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Date: 06 Feb 2006 09:16:41
From: Ken C. M.
Subject: After more thought
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After re-considering my reasons for going to a 'bent, I have come to the
conclusion that I may very well be happier with a SWB bike, as opposed
to a CLWB or LWB.
My reasoning behind this is:
1) Most of the SWB (26/r 20/f) bikes I have looked at have seat heights
similar to LWB bike.
2) The SWBs' have a somewhat higher BB height, which from what I have
read makes them somewhat more aerodynamic than a LWB with a lower BB height.
3) Most of the SWBs' I have seen are somewhat lighter than the LWBs' I
have seen (and can afford).
I have seen a whole bunch of models under $1200 in the SWB configuration
that seen as though they would make a good choice for a relative
beginner such as myself.
Some of the models I have seen:
Rans Rocket
ActionBent litespeed metro, Jetstream, Roadrunner
Lightning Thunderbolt
Bacchetta Giro 20 (a bit above $1200, but not completely out of the
question)
Volae Tour
Ok, so what is the opinion on these bikes vs some of the CLWB or LWB
bikes such as:
Sun EZ-1 and EZ-Sport
Rans Tailwind and Stratus
Cycle Genius Starling, Sparrow and Falcon
And last but not least the Easy Racer Tour Easy.
Thanks
Ken
--
You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're
having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman, The Man Who Loved Bicycles
Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/
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Date: 07 Feb 2006 10:30:15
From:
Subject: Re: After more thought
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I have a Linear LWB, and I prefer it over all of my other bikes for
longer rides. It's OK in town, but of course not as nimble in traffic.
The LWB is the classic for touring, as they tend to give a more stable
and comfy ride. But I know two people with SWB (both Streetmachines)
with the underseat panniers and they love them for big trips.
The Rans Tailwind is probably great for around town, but I don't know
if anyone has toured with it. The Stratus and the Tour Easy are famous
bikes for the open road, and both have fairly upright seats (as does my
Linear). But I don't mind riding my LWB around town, as I've gotten
qute used to how it handles. I cannot comment on the other machines you
mention, as I've never seen them. For in-town riding I prefer a low-BB
design, making it easier to put my foot down in sudden stops.
Actually, for most of my in-town riding I've gone back to an upright,
because it's more nimble and I can lock it up without worrying nearly
as much.
Buying a bent is just like buying an upright bike - what do you want it
to do? Just get groceries, or go for long rides on the weekend, or
take part in local time trials, or go off-road and play in the mud?
That said, the best advice I've ever heard (and received) is to try as
many as you can. Some folks look at the Tour Easy design and say
"that's what I want!", but after trying it and others over an afternoon
they then come out of the store with a SWB!
k
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Date: 09 Feb 2006 04:58:16
From: Hull 697
Subject: Re: After more thought
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*RIDE AS MANY AS YOU CAN GET UNDER YOUR BUTT!
Best advice I received. The learning curve accelerates as you tes
ride. My experience has been that bikes which were "nice" to "reall
nice" when I first started testing were soon "boring", "too muc
effort" or "what did I like about this slug?"
Seat angle is critical!!! At every bike shop I visited the high racer
were displayed with the seat laid 'way back. These adjust. Get the
upright when you are new and the high racers suddenly become much les
strange and easier to ride. Personally I like the higher seat, rapi
acceleration and high cruise. The first time on a dual 26 I coul
barely keep it stable priily due to a laid back seat.
Unless you are a lottery winner none of the better bikes fall into th
chump change catagory. Take your time, get the shops to fit you an
try everything you can get you seat on.
Anything you think you like, ride longer
--
Hull 697
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Date: 07 Feb 2006 09:28:22
From: Capri
Subject: Re: After more thought
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Your reasing is flawed.
The only reason a person should decide between a SWB and LWB is on what
he plans on using the bike for. If you are planning oin the short ride
around town, commuting and/or , short fast rides, the swb is the better
bike to have. If however you are looking for comfort, touring and
speed is not a concern you would want to be looking at the LWB
bikes.....A CLWB is one that can't make up is mind
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