Hello everyone,
 
I didn't put this post in the introduction forum because that seemed to be for people that are already riding a recumbent.  
 
I am 30 years old, getting in better shape and an avid mountain biker.  I am also just recently getting into road tours, but am having comfort issues.  About 2 months ago I pulled my back at work and though it is only a muscle pull and nearly healed it made road biking nearly impossible.  For some reason the upright position of mountain biking for extended periods doesn't bother me at all, but I just did a 60 mile road bike tour and hated the way that my body felt after the ride due to soreness.  Before the tour began I talked with the owner of a recumbent trike and asked him about some of the features/how it worked.  Another thing I CANNOT stand about road biking is the wind.  During the last 10 miles of the 60 mile road tour we were heading directly into a 20mph wind gusting to 30mph.  It was without a doubt the most depressing experience I have ever had on any bike.  I am very close to being in the market for a new road bike, but I do not want to rule out the possibility of a recumbent.   After seeing the trike in person I am very much in love with the benefits of a trike vs a two wheeler.  So here are my questions:
1.      Other than weight what are the downsides of a trike vs a two wheeler?
2.      Right now I usually run a 13-15mph average on 30+ mile rides (getting faster). How much will the recumbent slow me down?
3.      I love climbing hills and understand that this is where a recumbent might suffer, though I have no problem spinning out.  
Is this true or do you find that you can climb just as well as a DF once you get used to the recumbent way of riding?  
4.  Is there a shop in Fort Worth that sells recumbent trikes?
 
Thank you for your help.

Quote from system-f on Apr 26^th, 2009, 11:25am:

 
 
Ah, Grasshopper, you have discovered the secret...  
 
Soreness will literally be a thing of the past -- at the end of even the longest, most brutal ride, you will be nothing except tired, not sore...
 
Any recumbent will give you some aerodynamic advantage -- even the "low bottom bracket" styles like the Stratus, Gold Rush, etc. are an improvement.  These are the type of 'bents that often utilize fairings for even better airflow.  (NOTE:  A "crankforward / CF" does not improve aerodynamics) However, the more reclined seating versions made by Bacchetta, Volae, RANS (XStream, F5) and several other brands help you in that regard without fairings.  The improved aerodynamics is especially helpful into strong headwinds like we've had lately!  If you're looking at that type, the next factor is to decide if you want hi, mid, or lowracer styles (even in trikes!), and short, mid, or long wheelbase.  Decisions, decisions!!!
 
Check out these articles, for general comparison info:
 
http://www.angletechcycles.com/why_a_recumbent.htm
 
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/PracticalCycling/FancyBikes.htm
 
You may well find that the comfort of a recumbent leads directly to longer rides, and riding more often...  However, keep in mind that a 'bent is less versatile than a DF, from the standpoint of curb-hopping, trail riding, etc.  But they are supreme road bikes... So plan accordingly.
 
 
 
 

Quote from system-f on Apr 26^th, 2009, 2:37pm:

 
Frankly, distance riding on a DF will never get to the point where you will describe it as "comfortable," simply due to the seating and posture mechanics.  Simply put, if you want to be as fast or faster than you would be normally, with SIGNFICANTLY greater comfort and riding enjoyment, try a 'bent.  Also, since you already know you like riding, and plan to continue, do NOT purchase an entry-level bike like an EZ-1 -- you probably won't be satisfied with it.  Depending upon your budget, look at least mid-range.  Do some test rides at Plano Cycling or City Cycles or RBM, and keep asking questions here!
 
However, a caveat -- it's like having lap-band or other signficant weight-loss surgery -- there's got to be a mental adjustment that goes along with the other changes, because you're signficantly changing your overall cycling "social" status.  Current cycling friends may deride or tease you, you won't be welcome in the middle of pacelines, and every kid under the age of 15 will be shouting "COOL BIKE!!" at you, so you can't be an introvert...     However, eventually, you'll be kicking your friends' tushes on rides....    and at the end of the Hotter 'n Hell 100, you'll feel GOOD!!!!
 
And now I'll leave it to others to chip in...

Quote from system-f on Apr 26^th, 2009, 11:25am:

A lot of good questions and you have been given good answers. I'll give you some personal anecdotes that might help you. I'm in my mid 50's and I ditched the motor vehicle (motorcycle) about 6 years ago. I ride various bicycles plus an electric power-assisted trike ('Car') and ride somewhere between 7k and 10k miles per year. I started the PA thing because both of my feet are broken and it's really hilly around here.
 
Trikes... My first recumbent was a trike I bought used for commuting 32 miles/day. I added the p.a. and found that everything got better - faster, less stress, better fitness, safer. I still used my road bikes but their use dwindled quickly. I moved up to a better trike and everything got even better. Hills are indeed slower and harder, but still not that bad. Cars tend to give a trike more room than a bike. Trikes are really great for shopping. Trikes can be a little more difficult when traveling cross-country, mainly due to getting them in and out of places such as motels.  Trikes tend to have a much harsher ride on chipseal and potholes, etc. are a little harder to deal with.
 
Back problems... Same here almost 2 years ago finished off my road bike riding. I bought a Bacchetta Corsa high-racer a little over a year ago and I've already put just short of 9500 miles on it, including close to 50 centuries. I had done about 10 centuries in my entire life on road bikes...
 
Wind... Recumbent trike or bike is easier in the wind. I still remember the first group ride on my trike with about 10 road bikes, going uphill against a 15mph headwind (with a fairing), finally asking why everyone was slowing down and I was passing them. I honestly didn't realize what was happening but got a bunch of nasty looks from my friends. With the Corsa, they stick me on point and tell me to go really slowly so they can draft me.
 
Ave speeds... On a trike they are liable to be a couple of mph slower. It will take some time to develop the new muscles to pedal a recumbent, but if you keep it up, they'll come.
 
Compare speeds and distances. Typical rides on my 2004 Specialized carbon Roubaix:
Date             Time       Odo     Max     Avg     Dist    Location
Sun Apr  1    2.52.16   9482.9  31.8    17.4    49.46   talleyriomedina
Wed Apr  4   2.13.22   9521.2  37.9    17.2    38.23   1605I10CVCMLoop
Sat Apr 14    1.42.15   9549.3  36.2    16.4    28.09   211loopccw
Sun Apr 15   2.56.46   9600.0  31.5    17.4    50.62   471riomedtalley
Sat Apr 28    2.05.25   9637.4  36.1    17.7    37.00   SLBoeFredI101604
 
The Corsa:
Date            Time       Dist      Avg     Max    Odo      Location
Sat Apr  4    3.25.53   62.46   18.2    40.9    8787.4  I10AmmannBlanco1604
Mon Apr  6   2.00.66   32.41   16.4    43.4    8841.4  SLOF
Sat Apr 11   3.31.35   61.97   17.5    40.6    8908.9  Waring
Wed Apr 15  2.37.22   45.48   17.3    36.5    8954.5  GrnMtn
Sun Apr 19   6.38.16   98.88   14.8    37.4    9053.4  Austin
Mon Apr 20   5.37.53   98.15   17.4    37.3    9151.6  Austin-Home
 
Don't worry about waiting to get a recumbent for touring. Get one for fun. When you are ready, the recumbent will be ready to go touring. You won't need a special touring bike to do that.
 
 

I really like the 08 Rans V3 recumbent, but it looks like this is a LWB bike.  Would something like this work for Century tours?

Quote:

 
Yes you are correct.  I am very non-competitive and just enjoy the crowd and the scenery.  The 60 mile ride I did was actually a tour, but I understand the Hotter than Hell is a race even though I wouldn't ride it as one. I am at the stage where I just need to finish.
 
I really like the V-Rex LE and V3.  It looks like both of these bikes come with disc capable hubs, mounts for calipers, and are in my price range.  Now I just need to go and test ride..then maybe pick one up.
 
Thank you all for your help.  You may have another DF rider.

Several of the Rbenters rode 200- 600k distances this past weekend on short wheelbase Bacchetta's. Other than the expected muscle soreness , I think we all fared well. The short wheel base high racer is about as close as you will come to the traditional road bike.  
 
Several other Rbenters have short wheel base 'bents & complete long distance ultra distance rides on a very regular basis. Other rbent riders participate in 100k charity rides on short wheel base.
 
I would suggest you ask yourself what your riding goals are go from there. Keep in mind that most short wheelbase 'bents are much easier to transport than the longer wheelbase models. It all comes back to personal preference & what your looking to accomplish.

Quote from system-f on Apr 26^th, 2009, 6:38pm:

 
 
You may be creating a self-misconception about SWB vs. LWB...  There is no "distance limitation" as such, related to short- vs. long wheelbase.  If nothing else, a LWB is more apt to reduce fatigue from chipseal vibration, through natural frame absorption -- granted, this is dependent upon frame material and other factors.   But, heck, I did my first century on an EZ-1!!!!  
 
However, the V3 is a GREAT bike, especially for long distances.  The steel version is a few pounds heavier than the aluminum version, but it has excellent aerodynamics and power transfer.  There is one on the rack at Plano Cycling that is an aluminum version that has the new RANS "Hoagie" seat, so it's available to test ride -- but it's priced above $3K due to high-end components.  They also have many Bacchetta SWBs, as well as an XStream and Stratus XP.  The "monster" Stratus XP is also an excellent touring and distance bike -- I've done countless rides over 125 miles on mine.  
 
What you gain with a SWB other than possibly slightly less bike weight is a) easier transportability,  b) a bit better maneuverability in tight spots, and c) slightly improved aerodynamic profile.  But as Ray said to a guy asking about his experience with the XStream, the SWB Ti Aero is actually a somewhat "harsher" ride than what the LWB XStream provides.
 
Test ride, test ride.....