old dude considering a switch to recumbent ....
01-14-15, 06:44 AM
#26
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Location: Middle of da Mitten
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Yes, there's a yo-yo effect that gets worse as the hills get bigger. For the small to medium hills in Michigan, I take advantage of the speed profile being different, and I end up waiting for them not the other way around. The trick is to hit the bottom of the hill going faster. The bent carries its speed more up the first half of the hill. They start closing the gap for the second half of the climb but it's a losing game.
Where the intervals occur is if I stay with them going into a hill. They immediately clatter down ("immediately" being relative -- I'm not losing that much speed,) and I have to brake to stay in the group. Then they all stand and dance up the hill, leaving me to sprint after them. It's a double-whammy. It's much easier for me to drop them early and let them chase me (see above.) Plus, letting them chase me makes them think I'm Superman(tm) when in fact I'm doing it because it's easier.
Where the intervals occur is if I stay with them going into a hill. They immediately clatter down ("immediately" being relative -- I'm not losing that much speed,) and I have to brake to stay in the group. Then they all stand and dance up the hill, leaving me to sprint after them. It's a double-whammy. It's much easier for me to drop them early and let them chase me (see above.) Plus, letting them chase me makes them think I'm Superman(tm) when in fact I'm doing it because it's easier.
01-27-15, 01:55 PM
#29
Senior Member
Recumbents are very comfortable, which means you are apt to ride it more often and for longer periods. I still ride both uprights and 'bents, but have been a 'bent "missionary" for nearly 20 years. I have only had a recumbent trike for a year, and am still getting used to it, but it is unquestionably a lot of fun to ride.
Unfortunately, recumbents are expensive, as others have pointed out. If you are looking for a used 'bent, I recommend a long wheel base. They are easier to get used to riding, and with a lower center of gravity, I believe you are less prone to falling over when starting or stopping.
Unfortunately, recumbents are expensive, as others have pointed out. If you are looking for a used 'bent, I recommend a long wheel base. They are easier to get used to riding, and with a lower center of gravity, I believe you are less prone to falling over when starting or stopping.
01-31-15, 06:44 PM
#30
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: western Massachusetts (greater Springfield area)
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Bikes: Velosolex St. Tropez, LeMond Zurich (spine bike), Rotator swb recumbent
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Try them out. LWB are "easier" to ride, but once you are able to ride a bent they are less maneuverable and handle slower. There are plenty of SWB with low CG. It took me about 100 miles around town to get comfortable on my SWB. I still ride my DF a lot more than the bent.
Different people have different preferences. I can ride my DF for 12 hours without unusual pain or saddle sores, and am fine the next day.
If you do get a 'bent, be sure to buy some shirts and a jacket that don't have pockets (and especially zippers or snaps!) on the back. Guess how I know that?
Different people have different preferences. I can ride my DF for 12 hours without unusual pain or saddle sores, and am fine the next day.
If you do get a 'bent, be sure to buy some shirts and a jacket that don't have pockets (and especially zippers or snaps!) on the back. Guess how I know that?
02-01-15, 06:14 AM
#31
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Zippers or snaps on the back?
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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.
02-01-15, 06:20 AM
#32
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[QUOTE=JanMM;17446973]YES!
Every single poster has their own set of backgrounds and experiences. Every single one tells part of the story. It's good to relate yours. It's not-so-good to attack other's.
Every single poster has their own set of backgrounds and experiences. Every single one tells part of the story. It's good to relate yours. It's not-so-good to attack other's.
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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.
02-01-15, 08:41 AM
#34
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
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Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
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02-01-15, 09:41 AM
#35
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: western Massachusetts (greater Springfield area)
Posts: 699
Bikes: Velosolex St. Tropez, LeMond Zurich (spine bike), Rotator swb recumbent
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Yes. My cycling jacket has a back pocket with a zipper. I wore it the first time I took my 'bent out in cold weather; after about 20 miles it really started digging into my back, to the point where I decided to be cold rather than uncomfortable.
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