'bent' bikes

yes, they are. at least in CA

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Originally Posted by Deborajen

This may sound dumb but I've gotta ask - Are the trikes (the ones where you sit a foot or so off the ground) street legal? Go carts aren't legal to ride on the streets here because they sit so low that drivers can't see them. The trikes look like fun, but I'd be afraid to ride them on the street even if they are legal.

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yes. I do fly a flag on mine. There are long arguments about how effective a flag is, or even if it might be dangerous in and of itself. But, "I didn't see you" is bogus - it's all about what you are used to and what you "see". Ever seen the selective attention video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

lots of stories and arguments on the topic.
But, when I read the WA state statutes on "bikes" they have a legal height the pedals can be - which makes my trike legal, but my high racer, which is much more similar to a DF bike, illegal.
(my high racer
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/bikes/...ce-bikes/corsa )

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Just wanted her to have all her options... I joined in to have a litle fun. There is a bike rental place near the trail that rents trikes, so it's not like we couldn't rent one when we wanted to ride together.

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I think that's a great idea. 'Bents are not cheap - I know, I know, and so does DH.

The thing is, if you can rent different bikes, 'bent or otherwise, every time you go out, you'll have a pretty good idea what makes your friend smile. Then she can buy a bike she will ride.

The other reason I like that is that at the end of the season many rental places sell the bikes that they have used over the summer. That's how DH got his bike. Yes, it's used, but it will be more affordable, and you already have established a relationship with the rental place. There is a possibility of getting a pretty good deal with a little sweet talk.

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Originally Posted by Deborajen

Go carts aren't legal to ride on the streets here because they sit so low that drivers can't see them.

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I read somewhere that people actually felt safer on a 'bent because people don't often see them so you get noticed as people say what the heck is THAT!

Also found a picture of a bent next to a Smart car and I think the bike was actually longer! I can't locate right now, but if I do, I'll post the link.

Shannon

I've been wanting to put my bike next to a Smart Car just to see if mine is really longer. I haven't had the opportunity yet, but I'm working on it. I really think my wheelbase is longer. I suppose I could cheat and look it up on the web, but that's cheating.

I would totally love to try a Rans CF bike, like a Dynamik or Fusion. Has anyone tried those?

I have.
They're not that much different than a "normal" DF. it was fun to ride

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Originally Posted by TsPoet

DF=Diamond Frame, that's generally what a "normal" bike is called to distinguish it from a bent (or upright, but that's not quite as descriptive)

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Thank you, that makes sense.

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Originally Posted by Roadtrip

Also found a picture of a bent next to a Smart car and I think the bike was actually longer! I can't locate right now, but if I do, I'll post the link.

Shannon

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That's interesting! Slightly o/t here, but my bike + trailer are amazingly long, if I walk the bike across a junction it takes a whole carriageway from nose to tail (we do have narrow roads here). Which is a pretty strong motivator for being on the road rather than off it.

Has your friend thought about this any further, Shannon?

I have a Sun EZ-TAD CX tadpole trike. It is a blast, especially around corners at speed:D Here's a picture of it, parked appropriately (funny how this convenience store has "low emission vehicle" parking, but no bike rack:rolleyes:). Click to enlarge:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...ropriately.jpg

The towel you see draped over the seat is to cover up the headrest I made for it:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/...f0242607a6.jpg
Homemade headrest on Sun EZ-TAD CX recumbent 2 by kittyz202, on Flickr

Here's a sped-up video of me riding around town at night on a Friday night. I have lots of lights, including flashing LED Christmas lights on the tall safety flagpole from top to bottom, so visibility is never an issue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-MuzISJagE

Daytime video on the MUP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR6IJRas424

late to this discussion but I just got a used Terra Trike for $800. I had a bad crash on my df a couple of years ago and I'm still pretty scared to ride it. This seemed like a good solution. Normally I ride tandem with my husband-- we do AIDS Lifecycle on the tandem-- but thought this would get me out on my own. It is quite a workout on the quads and I think my tandem riding will surely benefit. It's a hoot to ride and I think it's going to be a lot of fun. Climbing is super slow, but I'm not racing.

Trikes are blast! As far as slow climbing, you don't have to worry about tipping over like you do an two wheeler.