Several companies offer "semi-recumbent" or "crank forward" bikes as part or all of their line-up. It is said that a semi-recumbent is an attempt to offer some of the best of both worlds - a blend of recumbent and upright riding. I have been to a couple of the websites and gotten some of the catalogs from companies like Rans and Day6, and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a CF or S-R that they could share? ...and would riding a Rans Zenetik disqualify me as a Recumbent Rider ?

Conversation piece - definitely, although my current 'bent has stirred up enough talk for me to get used to conversations with strang... I mean, new-friends-I-meet-for-the-very-first-time-at-a-stoplight...

I have nearly 6 years and 16,000 miles on my RANS Rocket and I'll love it until the day it dies. But a local friend bought a RANS Fusion crank forward last year. Such a bright "safety yellow" color that it hurt my eyes in the sunlight. I took it for a spin and was amazed. I wouldn't trade my Rocket's mesh seat for any other; but the Fusion's seat is more comfortable than a normal upright's although it still takes a bit of getting used to. The Fusion's acceleration and maneuverability was amazing. It's feels so light (and IS much lighter than nearly any 'bent) that one feels like you could bark the tires on dry pavement. Because of the Fusion's normal handlebar position the rider sits more upright than even a normal upright. But you can buy a second set of handlebars that mount forward of the regular one that allows a more hunched-over (read: backbreaking) aerodynamic posture.

Overall: if I couldn't ride a 'bent, the Fusion might be my next choice.

As far as "Recumbent Disqualification" goes, many of my 'bent cycling friends continue to ride both. Some ride mountain bikes and some road uprights just to be part of The Gang. Some just for exercising different muscle groups. You can call me a 'bent rider; you can call me a Upwrong rider; heck, you can call me Big Berthan if you want to; just be sure to call me for dinner...

Dave

"More upright than even a normal upright". So, that means less pressure on the wrists? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a real issue for me.

Well, now that I have my SunRay I can definitely answer my own question - NO pressure on the wrists, and CTS ceases to be an issue. Yowzah!

Once a bent rider, always a bent rider...for most that is, who would want to ride only one kind of bike...........................................peace