I have been riding my vision 40 (SWB,USS) and I am hooked. Now I am researching a better ride. The Challenge Furai with twin 24" again (SWB,USS), or there 26"version.

As I have been researching some things have come to light. Particularly FWD recumbents, it sounds great, but I have not seen one or been able to speak to anyone who rides one. If you have any experience with FWD or have something to say about Challenge recumbents please share.

Also. If anyone lives in the SoCal. are, could I twist you're are for a test ride

Thank you,

Carlos

(310) 497-4022

Hi Carlos!

I ride a FWD Cruzbike and have found it to be a lot of fun and extremely fast bike. Like you, I started on a Vision, then went to a Bachetta Strada (dual 650c wheels). I found I didn't particularly care for the extremely high bottom bracket, so I started researching something better. I got interested in the Cruzbikes because they use standard bicycle parts and only a regular length of chain.

All this comes with a price, though. The Cruzbike is a moving bottom bracket FWD, which means the entire front end pivots. There is a short, but steep learning curve to these bikes. It's easily mastered, but not a bike you can just jump on and expect to ride well. I've seen some people that can get on one and go, but they are the exception.

I live in SoCal, as well, so maybe we can hook up for a ride. We have a fairly new collaboration of recumbent riders that are meeting once a month to ride. This month, we're meeting in Fontana/Rancho Cucamonga. As the weather heats up, I assume we'll be heading for the beach more.

Good luck in your research!

Mark

I can assume that you have passed the learning curve on you're Cruzbike. Is slow speed stability the same as RWD, I have seen videos of people riding without holding on to the handle bars can you do the same? do you're legs help steer?

Other than Cruzbike, are there any other companies that manufacture FWD recumbents?

When is the next ride.

Thanks

Carlos

I've not mastered "no hands", but I've not worked at it. I can tell you I have relaxed my death grip on the bars, except when climbing or sprinting.

There really aren't any other manufacturers of MBB FWD recumbents. Sun had one at Interbike, but it's never shown up on their website. There are many "twist chain" FWDs around.

We're riding in Fontana on the 18th

LINK>>>Informational link

Mark

ActionBent has a foldable FWD bent called the Cobra that looks interesting, goes for $1499.