Wow, a real FIRST for me!

Anyway, I ride a Longbikes Slipstream (see www.longbikes.com).

I moved form DF to LWB recumbents as I got tired of stiff backs and hands going numb. This aging
business is really taking it;s toll on me! Anyway, I had never even ridden a LWB recumbent before I
forked over the 'big bucks' for a semi-custom Slipstream. As I am no lightweight and on the tall side,
I got it with beefier wheels, a longer frame, and a custom color paintjob.

I love the LWB. The underseat steeering was everything I expected it would be, even though I had
never ridden anything like it before. I truly "had it down" in one block of riding, though I can say I
am not anywhere as nimble on this thing as a DF bike. Tight turns are simply non-existent as the
bike is (end to end) in the area of just ender 7' long.

OTOH, the long wheelbase makes for a nice smooth ride like a good DF touring bike.

So there ya go, a bit on my bike and why I like it, and the first LWB post fo the forum!

Dan

We demand bike porn!

Mark

I'm currently riding my first LWB, too. I have a Rans Stratus XP, which is an ASS dual 26". Steel frame, and nothing but COMFORTABLE! It has a full fairing, which made it bearable commuting to work when the temp was 0 degrees F. I know what Dano means about "the age thing", and I could stand to lose some weight, too. I haven't given up on the "safety bike", as I still use it for most of my commuting and daily transportation. The Rans is my "fun bike", for long weekend rides with my buddies.

My main reason for moving to the recumbent was to be more able to keep up with my buddies on their road bikes. In fact, a lot of times, I end up doing a lot of coasting when I ride with them, waiting for them to catch up.

I consider the Stratus XP to be a touring bike, and it is GREAT on the long day rides. You get off after 60 or so miles, and NOTHING HURTS! Neck, back, shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists...NOTHING! I see my buddies occasionally dangle a hand down at their sides, and shake them, trying to get the circulation going, again, and I sympathize with them, remembering how I used to do the same thing!

Negatives: As Dano said, not very nimble! Takes an acre to turn it around! lol Not very good at long, steep climbs, but, I'm not very good on climbs, anyway, no matter WHAT I'm riding. Hard to transport, due to the length. Hard to find a way to lock it...bikeracks won't work (as if there was any such thing as a bike rack in this town.)

So far, overall, I'm very happy with the bike, as it suits the purpose for which I bought it. In the future, if I decide to go totally recumbent, I may consider a short wheelbase for an everyday bike.

I like the Longbikes Slipstream, it's just that it's out of my price range right now. Currently riding an Infinity LWB, picture to the left and more in the long wheelbase photo section. I really like this bike very comfortable for long (for me) rides. I like not having the handlebars in front of me to disturb the panoramic view.

That being said I'm off to pick up my new bent in the morning. A SWB with Above Seat Steering. Impressions and pictures to follow in their appropriate sections.

I, too, ride a Longbike Slipstream. I started out on 'bents' with a Longbike Vanguard that I bought used off the internet ~10 years ago; at that time I had carpal tunnel problems commuting on a hybrid bike. After many treatments by an extraordinary chiropractor, my hands healed and I sought out a used recumbent to get the pressure off my hands, and the rest is history. I won't go back to a 'wedgie'.

I have done some short (5-7 days) self contained and supported rides; this past summer I added an Extrawheel trailer to carry my gear. It worked great! Hope to use it more this year.

I just got a new to me Rans Stratus and rode it this past weekend. After always riding SWB bikes that sure is a lot of bike to steer, but what a comfy ride!!! I'll keep the V-Rex for my commuter but the Rans will be my everyday joy ride.

Bike porn, please!

Mark

I don't know how to post an image here. I'll have to play with it tomorrrow after work. Do you need to have a certain number of posts to be able to post an image?

I think I may have this photo posting thing figured out. Here is the new to me Stratus, it sure is comfy...