of water in that space and could have carried 6 liters. Comes with 4 attach points for bottle cages. A great touring bike.
Last edited by Cyclebum; 06-16-12 at 08:08 AM.
#10
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Rather than everyone dropping brand names, perhaps it would be best if y'all suggest your favorite LBS that deals with bents instead.
Having no direct experience with bents, I've heard good things about the Hostel Shoppe and Bicycle Man. Would help if the OP divulged their general location, but there may be lurkers out there, so go ahead and drop the name of your fav Local Bent Shop.
Having no direct experience with bents, I've heard good things about the Hostel Shoppe and Bicycle Man. Would help if the OP divulged their general location, but there may be lurkers out there, so go ahead and drop the name of your fav Local Bent Shop.
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
Last edited by no1mad; 06-16-12 at 09:35 PM. Reason: grammar
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 269
Bikes: Schlitter Encore, RANS Seavo tandem, Fisher HKEK, Spec. Roubaix
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For loaded touring I would want the same size tires front & rear if possible. Makes on-the-road replacements easier to find. In a SWB high racer, I like the Bacchetta Giro26 which will run everything from 559, to 650c to 700c wheels... In a LWB I would probably take a Rans Stratus or Xstream. For USS, I'd lust after a Longbikes, maybe with a better seat?
What sort of frame style do you want?
What sort of frame style do you want?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If I were you, I'd find a local dealer and try as many different kinds are you can. Don't dismiss short wheelbase bikes without trying them. I've owned several (both over and under seat steering), and find them extremely stable. I've done long, self-supported tours on them, and not just on nicely paved roads. Compared to long-wheelbase bikes, they are easier to store, easier to transport, and weigh less. Most allow for much more reclined seats that make short wheelbase bikes more aerodynamic than long wheelbase (at least until fairings are involved). Maybe long wheelbase will suit you better in the end, but you should at least try so you know...
#13
Senior Member
I've only toured on a trike with the load being shared on my trailer (with an assist motor on the trailer)
Last edited by Trikin'; 04-01-13 at 09:41 AM.
#14
Fat Guy Rolling
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisville Kentucky
Posts: 2,434
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Rather than everyone dropping brand names, perhaps it would be best if y'all favorite LBS that deals with bents instead.
Having no direct experience with bents, I've heard good things about the Hostel Shoppe and Bicycle Man. Would help if the OP divulged their general location, but there may be lurkers out there, so go ahead and drop the name of your fav Local Bent Shop.
Having no direct experience with bents, I've heard good things about the Hostel Shoppe and Bicycle Man. Would help if the OP divulged their general location, but there may be lurkers out there, so go ahead and drop the name of your fav Local Bent Shop.
I'll have to travel when I'm ready to buy another.
#15
Senior Member
#16
Pedaled too far.
Rather than everyone dropping brand names, perhaps it would be best if y'all suggest your favorite LBS that deals with bents instead.
Having no direct experience with bents, I've heard good things about the Hostel Shoppe and Bicycle Man. Would help if the OP divulged their general location, but there may be lurkers out there, so go ahead and drop the name of your fav Local Bent Shop.
Having no direct experience with bents, I've heard good things about the Hostel Shoppe and Bicycle Man. Would help if the OP divulged their general location, but there may be lurkers out there, so go ahead and drop the name of your fav Local Bent Shop.
Try doing searches on recumbent and the name of the state you live in. Then search on the terms Rans and the state you live in, Bacchetta and the state you live in. Keep on till you know what is around you.
When we know where you are, then perhaps we can help.
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
Last edited by Artkansas; 06-17-12 at 04:50 AM.
#17
Zircon Encrusted Tweezers
I've noticed that the OP hasn't been back to the thread he/she started, with very very little useful info provided. Makes all of the advice we are attempting to give seem almost pointless and perhaps even unappreciated by the person supposedly recieving it. Forum etitquette 101.
#18
Pedaled too far.
I've noticed that the OP hasn't been back to the thread he/she started, with very very little useful info provided. Makes all of the advice we are attempting to give seem almost pointless and perhaps even unappreciated by the person supposedly recieving it. Forum etitquette 101.
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#19
Insane Bicycle Mechanic
Hey guys and gals, I am new to bents and want a longer bike and was wondering what would be the best bike to get for touring long distances. I want comfort and lots of gears. I do a lot of touring on my long haul trucker but want something more comfortable. My butt back and neck just won't take 100 mile rides anymore. I can pedal all day but the aches and pains kill me. I am 55 years old and want to ride long distances. Any names would help. I know it is a broad question but any suggestions would help. thanks
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=820&v=lO
And another has done several cross-country and cross-part-of-the-country rides:
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/direc...r=VanGundy&v=E
FWIW: I wouldn't worry about the "both tires the same size" bikes. In general, the front wheel of a LWB bike is so lightly loaded that the tire will last for multiple thousands of miles.
__________________
Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
#20
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Without knowing where you live, that's kind of a pointless thing to do. I could recommend all the recumbent dealers in NE OK or Arkansas, but that won't do you much good if you live in Maine.
Try doing searches on recumbent and the name of the state you live in. Then search on the terms Rans and the state you live in, Bacchetta and the state you live in. Keep on till you know what is around you.
When we know where you are, then perhaps we can help.
Try doing searches on recumbent and the name of the state you live in. Then search on the terms Rans and the state you live in, Bacchetta and the state you live in. Keep on till you know what is around you.
When we know where you are, then perhaps we can help.
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
Last edited by no1mad; 06-17-12 at 09:34 PM.
#21
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for all who posted. I didn't realize I had to post so many times per year to ask a question. I appreciate all the answers. I also didn't realize there was a certain etiquette required. My bad.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NE Tx
Posts: 2,766
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
bear38, be aware that we're a nosy crowd and would like a follow up post/pic of what you buy.
I switched from df to bent a few months and 2500 miles ago for same reason as you. Occasionally mount the df again to remind myself why I switched.
I switched from df to bent a few months and 2500 miles ago for same reason as you. Occasionally mount the df again to remind myself why I switched.
#23
Fat Guy Rolling
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisville Kentucky
Posts: 2,434
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Bluegrass Bicycle wasn't Tom's shop. Tom just worked there. They really weren't carrying 'bents (usually), but would order them.
Bluegrass closed 5/31. Bummer.
Schellers (ugh) might have a several year old Sun in stock - still at MSRP.
Bluegrass closed 5/31. Bummer.
Schellers (ugh) might have a several year old Sun in stock - still at MSRP.
#24
Pedaled too far.
Has anything we have said, sparked any ideas or questions?
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 1,771
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20, Trek 7000, old Huffy MTB, and a few others
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Shoulder issues prevent me from riding a road bike comfortably, and comfort bikes just aren't good for multiple days in a row at any distance for me. My legs say yes, but my butt says no.