'bent' bikes

[Roadtrip]

Have you looked at the pedal forward bikes.

Yes, my old bike is a Trek Pure that is pedal forward, thing is she convinced herself that she needed these stbilizers ($40) that won't work on the Pure. Only other option is beefy wheels ($150) that provide all the support instead of just being a safety net of sorts and stick out from the bike quite a ways that would make transporting an issue as well.

Shannon

[TsPoet]

I know there is a prejudice against recumbent bikes/trikes, but don't discount them! They can be faster than DFs, they are much more comfortable, I think they are more fun, they have as many or maybe more options...

This woman (who is amazing) has the women's speed record in a faired bent, and she rode RAAM last year
http://www.barbarabuatois.net/

This woman has ridden her trike, solo, across the country more than once
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/myrtle

the woman who now owns this survived "terminal" cancer, lost much of the muscles in one side of her upper body and much of the lung on the same side, and used recumbent cycling to keep herself going, she habitually rides sebring and STP and...
http://www.coventrycycle.com/

I ride the bent the bikes in my sig, over 1000 miles/yr - I use them to commute, and shop, and most of my vacations are meeting up with other bent riders to have a great time.

[hebe]

I have to admit to not knowing the first thing about 'bents. Would they be a good choice for a beginner over a "normal" bike? Does a trike 'bent steer differently, for example? Apologies if my ignorance came across as dismissal, that was not my intent. I suppose that relative cost was what triggered my initial reaction.

The links are fascinating, thank you.

[Roadtrip]

I have to admit to not knowing the first thing about 'bents. Would they be a good choice for a beginner over a "normal" bike?

The Trikes we rode were "tadpole" design, meaning two wheels in the front, with a single wheel behind the rider. They're stable and rider is close to the ground, so you are not balancing, so ideal for someone unable to ride a traditional bike and they're just a blast to ride. Felt like a little sports go-cart with steering pretty intuitive. Only problem I seemed to have was when I really tried to go fast, I tended to steer when I didn't intend causing a slight swaying from side to side and I'm sure if I rode one, I'd adjust the fit and pedal stroke to eliminate this.

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.

Shannon

[TsPoet]

I have to admit to not knowing the first thing about 'bents. Would they be a good choice for a beginner over a "normal" bike? Does a trike 'bent steer differently, for example? Apologies if my ignorance came across as dismissal, that was not my intent. I suppose that relative cost was what triggered my initial reaction.

The links are fascinating, thank you.

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)
For years of I rode a Trek mt bike with a road set of wheels/tires and an off-road set of wheels. I loved it and was perfectly happy using this one bike for easy off-road rides and commuting to work. Then a 55 yr old friend wanted to buy her first bike in 30+ years to commute to work. I thought I'd help her get a bike and show her the commute ropes. Boy was I shocked when she insisted we drive 2 hr to go to a bike shop with the bike she wanted - a bent, I'd never heard of them. Well, she got her bent, and we started riding into work together. Long story not too long... 6 months later I bought my first bent. Within a month I knew I was never getting on my beloved Trek again and sold it.
There is just something about them.

As far as 'good' for a beginner - they are different. The first time I rode one, i got on and took off - Fun! Then, about 50 ft away was a sign in the trail advertising sandwiches, and I panicked - How do I turn this thing to avoid that sign?!? Down I went. But, down is less of a distance on a bent, LOL.
It takes awhile to figure out.
Then again, I had a neighbor ask to ride one of my bents. She did, got on it, went to the end of the cul-de-sac, did a sharp U-turn and came back. When she did I said "wow, most people can't do that their first time on a bent" and she said "oh, I didn't know that, guess it's a good thing that hadn't occurred to me, or I probably wouldn't have been able to".
I used to ride about 250 miles/yr (at a guess), now I'm obsessed with riding and ride much much more. I really should sell one of my bents, who needs 4 bikes? But, I can't figure out which one to sell.

[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.

[Fredwina]

yes, they are. at least in CA

[TsPoet]

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.

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 )

[MomOnBike]

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.

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.

[Roadtrip]

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

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

[MomOnBike]

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.