james_v

Been thinking about getting a recumbent as I'm not getting any younger (67) and do like to ride. Presently riding a hybrid that is somewhat of a kludge.

There is an EZ1 super cruiser advertised here in Houston for $350 obo on craigslist. Only two photos provided but the bike does look OK. Not sure of the mfg date of the bike and will contact the owner later this morning. Hope to be able to view sometime this weekend or whenever the rain stops. Also test ride if possible.

Couple of questions:
Is this a good price?
What is everyone's opinion of the bike and components?

From what I have found on the net, it is not a "fast" bike and possibly some problems relating to shifting of the front chain ring.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: To all, thanks for the information regarding the EZ1. I was able to pick up an EZ Sport AX that was newer and in better condition than the EZ1.

JanMM

Sun 'bents have a general reputation for being cost-effective, comfortable, reliable and a bit heavy. That model came in around 15 years ago? Not sure how long they were made. Could be a reasonable Starter Bent if it's in good shape and fits you.

BlazingPedals

An EZ-1 could be fairly new or VERY old. They've been around since the mid-90s at least. That said, if it's in good condition, it's probably worth $350.

james_v

Thanks for the replies.

The more I think about this, the more I would like to get something with larger wheels or maybe even a trike (tadpole design).

osco53

My Bents:



The EZ-1 became the Tour Easy LE,,the LE is way faster

james_v

I was wondering about being able to change out the front wheel to something larger. Looks like it can be done!

VegasTriker

Pick a different bike. Yes, you can change the front wheel on a recumbent bike but probably not without replacing the front fork. If you went from a 16" wheel to a 20" wheel but kept the original fork the tire is likely to rub on the fork and you might get interference with the cranks (heel strike). I wouldn't mess with the geometry of the bike as it also may cause instability.

james_v

VegasTriker


Wow. Thanks for all of the input. I tried to reply to your PM but I need to have more (50) posts to do so. At least that's what came up.

I am semi-serious at the moment and I believe there are a few bike shops here in Houston that handle recumbents. I will be going to a few within the next week or so to at least do some test riding to see how I like them and also getting in/out. There is a guy in the next subdivision from me that has a two wheel recumbent and that is what got me interested. Looks comfortable and he passes me like I'm standing still.

Once again, thank you for the input. I've been looking on Craigslist here in Houston but may have to expand my search. Will also look at the bent riders forum.

james_v

Would change out the front fork as would have to remount the brakes (if rim type) anyway.

jimmie65

I know nothing about recumbents but saw this one on Craigslist in Austin: Bike E Recumbent Bicycle. Don't know if it's better or worse than the one you're looking at but slightly lower price point. I rarely see used recumbents for less than $600-700.

james_v

Thanks!

Scott.Whitaker 

You may have already made your decision since you asked several says ago, but I would like to add that I used an EZ-1 to commute on for about 2 years. It was fun, and I never had a single problem with it.

The only reason I eventually sold it was I wanted a bike where I could recline the seat more. At 6 foot tall, the seat back was nearly vertical since I had to move the seat as far back as it could go to get good leg extension.

Just something to think about.

osco53

Been there Done that,,It's still the EZ-1 and now with a lighter loaded front end, not worth the work, Just makes the bike different, not better.....
The EZ-1 Is a fine bike as Is.
Correcting for added wheel flop is a PIA and alot of work,, Leave it stock or buy a faster bent

BlazingPedals

That post has been removed. I would say that I wouldn't expect to pay more than about $300 for a basic BikeE model (CL, was it?) Their flagship, the BikeE AT, went for about $1200 new, right before they went out of business.

osco53

https://www.sun.bike/

Schwinnhund

I ride an EZ 1. Best purchase I ever made. I got it used on EBay and never had a single regret. I've probably put 2000 miles on it since I bought it, and all I have done is wear out the seat cover. Super comfortable, reasonably fast (I am a Bicycle Vehicularist), and gets a lot of positive attention. $350.00 is a steal if it's in rideable shape.

Why do you want to change the tires? The small wheels make for a great ride, and they seem to be a bit tougher than 26" or 700 cc wheels. I ride off road often (though nothing very technical...I mainly just do 2-wheel hiking and camping) and the smaller wheels handle the rough very well. For commuting, distance riding, and general use, there is nothing better.

The only drawback I had was having to buy another indoor trainer that it would fit, for when the weather is less than desirable. I had to get a CylceOps Mag Trainer, and an adapter for 20" rear wheels. All told, it was only around $95.00 for both, on EBay, so it was not that bad, and now, my wife even rides the EZ indoors, and she hates riding regular bikes.

'Bents do require you to adjust your riding style a little, but it's nothing serious. You cannot stand on the pedals to climb hills, but the seat back gives you extra leverage as you push forward on the pedals, so it is easier to spin up hills than on a regular bike, even if not as fast. I am never in a hurry, so it's not a problem with me. As long as I get there, that's all that matters. Personally, I think climbing hills with the EZ is easier than with a conventional bike. I don't seem to have near as much trouble, or get as out-of-breath, even loaded down, or pulling my trailer. .

I have had no regrets at all buying the EZ. I sold 8 of my other bikes (I did keep my favorite Mountain Bike, just for when I feel a little wild....), and I like the EZ so much that I am seriously considering getting a trike, if the Mrs will let me. My riding distance and time has increased over 100% since I got the EZ. In fact, I seldom drive anymore, unless it is absolutely necessary. The EZ put the fun back into riding. No sore butt, no numb hands or crotch. and really no need for special bike clothes anymore.

I really don't understand why recumbents are not more popular. They are such more practical than a conventional bike for general use, imho.

Hope this helps....

osco53

Reasons I think bents are not more popular:

People want to fit in, not many can become comfortable standing out from the crowd,

Hard to Draft with Roadie's on DF's,

A Performance bent is very expensive due In part to very low production numbers,

A $2,000 two wheel bent will often weigh in at 30-35 or more pounds where a $2k DF road bike will be around 20 pounds,,or less,

You need to develop 'Bent' legs before you chase down DF's, this takes time and effort,

Long wheel base bents are hard to live with, for example:
On a bike rack behind a small car,
In an Apartment, up stairs,,etc.

I'm sure there are other viable reasons, like There are a total of three bike shops that have bents out of 20 within 50 miles of me.
and only ONE that rents and Is backed up against the Pinellas trail...

The next closest is 50 miles away.....

PhilWinIL

I picked up a used EZ-1 (vintage 2001) last year and rode a stretch of the Katy Trail on it in October. Really like the way it rides. It does take a while to get used to the feel of a 'bent after riding a DF all your life, but the lack of numb arms and a sore seat makes it well worth it!

Retro Grouch 

Still gonna change the head tube angle. I don't know if that will screw up the handling or not but I'd sure recommend getting in some base miles with the bike as designed before making such a change.

BlazingPedals

I believe the EZ-1 was a 20/16 format, while the EZ-Sport has a 26" rear and a 20" front. Unless you're after smallness, the EZ-Sport is a better bike all-around.

james_v

To all that have answered in this thread, thanks.

I've since bought an EZ Sport AX that was newer, less money and in better overall condition than the EZ 1.

bicyclebill1

Great choice. Enjoy!

cristi1g

James-v, I bought a used 2003 the Sun EZ Sport AX and I love it. I put about 350 miles a week and to my surprise no back pain. I really enjoy these long bike rides on bike trails. My biggest challenge is the takeoff which is very common in city travel. For this I kept my Electra Townie 7d. I hope you enjoy your bike as much as I do. Happy Trails, Beni

james_v

Like mine quite a bit but you put way more miles on yours than I do on mine. I've noticed that my speed has also increased on my diamond frame bike as a result of riding the recumbent.

From your avatar, it appears that your handle bars are quite far from the seat. Do you have long arms or short legs? Mine are adjusted to where my knees just clear the ends of the bars with very minimal or no stretch whatsoever of my arms. My seat is just about one and one-half inch from fully back.

Oh and welcome to the forum. There are some really great and helpful people here especially in the recumbent forum.

cristi1g

javes-v, I have noticed that my speed has increased also with my EZ Sport and I found the wind resistance is minimal compared to my standard bike. A more comfortable ride gives me the ability enjoy putting more miles on my bike. You have given me a good idea of possibly changing the handlebar location to make my arms more comfortable. Happy Trails, Gratefully, Beni