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Judge_Fire · May 6, 2005, 09:52 AM

Ok, so I'm recumbent-curious. I've never tried one, but with the right bike, who knows...

Anyone here tried the Stratus? http://www.ransbikes.com/2005bikes/Stratus.htm

I like the 'ergonomic workchair on wheels' approach coupled with the easy rider posture, as opposed to continuing to grind my testicles to mush

Any advice appreciated.

J

His Dudeness · May 6, 2005, 10:27 AM

Funny you should mention this. This is the one that I plan on buying, too. These are sooooo much more comfy and easier to ride than other bikes. I find the saddles on other bikes painful, and the 'bents are much much much more efficient energy-wise. They are so efficient and fast that they are banned from serious races and such.

I can't wait to get mine.

invisibleX · May 6, 2005, 10:32 AM

Real men "grind their testicles to mush"

Paco500 · May 6, 2005, 12:40 PM

Everything I have ever read states that recumbents are more efficient, more comfortable and not terribly expensive. Why haven't they caught on? You look like a complete and total dork riding one. I firmly believe that if Brad Pitt or (insert favorite super-model here) was photographed riding one, he or she would instantly loose his or her appeal. It would take a huge push from the industry to get an entire throng of celebrities on these things to win mass public acceptance. I think one is less likely to be ridiculed wearing a pocket protector and tape on the glasses. The bikes aren't even "geek chic."

It's a shame, because they are nice.

invisibleX · May 6, 2005, 01:24 PM

Depends what you're using it for. The things are only good for city driving, they're big, you have to use the side-walk despite its size. I mean, why not just buy a cheap scooter? Efficiency is pointless and like paco said (incidentally the name of my chinchilla) you look like a dork.

Ganesha · May 6, 2005, 01:48 PM

Sidewalk? I hope you know in all 50 US states, bicycles are vehicles and entitled to full use of the road. If you don't I suggest you surrender your driver license until you familiarize yourself with the law.

His Dudeness · May 6, 2005, 03:31 PM

Well, I'll look like a dork, and I get to keep my balls.

Paco500 · May 6, 2005, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

Well, I'll look like a dork, and I get to keep my balls.

Problem, after the the ladies see you on the bike, you will have no use for them.

His Dudeness · May 7, 2005, 05:14 AM

I'm married.

Link · May 7, 2005, 05:44 AM

Yikes, interesting. Looks like the kinda bike I had when I was little.. never really lasted that though, ended up using my bro's bike while the kidsin the neighborhood tried to chase me with their tricycles lol. Good times.

The only thing that sucks about regular >20" bikes is they're so big I'm afraid to do anything too crazy with, even a jump.. such as life I suppose.

OldManMac · May 7, 2005, 09:55 AM

My next bike will be a recumbent, and I don't worry about looking like a dork; I'm in control of my life, not others.

wdlove · May 7, 2005, 11:28 AM

The recumbent bike looks very interesting. The only problem would be if they can adjust to a person that is 6' 8".

Judge_Fire · May 7, 2005, 12:39 PM

I think the Stratus (and some others) looks cool enough, and here in Helsinki weird collisions of design and geekiness are appreciated, so I don't have an issue with looking funny. I believe I can pull it off with enough credibility

Ok, so some things are just too beyond dork: http://www.rowingbike.com/main.php

Stare at the video for awhile and regular recumbents start looking just fine.

I'd mainly use it for commuting to work, 6-7 Km within a city. We have dedicated lanes and roads for bicycles all through the city and beyond, so it'd be safe for both myself and pedestrians.

I found a dealer specializing in cool weird bikes close to where I live, so I'm one step closer to getting one. I'll post (dorky) pics should I take the plunge...

His Dudeness, let me know if you get one

"Dorks with Balls"

J

His Dudeness · May 7, 2005, 03:53 PM

I'll let you know. I'll be looking for riding partners here in Virginia too.

ReggieX · May 7, 2005, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Judge_Fire

I found a dealer specializing in cool weird bikes close to where I live, so I'm one step closer to getting one. I'll post (dorky) pics should I take the plunge...

That looks fargin' cool!

Why are grinding your balls on such a short commute? Padded shorts and ball-friendly seat should take care of most problems, I find.

Speaking of bikes, it's a beautiful sunny day and I'm about to head out for a bit. Good timing on the topic

KeriVit · May 8, 2005, 06:22 PM

I've wondered if these recumbent bikes would be better for my back. I haven't ridden a conventional bike since the last time I did- my "bad Back" went out with no return- ended up having spinal fusion... That was a year ago- still scared to ride a bike...

His Dudeness · May 9, 2005, 01:52 AM

I would think a 'bent would be a good choice then. You have great back support on one of those.

Judge_Fire · May 9, 2005, 08:21 AM

They should be good for the back, but seems like they can be tough on your knees:

http://www.ransbikes.com/ITRCliplessPedals.htm

http://www.icehouse.net/jim_d/knees.html

J