Recumbent Cyclist News - Steve Briggs

a seat post rack off the back, and quickrelease fenders can be installed.COMPARABLES: There is nothinglike a Cruzbike. The Sun EZ1 or EZ Sportare similar in weight, but have bettercomponents and wider range gearing. Incontrast, the Sun recumbents are mucheasier to master and ride.Cruzbike plans to unveil another newmodel that will be two pounds lighter,have a upgraded components, includinga SRAM DualDrive 27-speed, upgradedsuspension, quick release and a target priceof $1600. The company also offers the Silviocarbon-fiber racing frame as well as aFWD kit that includes the front swing armparts and a seat to convert your “Y” framemountain bike to a FWD recumbent.PURCHASE: Cruzbike sells directmailorder, through dealers. Ask abouttheir "29 (S)MILE PROMISE."RECOMMENDATION: The componentspec is basic-basic and will need someowner-upgrading. This model is best forflat land or shallow hills, but did not have awide enough gear range to make it throughour hilly test course. The bike feels heavyand the suspension is probably unnecessary(especially with the low pressure tires).The reason you might be interested in aCruzbike is because you want to try FWD.Many of us have been intrigued with FWDand this is your big chance to try it — andCruzbike’s FWD works well. If not theSofrider or Freerider, consider the FWDkit or one of the upcoming models — ifyou are so bold.The one aspect of the FWD that is notto be taken lightly is the amount of upperbody input required to master the ridingtechnique. Cruzbike discusses this as abenefit, though I found it to be a bit overwhelming.I heard similar comments fromother riders. The bottom line is that youdon't get the upper body relaxation withFWD that you've come to expect fromother types of recumbents. The arm counter-pressureand knee steering techniqueswill take time to learn — and may be a dealbreaker for some.In theory FWD is the best possible recumbentdrivetrain with a single shorterchain, no idler, easy shifting, trussed frontend, improved weight distribution andeasy adjustability. However, in practice,the swinging front end is challenging.You need to have patience and want to trysomething totally different.I don’t think the recumbent world willbe flocking to convert to FWD, but it’sThe Cruzbike's lightweight Aluminumshell seat.The Cruzbike can fold on your if you'renot careful. It's a difficult bike to walk.The lightweight Silvio has a carbon fiberframe, rear suspension and with lightparts can weigh in the 23 pound range.unique enough, and if you’re adventurousenough — it might be a fun diversion ofyou. We’ll also be looking forward to themore enthusiast oriented models.FOR: There is nothing like it, somethingnew for the bent rider who has everything,easier than I thought to ride, but difficultto master (tracking it straight).AGAINST: Mediocre components, poorclimbing ability (lack of low gears), heavy,unusual technique and the only commerciallyavailable FWD.- 21 -Note the T handlebars on theCruzbike Sofrider.Tel. 818-994-41717828 Balboa Ave.Van Nuys, CA 91408www.bentupcycles.comBent Up CyclesFor All Things RecumbentBacchetta • CatrikeMaxarya • Greenspeed SunRANS • HP VeloOptima • Burley • Velokraft& Recumbent Accessories