Best 'Bent for US$3K??

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Date: 13 Jan 2006 07:55:29
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Hi, All:

Not meant to be a flame-fest (honest!)...just wondering what y'all
think $3,000.00 US ought to buy for a 'bent.

My heart's set on an HP Velotechnik SMGTe, but I'm curious if someone
else sees a better 'bent for the money.

TIA!

Date: 17 Jan 2006 05:13:23
From:
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Hold your ground Ken. The TE/GRR has been around for over 20 years
(largely unchanged) because it's a beautiful, time tested design! With
say $2800, I call up Kelvin at Angletech and say what can you do with
the TE for these $$$. I am sure I would be happy!

Jim Reilly
Reading, PA

Date: 17 Jan 2006 08:20:12
From: Ken M
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

jreilly@enter.net wrote:
> Hold your ground Ken. The TE/GRR has been around for over 20 years
> (largely unchanged) because it's a beautiful, time tested design! With
> say $2800, I call up Kelvin at Angletech and say what can you do with
> the TE for these $$$. I am sure I would be happy!
>
> Jim Reilly
> Reading, PA
>
I must admit I have only seen 1 T.E. up close but from what I can see,
it has the same "look" as the "classic" road bikes that are so loved by
many in rec.bicycles.misc and rec.bicycles.tech

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/

Date: 16 Jan 2006 15:55:18
From: Johnny Sunset
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Jim wrote:
> ...
> If you want the ability to have fatter tires...

and/or fenders

>... you might consider the Barcroft
> Dakota but I have no idea what you would lose in the speed category.'

Likely very little. With wider tires, rolling resistance will likely be
equal or less with the Dakota compared to the Virginia GT, with a
slight penalty for increased frontal area. The greater height will make
a small difference in a headwind, but the expected differences in speed
should be so small that a power measuring device would be needed to
detect the difference.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley (For a bit?)

Date: 15 Jan 2006 20:35:10
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Jim wrote:
>
>
>
> If you want both speed and comfort I would highly recommend a Barcroft
> Virginia GT.

Hmm, certainly much cheaper than the SMGTe!

> In comparison to a Lightning P38 and Volae Team there is no comparison.

Funny company, listing their competitors in the Links section of their
website!

> The Barcroft was a better hill climber than the P38 and as fast. It is not
> as fast as the Volae but in the comfort category it beats them both handily.
> However, it is not a slouch in the speed department by any means. All of
> that without suspension.

Yes, a hill climber! Any idea how it compares to a SMGTe?

I imagine, however, that the full-suspension and the new Bodylink seat
might prove more comfortable.

> The comfort seems to come from the compliant frame, seat and a rather long
> bike in the SWB category. Very stable handling.

The bikes look interesting, but I'm stuck on USS/BSS. The other
problem is that I don't think the local 'bent dealer has any for me to
try out, in any case.

> If you want the ability to have fatter tires you might consider the Barcroft
> Dakota but I have no idea what you would lose in the speed category.

They're both listed as 28.5 lbs. and look the same.

> Jim C

Many thanks for the ref, Jim!

Date: 15 Jan 2006 16:45:26
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Steve Katona wrote:
>
> Ride Challenge, particularly the Mistral.

It looks very interesting! Very light...should be fast!

But it's more expensive.

And no suspension -- which I imagine translates into a less-comfortable
ride.

> You might like to be able to
> sit up a little more.

I think I would -- all else being pretty much the same: namely, speed
and comfort.

> They're both first class.

Yes, very hard choice! Lighter...or more comfy?

The Mistral is more expensive...but the SMGTe is a hog.

Still, I used to ride such hogs back in my days of $250 bikes from
Giant and Diamondback...and I used to zip up hills all the same before
I figured out what gears were for!

Date: 15 Jan 2006 21:43:09
From: Jim
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1137372326.720469.53290@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> It looks very interesting! Very light...should be fast!

If you want both speed and comfort I would highly recommend a Barcroft
Virginia GT.

In comparison to a Lightning P38 and Volae Team there is no comparison.

The Barcroft was a better hill climber than the P38 and as fast. It is not
as fast as the Volae but in the comfort category it beats them both handily.
However, it is not a slouch in the speed department by any means. All of
that without suspension.

The comfort seems to come from the compliant frame, seat and a rather long
bike in the SWB category. Very stable handling.

If you want the ability to have fatter tires you might consider the Barcroft
Dakota but I have no idea what you would lose in the speed category.

Jim C

Date: 16 Jan 2006 14:45:52
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

"Jim" <jcgc50@cox.net > wrote in message
news:rDEyf.114669$oG.52670@dukeread02...
>
> "NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1137372326.720469.53290@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>> It looks very interesting! Very light...should be fast!
>
>
> If you want both speed and comfort I would highly recommend a Barcroft
> Virginia GT.
>
> In comparison to a Lightning P38 and Volae Team there is no comparison.
>
> The Barcroft was a better hill climber than the P38 and as fast. It is not
> as fast as the Volae but in the comfort category it beats them both
> handily. However, it is not a slouch in the speed department by any means.
> All of that without suspension.
>
> The comfort seems to come from the compliant frame, seat and a rather long
> bike in the SWB category. Very stable handling.
>
> If you want the ability to have fatter tires you might consider the
> Barcroft Dakota but I have no idea what you would lose in the speed
> category.
>
> Jim C

I have always liked Bill Cook's Barcrofts too. They are as comfortable as
they are mainly because of the laid back seats. The only reservations I have
about them are the high cranks and the high prices.

Regards,

Ed Dolan - Minnesota

Date: 14 Jan 2006 17:51:06
From: Steve Katona
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Date: 14 Jan 2006 07:45:27
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Steve knight wrote:
> not quite 3000 but still I want one.
> http://www.carbent.com
> Knight-Toolworks
> http://www.knight-toolworks.com
> affordable handmade wooden planes

Whoo hoo! But being that this will be my very first 'bent, I don't
feel right about spending another grand or two above what I already
think is kinda crazy. =)

Thanks for the link. I'll be keeping an eye on this one, since I
already believe my next 'bent will be a light titanium one for sure!
Might even get that Hase Pino tandem...looks fun -- and cute!

Date: 13 Jan 2006 14:10:49
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Ken M wrote:
>
>
> As I said it's all a matter of taste.

Or the lack thereof! We're talking $3K here...there better be some
curves for my money!

> I think a nice LWB is as sexy as
> any supermodel.

A legs man, eh?

> 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/

Date: 13 Jan 2006 14:01:00
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Ken M wrote:
>
> Well, it's all a matter of the type of riding and what you as an
> individual prefer.

Comfort and speed, in that order. Then price, then looks.

> Personally if I had a $3000 limit I think I would opt
> for the upgraded Tour Easy. It's low and long and looks great.

Aw, come on! No way that Tour Easy looks as sexy as a SMGTe!

> 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/

Date: 13 Jan 2006 23:44:19
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

"NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1137189660.304332.14160@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Ken M wrote:
>>
>> Well, it's all a matter of the type of riding and what you as an
>> individual prefer.
>
> Comfort and speed, in that order. Then price, then looks.
>
>> Personally if I had a $3000 limit I think I would opt
>> for the upgraded Tour Easy. It's low and long and looks great.
>
> Aw, come on! No way that Tour Easy looks as sexy as a SMGTe!

I tend to agree with NYC. The Tour Easy, while being a very fine bike, has a
very old fashion look to it. All those tubes running every which way. A
monotube frame looks far better to my eye and should be more than strong
enough and not any heavier.

Regards,

Ed Dolan - Minnesota

Date: 14 Jan 2006 06:45:26
From: Ken M
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Edward Dolan wrote:
> "NYC XYZ" <jack_foreigner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1137189660.304332.14160@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
>>Ken M wrote:
>>
>>>Well, it's all a matter of the type of riding and what you as an
>>>individual prefer.
>>
>>Comfort and speed, in that order. Then price, then looks.
>>
>>
>>>Personally if I had a $3000 limit I think I would opt
>>>for the upgraded Tour Easy. It's low and long and looks great.
>>
>>Aw, come on! No way that Tour Easy looks as sexy as a SMGTe!
>
>
> I tend to agree with NYC. The Tour Easy, while being a very fine bike, has a
> very old fashion look to it. All those tubes running every which way. A
> monotube frame looks far better to my eye and should be more than strong
> enough and not any heavier.
>

I agree some of the monotube do look nice and I am sure they are strong
enough, I still like that "old fashion" look of the Tour Easy. Again
it's a matter of opinion.

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/

Date: 13 Jan 2006 17:06:01
From: Ken M
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

NYC XYZ wrote:

>
> Aw, come on! No way that Tour Easy looks as sexy as a SMGTe!
>

As I said it's all a matter of taste. I think a nice LWB is as sexy as
any supermodel.

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/

Date: 14 Jan 2006 00:38:49
From: Steve knight
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

not quite 3000 but still I want one.
http://www.carbent.com
Knight-Toolworks
http://www.knight-toolworks.com
affordable handmade wooden planes

Date: 13 Jan 2006 16:52:59
From: Ken M
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

Date: 13 Jan 2006 11:33:52
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

John Knez wrote:
>
> The best bike really depends on a person's needs and the environment
> they will be riding in. What's best for one person may not be best for
> someone else. If reliability is a big factor, someone might want to go
> with a bike that doesn't have a shock on it. Someone in an area with
> crowded busy intersections might want a bent that does not put the rider
> in a reclined position. Have you ridden the HP Velotechnik SMGTe in an
> environment where you plan on using it regularly?

Oh come now, don't be shy -- say you love yours and don't apologize!
=)

Of course different people, with their different needs and tastes, will
have different opinions as to the best bikes out there.

No I haven't ridden the SMGTe yet, though I hope to either this weekend
or next with a local dealer.

> Personally, I've been really happy on a Burley Django for the last 3+
> years. I've put over 12,000 miles on it, and the only thing I might
> want is an upgrade in components. If I was looking for a new bent, and
> my budget was $3000, I'd probably be taking a look at the Burley HepCat
> for about $2200. I don't know that a HepCat would be the final choice,
> but I've had such a good experience with the Django that a HepCat would
> be one of the first bents I looked at. So many bents, so little time.

So little money, you mean! And too bad the Z-Bone is dead.

> ----
> John Knez

Date: 13 Jan 2006 17:33:34
From: John Knez
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

NYC XYZ wrote:
> Hi, All:
>
> Not meant to be a flame-fest (honest!)...just wondering what y'all
> think $3,000.00 US ought to buy for a 'bent.
>
> My heart's set on an HP Velotechnik SMGTe, but I'm curious if someone
> else sees a better 'bent for the money.
>
>
> TIA!
>
The best bike really depends on a person's needs and the environment
they will be riding in. What's best for one person may not be best for
someone else. If reliability is a big factor, someone might want to go
with a bike that doesn't have a shock on it. Someone in an area with
crowded busy intersections might want a bent that does not put the rider
in a reclined position. Have you ridden the HP Velotechnik SMGTe in an
environment where you plan on using it regularly?

Personally, I've been really happy on a Burley Django for the last 3+
years. I've put over 12,000 miles on it, and the only thing I might
want is an upgrade in components. If I was looking for a new bent, and
my budget was $3000, I'd probably be taking a look at the Burley HepCat
for about $2200. I don't know that a HepCat would be the final choice,
but I've had such a good experience with the Django that a HepCat would
be one of the first bents I looked at. So many bents, so little time.

----
John Knez

Date: 14 Jan 2006 00:37:11
From: Steve knight
Subject: Re: Best 'Bent for US$3K??

>Personally, I've been really happy on a Burley Django for the last 3+
>years. I've put over 12,000 miles on it, and the only thing I might
>want is an upgrade in components. If I was looking for a new bent, and
>my budget was $3000, I'd probably be taking a look at the Burley HepCat
>for about $2200. I don't know that a HepCat would be the final choice,
>but I've had such a good experience with the Django that a HepCat would
>be one of the first bents I looked at. So many bents, so little time.
>

just wish the bike was lighter.
I had the limbo and upgraded about everything possible but the cranks
seatback and bars. well the frame broke and I got a hepcat frame (same
as the django. sure better then the limbo but still heavy. the frame
was only 2# lighter without the shock.
the only difference between the two bike are the components. so
going to the hepcat would not be much of an upgrade and you can make
your django the same.
Knight-Toolworks
http://www.knight-toolworks.com
affordable handmade wooden planes