Semi-recumbent tandem

Anyone interested in one of these?

Interested? Fascinated is more like it. Is this a one-off, or is there a factory somewhere that actually produces such a creature? And could I get a blue one?

Semi-recumbent tandems have been made for years, I think the first ones are made by Bilenky:
Viewpoint is more recent model, Opus is older version:

http://www.bilenky.com/viewpnt.html

Then Hase Pino:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXwCxCizxWM

Both of which cost well over $3000 or $4000.

My semi-recumbent tandem (under $2000) was made in Taiwan by Performance Recumbent:

http://www.performer.com.tw/



No. it might not hold up for duties like 3-week long self-supported touring with camping/cooking gear but for around town grocery/breakfast runs it's been great for me and my 5'0" wife. Since the stoker sit in front, she doesn't have to stare at the back of my head, gets full view of the road.

That is just plain cool. But tell me - why is there a GEICO caveman with a cowbell in your avatar?

Nightturkey wrote:That is just plain cool. But tell me - why is there a GEICO caveman with a cowbell in your avatar?

That's no Geico Caveman, that's Will Ferrell, in the SNL skid with Christopher Walken: More Cowbell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_cowbell

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1017105/will_ferrell_cowbell/

That's a pretty cool bike. Looks like it might be fun and as long as the wheels and components are decent quality, it should hold up to touring. Especially with a trailer.

Mark

...sure LOOKS like a GEICO caveman...

R42Pilot wrote:That's a pretty cool bike. Looks like it might be fun and as long as the wheels and components are decent quality, it should hold up to touring. Especially with a trailer.

Mark

Actually, the frame is rather soft, while climbing a steep hill, there is enough frame flex that I could notice with each pedal stroke.. maybe it's because the long seatpost.. I can't tell for sure...

"A" wrote:

R42Pilot wrote:That's a pretty cool bike. Looks like it might be fun and as long as the wheels and components are decent quality, it should hold up to touring. Especially with a trailer.

Mark

Actually, the frame is rather soft, while climbing a steep hill, there is enough frame flex that I could notice with each pedal stroke.. maybe it's because the long seatpost.. I can't tell for sure...

Yeah, I can see what you mean. I suppose it is more for just messing around kind of rides. Nice design, though.

Mark

Hase make a titanium version:



About 14 kg and $9000 US.


Less expensive $5000 US model:

Hase Pino:



Mine was under $1500

You know what would make that a hot design? To make the steering for the recumbent rider an option. Yeah.

Mark

R42Pilot wrote:You know what would make that a hot design? To make the steering for the recumbent rider an option. Yeah.

Mark

That could be easily accomplished, replace the fork with longer steertube, and use similar steering column as my Vision R40:

Maybe.... The seat placement makes the steering pretty close to "the boys". It could be done, though, you're right. The Pino would be tougher, the head tube is completely under the seat.

Mark

Raise the front end a couple of inches or less, put a USS fork attachment may work.