RCN 72.32pg - Steve Briggs

INFO AT A GLANCESpecificationsModel—EZ Sport LimitedType—LWBSteering—ASSWheelbase—63”Wheel sizes—26/20Seat height—26.5”Bottom bracket height—15.5”Frame sizes—One size fits mostWeight—35 lbs.Frame—7005 TIG welded AluminumFork—CroMolySeat frame—AluminumSeat material—Mesh back with foam baseNote the curved top tubes and front derailleur tube that turnsinto the seat tube.ComponentsCrank—Shimano Tiagra 30/42/52Bottom bracket—Shimano sealedHeadset—1” aluminumDerailleurs—Shimano Deore XT (rear)and Shimano 443 frontShifters—SRAM Verio twist (with dial)Cassette—9-speed, 11-32Chain—KMC ZGear inch range—24-118Pedals—Wellgo platformsWheels (f)—406 mm 20”Wheels (r)—559 mm 26”Rims—Alloy black CNC sidesTires—Kenda Kwest 1.5” 100 psiHubs (f/r)—Shimano DeoreBrakes (f/r)—Shimano Deore LX V withTektro leversIncidentalsPrice—$1,199-$1,299 (varies by dealer)Warranty (frame)—5 years on frame(lifetime for steel frames)Colors—Red or blackThis shows the optional computer and Zzipper fairing. The computer on our test bikestopped working during our test. A Super Zzipper will fit this model, but you’ll needZzip Designs’ T-bracket upper mounts and clamp-on lower mounts.12 Recumbent Cyclist News 72looks, and design refinement. The Tailwind isa bit more compact with its 20/20 wheelcombo, but the smaller drive wheel hastradeoffs (a 26/20 Tailwind is rumored for2003). The Canto is a different animal altogether,with its higher bottom bracket, muchmore laid-back seat, and linkage steering.The EZ Sport is such a good value that we’dsuggest that those looking at RANS Stratus,Tour Easy, and Cannondale recumbents checkit out. It is a worthy competitor for all of them.The Sport doesn’t need suspension because ofits larger wheelset, and it will perform betterthan a small-wheel CLWB.While not direct competition for either theTour Easy or the Stratus, the EZ Sport Limitedmay suit some riders even better—for alower price.Buying such a recumbent has never beeneasier. The Sun EZ Sport is distributed by J&BImports. Most all bike shops deal with J&Band have a catalog. In the back of J&B’s catalogyou will see photos of the Sun recumbents.Most any bike shop can order them. If youdon’t have a dealer who will order it, you canalso call Easy Racers and order a bike fromthe man himself, Gardner Martin.EZ Sport vs. Limited—These are bothgreat bikes. Certainly the CroMoly model istougher and more durable. The difference betweenthe two is $300-$400 and four pounds.The fork, seat, handlebars, stem, pedals, headset,and tires are the same on both bikes. TheLimited brings you better rims, bottom bracket,shifters, hubs, and brakes. The most notableupgrades are the hubs and brakes, which movefrom Shimano Alivio to LX.How to Decide?—If you’re a beginner,commuter, or urban rider, the standard EZSport is the way to go. If you plan to keep thebike for awhile and care about performance,buy the Limited. Serious performance ridersshould consider the Tour Easy and Gold Rushas well (both are faster than either Sport).CritiqueRCN Rating—✪✪✪✪ProMost stylish cruising LWB everFrame is nearly as nice as a Gold RushFully adjustable seat (including mesh backtensioning and Q.R. slider)Great accessories: fenders, rear rack,underseat pannier rack, computer andseat bagConNot a lightweightTall seatLow gears not low enoughLumbar placement incorrect for me(though straps are adjustable)Seat foam not as comfy or layered like EasyRacers modelsContactSun BicyclesWeb: www.sunbicycles.comwww.jbimporters.comEasy Racers, Inc.Tel. 831-722-9797Web: www.easyracers.com