Anyone switched to a recumbent?

[sundial]

I have a Sun EZ3 USX and it's a trike. It has the most comfy seat and it's made of steel so I enjoy a nice, smooth ride. I noticed right off that I do use different muscle groups (more hams and gluts than quads) and I don't have to worry about neck/shoulder/back/wrist pain. I will probably use this in the winter months to work different muscle groups. I like this bent bike because it has under the seat steering. I don't have to worry about balancing on it either. I can adjust the back of the seat as well as the length for any person's height. I added a basket on the back thinking I can attach my dogs leashes to it and we can all go for a spin around the block. It took me a while to get the speed up and by then I decided to play on my wedgie bike for the summer. It won't be long and it will be cool enough for me to haul that 63# bent around the 'hood.

[sundial]

Here's a really interesting website of recumbent bikes:

http://www.bicycleman.com/

[MomOnBike]

Chiming in a little late, as usual.

I switched from DF to 'bent when I realized that I wanted to go long distances, but just couldn't handle anything over about 20 miles on the DF without losing all feeling in my hands (carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc.). Also, I really want a much more upright posture than any reasonably speedy bike would allow. Hey, I've already seen the front wheel, I want to look around!

I just rode RAGBRAI on my EZ Sport AX. It would not have been possible for me on an upright. (note to self - write up ride report.)

Ok, I'm not fast - never have been, but I'm faster on the 'bent than I am on the upright, and - against all conventional wisdom - faster uphills on the 'bent. (I can catch super-fit 20-somethings on downhills )

I've heard it said that it takes 1000 miles to get your 'bent legs. I think I agree. You just use the muscles differently. So if you get your Giro, give it some time. From all I've heard it's a fine bike.

I still ride the upright every now and again, mostly for sentimental reasons, or when the 'bent is, say, being shipped back home from the wilds of Eastern Iowa, but really, I'm a 'bent gal. I've found my cycling Nirvana.

[Bad JuJu]

Hey Sundial, those trikes sure are fun. My riding buddy's DH got one a few months ago and I took it for a spin yesterday--woo hoo! It's like a go-cart with pedals. Still, not sure how I'd do on it for a longer ride, and I didn't really like sitting *that* low--the seat couldn't be more than 7 or 8 inches off the ground!

In an effort to calm myself before I go crazy and run down to Plant City to shop for a Bacchetta, I dragged out my touring bike yesterday. She's a 9-year-old Waterford, steel frame, short top tube, set up totally for my comfort. I swapped her toeclips for a pair of Speedplay Frogs, dusted her off, and lubed her up. This is one heavy bike, but I figure I'll try her out on a 30-40-mile ride and see how I feel. If I'm OK, maybe all I need are some adjustments to my Bianchi. On the other hand, I really think she's adjusted to the limits of shortness, so I may end up looking for a new bike after all. But this way, I'll know whether I should be looking for DF or 'bent.

Now if the rain and thunderstorms would just clear off so I can do my little experiment.

[crazycanuck]

Ohhhhh a 44cm bike...

Now if you were a few thousand km's & an ocean closer

C

[Bad JuJu]

Ohhhhh a 44cm bike...

Now if you were a few thousand km's & an ocean closer

C

You could come over for a visit to sunny Florida, USA, and tote her back with you!


In case I do end up shopping for a 'bent, good news from the Bacchetta people--they believe I'll be able to ride a Corsa 24, which is the one I'd REALLY like. The Giro 20 is appealing, but I love the aerodynamics of the Corsa. Anyway, it's still raining, so.....we'll see.