Recumbent bicycles......anyone here have one?

[Navy Chief]

Have been thinking of getting one. So many types/styles. Am sure there isn't a bicycle store anywhere close to me that sells them. Will probably have to go to Chattanooga or Knoxville.

But recumbent bikes look like the perfect way to get around Sanibel on the bike paths....and quick trips to the store.

NC

[JoeW]

Wait untill you get to Sanibel. I'm sure that there is a shop close to that.

[Navy Chief]

Wait untill you get to Sanibel. I'm sure that there is a shop close to that.

Am sure of that. I just wanted to try one out at a store here locally!

[Cazzie]

Chief, I don't know how much you want to spend, but since you're moving to Sanibel Island and very flat terrain, I have a suggestion. I have a lady friend, who used to be a full time cyclist like myself. She was badly injured in an automobile accident and could not longer ride a standard bicycle. She looked at and tried recumbents, but could never get use to the steering and balance (I never liked the control myself, have ridden three recumbents and did not like any of them).

Any how, she went online and found a company that manufactures what is called a TerraTrike, which has two wheels in front and one wheel in back and uses a stationary recumbent frame of varying compounds depending on model. She found the nearest dealer and bought one after one trial! It's a trick, very well balanced, standard flat bars with standard mountain-bike type hydraulic brakes, 27-speeds, very light weight for the type, also can order a carry-all that will attach to the rear of the bike (seen in photo).

I rode it without the carry-all and it's a trick. The seat has approximately a 30-degree incline and since it's a trike, balance, sitting down and getting one's feet in the pedals (always a problem with a recumbent) is a cinch! It's smooth Shimano 27-speed gearing is one-click shift (up or down) and trouble-free. The brakes will shock you with their ability and you have to get use to just a little squeeze, totally different from standard bike brakes. And with any recumbent, one needs those flags for traffic to see you, you are very low to the ground. I hate the things, slow you down a full gear.

There are lots of models, but a warning, none come cheap. If you have the money to splurge on a really fine self-propelled recreational vehicle, then Chief, this is your Huckleberry. After having ridden one (and wanting to ride off into the sunset with it), Caz gives this a 99 and 44/100% approval and the only disapproval is their price. I sure wouldn't mind owning one myself in my advancing years! Check out their models and find the nearest dealer at http://www.terratrike.com/index.php.

Caz

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[sarwulf]

Hello Navy Chief,
I have had a recumbent bike since 1993 and will not go back to a regular bike. I have a Ryan Vanguard long wheelbase recumbent bicycle. It has a very wide nylon web seat (similar to a lawn chair) and under seat steering so thay my arms remain relaxed at my side when riding. It is the most comfortable bike I have ever owned and riding it is virtually without stress. The only downside is that is heavier (30 lbs) than a conventional bike and hence more effort climbing hills. However, the lower profile (less wind resistance) makes downhill rides scary because of the speed that it can gain, somewhat offset because the long wheelbase is very stable. Unfortunately the Vanguard is no longer made. I think the last versions of this bike were made under the "Longbikes" logo somewhere. Good luck! I think you will enjoy a recumbent.

Sarwulf

[Navy Chief]

All great information! Thanks! I found a dealer that carried the Terra Trike in Fort Myers.

I'll have the money for a good model, as I will be selling my M274 Mule. I enjoy it a lot, but wouldn't be practical to have on Sanibel, and I am not going to get a storage unit!!!

NC

[Cazzie]

Good on you Chief, I just came back to tell you about the dealer in Ft. Myers. My mother's first cousin, who was more like a sister, lived the last 40 years of her life in Ft. Myers.

If you have or have never ridden a multi-speed bicycle Chief, you are in for a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed riding Shirley's Trike at the rage on the Ridge two weekends ago. Her's is the Tour model. I found out the seat recline is adjustable, so that is even better.

Caz

[Navy Chief]

Good on you Chief, I just came back to tell you about the dealer in Ft. Myers. My mother's first cousin, who was more like a sister, lived the last 40 years of her life in Ft. Myers.

If you have or have never ridden a multi-speed bicycle Chief, you are in for a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed riding Shirley's Trike at the rage on the Ridge two weekends ago. Her's is the Tour model. I found out the seat recline is adjustable, so that is even better.

Caz

Excellent!

I am also going to take my 1970 Schwinn Varsity down there with me too!

[Willy]

NC, don't forget the "trailer" so Chief will have a place to ride too!