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front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive

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front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive Empty front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive

Post by carlos Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:39 pm

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 Very Happy

Thank you,

Carlos

(310) 497-4022

carlos

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Post by R42Pilot Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:54 pm

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
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Post by carlos Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:58 am

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

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Post by R42Pilot Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:15 pm

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
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Post by Nightturkey Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:13 am

ActionBent has a foldable FWD bent called the Cobra that looks interesting, goes for $1499.
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Post by SteveM Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:06 pm

The other advantage the Moving Bottom Bracket front-wheel drive bikes have
over most recumbent bicycles is the rigid, triangulated powertrain.

The chain stay between the bottom bracket and the driven-wheels' axle
is one of the "secrets" behind the efficiency of a standard diamond-frame (DF) bicycle.
Another "secret" behind the efficiency of the DF bike is the triangle formed by
the chain stay, the seat post and the seat stays.
All these elements serve to lock the bottom bracket in it's position relative to the
driven wheel.
Just like all current Cruzbikes.

Most other recumbent bicycle frames compensate for the lack of bottom bracket stiffness
with either bracing and large-diameter tubing -or a combination of both.

Twisting-chain front-wheel drive recumbent bikes have only one advantage over
standard rear-wheel drive bikes:
a shorter -and therefore- lighter chain.

All rear-wheel driven bicycles have an advantage over all front-wheel drive
bicycles.
R.W.D. bikes get better traction uphill, especially when it's wet or otherwise slippery.

I've learned to compensate for my bikes' weakness up slippery slopes....


SteveM


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