Best Recumbant for touring
#27
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This time around I had the cash to buy exactly what I wanted.
#28
Fat Guy Rolling
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I saved for 3 years by taking jobs on the side. I didn't want to buy something I could just afford, I wanted to afford what I wanted. I bought what I could afford with my current bike. While it works, I wouldn't probably buy it again.
This time around I had the cash to buy exactly what I wanted.
This time around I had the cash to buy exactly what I wanted.
#29
Pedaled too far.
I bought a Bacchetta Giro 20. One important reason was that I can get it onto the bus bicycle racks, as a back up, because of its short wheelbase. I've done centuries on it, and one thing I like is that it has a rack attachment that goes below the seat for extra panniers. I got the fenders and rear rack when I bought it. I'd love some lower gears, but its a rare hill I can't get up, and I've passed a lot of people walking their diamond frame bikes while I'm still pedaling up hill. I like it for commuting because it is more relaxing to ride home than my utility bike. It has one big drawback though. It's difficult to lock securely because of the stick-like geometry of the frame.
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Last edited by Artkansas; 06-22-12 at 10:55 PM.
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#32
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IMHO a long wheel base bent is superior for touring. If you are going to a bent for the comfort, go all the way and buy a LWB bent. The riding position is far more open and relaxed too.
#33
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I too would go with a LWB bent for the ride and the available locations for bags. If same sized tires are a point with you the RANS Stratus with the two 26" wheels might be the one for you.
#34
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This is the ultimate touring bicycle: Velokraft VK-3.
60 liters (16 gallons) of space in tailbox, enough space to mount side panniers. Full suspension, great aerodynamics, easy to ride, very comfortable.
60 liters (16 gallons) of space in tailbox, enough space to mount side panniers. Full suspension, great aerodynamics, easy to ride, very comfortable.
Last edited by simonch; 08-21-12 at 03:40 AM. Reason: photo added
#36
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#37
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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
#38
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Pretty much every LBS in the country has access to ordering a Sun, including AFAIK the TourEasy LE. But the real McCoy would be better if you want a serious touring machine - Sun is cheaper but heavier.
#39
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The Terratrike Tour was the best one I could find and afford, its base price is $1999. I had to order it online through Terratrike because after a few years of research and looking locally, no one dealt with them, unless I drove for many miles. The local REI was within easy triking distance, has readily worked on my trike, with good results. The longest ride I've done was 9 hours, and I was still comfortable, though sometimes sitting that long is a bit hard on my lower back. I'd get that same problem from driving a Mercury for 9 hours, too.
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#41
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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.
#42
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Again the reason for a LWB is the extra length give you more locations for gear stowage. I also suggest the latest RANS Stratus LE with their disc brakes. The reason for being high on disc brakes if if you read cross country ride reports, every now and then there is the bad situation where the rim has failed because of brake wear on the rims. While you might not think this would happen, think about it. Cross country riders do get caught in the rain. The rain water carries grit and sand onto the rims and into the brake pads, and you get accelerated rim wear. A broken rim in the middle of bum diddle no where can really ruin a ride.
In addition the reason disc brakes are better is the fact that the rim can be built stronger and more aero since there is no brake rim area.
In addition the reason disc brakes are better is the fact that the rim can be built stronger and more aero since there is no brake rim area.
#43
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My first 'bent was a SWB and had space for 4 rear panniers (2 actually at the rear, 2 under the seat) plus the top of the rear rack available. I'm struggling to see (a) where a LWB gets more space and (b) what I could've used it for!
#44
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Lightfoot makes an under seat rack for its LWB recumbents that can hold four panniers. That plus a standard rear rack would give you space for six panniers. But I agree that's probably more than you'd want to pedal around with unless your touring in an undeveloped part of the world.
Theres also the issue of us taller riders. SWBs with sliding seats are adjusted pretty far back for those of us with long legs. My Bacchetta Giro 20 would probably not handle well with panniers on the back. A rear rack would actually place them behind the rear wheel. Proper weight distribution would help but there would still be some weight behind the rear wheel. If I needed to tour on it I would probably look at something like Radical Designs saddle bag type panniers and Arkels recumbent bags on an under seat rack
Theres also the issue of us taller riders. SWBs with sliding seats are adjusted pretty far back for those of us with long legs. My Bacchetta Giro 20 would probably not handle well with panniers on the back. A rear rack would actually place them behind the rear wheel. Proper weight distribution would help but there would still be some weight behind the rear wheel. If I needed to tour on it I would probably look at something like Radical Designs saddle bag type panniers and Arkels recumbent bags on an under seat rack
#45
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Another vote for the Rans Stratus XP as one of the best choices you can make for a touring machine! Mine has brought me coast to coast and all around. Here's my cousin sitting on mine:
#46
The Recumbent Quant
David Byrne went around on his (SWB) Cruzbike Sofrider quite happily.
Moral of the story: If you want a LWB bike for touring, get a LWB. If you want a SWB, get a SWB.
Cheers,
Charles
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#48
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The title of this Topic should actually read: "Best, Recumbent for Touring!".
I toured 1000's of miles on a beautiful Trek 720 touring bike. And after 1000's of more miles of touring on a recumbent, I can heartily recommend a recumbent (of most any design) to be the superior type of design for a touring machine. All day comfort, mile after mile for all parts of your body, and a riding position that allows you to see the landscape you are riding through makes a recumbent the "best" choice for touring, in my book.
I toured 1000's of miles on a beautiful Trek 720 touring bike. And after 1000's of more miles of touring on a recumbent, I can heartily recommend a recumbent (of most any design) to be the superior type of design for a touring machine. All day comfort, mile after mile for all parts of your body, and a riding position that allows you to see the landscape you are riding through makes a recumbent the "best" choice for touring, in my book.
#49
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erikthefish +1
I just cant imagine riding a DF bike cross country!! Comfort for long days is of course number 1. But a close second is the fact you are sitting back relaxed with your head upright so you can see the lay of the land. This is the main reason to tour. DF riders dont like to admit it but they do spend a lot of time looking at their front wheel.
I just cant imagine riding a DF bike cross country!! Comfort for long days is of course number 1. But a close second is the fact you are sitting back relaxed with your head upright so you can see the lay of the land. This is the main reason to tour. DF riders dont like to admit it but they do spend a lot of time looking at their front wheel.
#50
The Recumbent Quant
erikthefish +1
I just cant imagine riding a DF bike cross country!! Comfort for long days is of course number 1. But a close second is the fact you are sitting back relaxed with your head upright so you can see the lay of the land. This is the main reason to tour. DF riders dont like to admit it but they do spend a lot of time looking at their front wheel.
I just cant imagine riding a DF bike cross country!! Comfort for long days is of course number 1. But a close second is the fact you are sitting back relaxed with your head upright so you can see the lay of the land. This is the main reason to tour. DF riders dont like to admit it but they do spend a lot of time looking at their front wheel.