Anyone switched to a recumbent?

[Bad JuJu]

I've been getting so much back pain in the last few months--not just lower back, which I've learned how to handle, but also upper back, shoulders, and I figure my neck can't be far behind. It's really keeping my down as far as distance. Even with stopping for a stretch every so often, I can't seem to get past 30-35 miles without getting some pretty awful pain.

So, I'm thinking about making the switch to a recumbent. Has any of you done this? Is there a difficult learning curve involved with adjusting to the different riding position? And what about speed? I'm no speed demon, but I don't want to lose what I've got.

BTW, I'm looking at a Bacchetta Giro 20. I like the Bacchettas, and the Giro 20 seems to be the only model that will fit someone as short as I am. It's a short-wheel base 'bent.

And looking a little further down the road, anybody interested in picking up a sweet, carefully used 2006 Bianchi Veloce 44cm?

[7rider]

Hmmmmm....

Aches and pains while riding.
Very small bike size needed.
Used to riding (fairly) long distances.
Likes to go fast.

Sounds like you are a perfect candidate to go custom.

[TsPoet]

So, I'm thinking about making the switch to a recumbent. Has any of you done this? Is there a difficult learning curve involved with adjusting to the different riding position? And what about speed? I'm no speed demon, but I don't want to lose what I've got.

Yep, went from a Mt. Bike that I had setup for road use with road tires and a few other mods to a Giro 20. Love love love it. I hadn't intended on switching permanently, just thought the Giro would make a nice second bike. A year later I bought a Corsa and a year later I sold my DF bike for good, never ever going back. I recently bought a Greenspeed X3 trike - and will buy no more bikes for the next 10 years. I am one happy camper.
The Giro 20 is probably a perfect bike for you to start with, or if speed is really an issue for you, you may want to try a Corsa (or Aero if you can find it) with 24" wheels.
As for learning curve - I was comfortable riding the Giro to work in about 25 miles, but I distinctly remember the ride in which I thought, wow, this is all natural to me now - and that took nearly 1000 miles.
On my Giro 20, I average ~13.5 mph on my commute to work. On My Corsa, I average ~15.5 mph and on the trike I averaage ~12.5 mph. I know I'm slow, but that maybe gives you an idea of what the different bike geometries will do for you. I averaged about 12.5 mph on my former Mt Bike, but I love riding so much now that I ride much more than I ever used to, so that may not be a fair comparison.
PM me and I'll talk your keyboard off, or check out BROL and the BROL forum (www.bentrideronline.com) or the Bacchetta board - lots of helpful people (men mostly) on both.

[Bad JuJu]

Thanks for the input!

TsPoet, how tall are you/what's your X-seam? I'm concerned about Bacchetta's not being made small enough for me. I'm 5'2", X-seam 39 3/4. The X-seam doesn't seem to pose a problem, but my height may.

It sounds like the Giro 20 is best for the newby in me, but I'd like the Corsa for the performance. Hmmmm...........guess it's time for some test-riding.

Regina--nice idea, but I keep thinking, what if I spend all that money on a custom bike and my back still hurts? At least with a recumbent, I can test ride before I buy. Bacchetta will even let you ride the thing for a month and still return it if it's not right for you.

Thanks again, gang!

[makbike]

JuJu:

I purchased a Giro 20 frame last July and exBF built it up for me. I really do enjoy it but I simply can't stop riding my DF. I enjoy my Giro but it is a different ride - I have found I must maintain a high cadence on my Giro and you will definitely find you are using different muscles. None of this is bad just observations on my part.

I am 5'2" and ordered a small frame. It took some time playing with the seat position/angle before I found what worked best for me. I must keep the seat in a fairly upright position which I have found allows me to climb a bit faster.

I use both bikes to commute to work and can honestly say I'm must faster and stronger on my DF which is the main reason I won't park it and ride my Giro 100% of the time. I can comfortably ride my DF on a century and feel pretty darn good at the end of the ride. Since I've not developed my "bent legs" I'm pretty worn out after a 25 mile ride on my Giro. Again, it is my lack of time on this bike that is the biggest contributing factor. If you are going to make the switch 100% I bet in no time you will have developed your "bent legs" and be equally strong on your Giro.

Keep us posted!

[KnottedYet]

I switched from a Trek 420 to a BikeE recumbent. (I deeply regret selling the Trek 420) My biggest difficulty was learning to steer with my shoulderblades rather than with my legs/feet. Once I had that down (a day or two) it was peachy.

I could go forever on that BikeE, but I was damm slow. A better recumbent would likely have solved that problem.

Also, if I'd taken my Trek 420 to the shop and told them what was causing me trouble, it's likely they'd've adjusted the fit so I was happy.

Ended up selling the BikeE to get a Kona Dew hybrid.

Ideally I'd have my fast DF, my utility DF, and a go-long recumbent.

(and if I were to ride across the continent, you bet your sweet bippy I'd choose a recumbent!)

[TsPoet]

Thanks for the input!

TsPoet, how tall are you/what's your X-seam? I'm concerned about Bacchetta's not being made small enough for me. I'm 5'2", X-seam 39 3/4. The X-seam doesn't seem to pose a problem, but my height may.


Thanks again, gang!

I'm long-legged, even for a woman, I'm 5'7" on a tall day and my x-seam is about 43. I have *no* problem on my Corsa 650, I can easily recline at a stoplight with my feet flat on the ground - that's why I was hoping you might fit a Corsa 24 - I bet you will. Unfortunately, it will be hard for you to tell right away. If you aren't used to recumbents, the dual 24" will feel awkward even if it fits you.
I can search the Bacchetta forum for you, I think Cletus has and x-seam of about 29 and he rides an Aero 24. He's also ridden a Basso (a titanium version of the Giro 20), and a dual 650 - so he's tried them all and posted his impressions, I'll just have to find them.
Like makbike said, you must learn to spin on a bent, you can't use your body weight like you can on a DF. I, too, was a little disappointed in the speed, I think that's why I got my Corsa, I'm much faster on it than I was on my DF. Also, adage that you will be slower on hills is more or less correct. You'll be so much faster downhill and on the flats that you can mostly make up for it, though. Rolling hills are bent heaven.
Be aware, too, that the Giro 20 comes with slow stock tires, you can gain 1 mph by changing them to something like Conti Grand Prix or a good slick stelvio.

[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.