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Date: 17 May 2006 09:19:05
From: Yelps
Subject: Questions--returning to cycling.
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Five years ago my nice Miyata Aluminicross bike was stolen during a time
when I was laid up with a back injury. Since then I have reached 59 years
old and gained 60 pounds to 300 pounds, (6'tall)
So finally I am determined to get back into riding and began to research the
current bikes....looking for comfort along with exercise.
I see that the major brands have these "comfort" bikes now and I also see
that Cannondale has a fairly low priced "Bent 1" were I to want to get into
a recumbent.
And the very inexpensive "Specialized Expedition Sport," "comfort bike"
looks like it might be all I need right now at $299.00.
All I am looking for right now is as pain free a bike as possible, for
exercise and fun. I do not want to end up causing an exacerbation of my
back problems and I want one that is easy to get on and off and feel safe in
my currently totally out of shape and creaky condition.
So, I am wondering what do people think about the Bent 1 from Cannondale in
the 1499.00 range. Is the learning curve on one of these significant and
will I really be more comfortable and safer in the long run?
A Bike shop owner was telling me that I might be better off, if I get the
Specialized Expedition I should have the front suspension and the seat
spring removed and replaced.. I also see I could spend a little more and
get the Expdition Elite with the "preload" suspension. and stronger rims.
Is that significant enough?
I have never used a suspension bike, a recumbent so I am a bit in the dark
on this.
Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
dc
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Date: 17 May 2006 12:56:11
From: DougC
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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Yelps wrote:
> Five years ago my nice Miyata Aluminicross bike was stolen during a time
> when I was laid up with a back injury. Since then I have reached 59 years
> old and gained 60 pounds to 300 pounds, (6'tall)
>
> So finally I am determined to get back into riding and began to research the
> current bikes....looking for comfort along with exercise.
>
> I see that the major brands have these "comfort" bikes now and I also see
> that Cannondale has a fairly low priced "Bent 1" were I to want to get into
> a recumbent.
>
> And the very inexpensive "Specialized Expedition Sport," "comfort bike"
> looks like it might be all I need right now at $299.00.
>
> All I am looking for right now is as pain free a bike as possible, for
> exercise and fun. I do not want to end up causing an exacerbation of my
> back problems and I want one that is easy to get on and off and feel safe in
> my currently totally out of shape and creaky condition.
>
> So, I am wondering what do people think about the Bent 1 from Cannondale in
> the 1499.00 range. Is the learning curve on one of these significant and
> will I really be more comfortable and safer in the long run?
>
> A Bike shop owner was telling me that I might be better off, if I get the
> Specialized Expedition I should have the front suspension and the seat
> spring removed and replaced.. I also see I could spend a little more and
> get the Expdition Elite with the "preload" suspension. and stronger rims.
> Is that significant enough?
>
> I have never used a suspension bike, a recumbent so I am a bit in the dark
> on this.
>
> Thoughts? Thanks in advance.
>
> dc
>
>
>
>
>
The Cannondale recumbents are not widely considered to be good deals.
You can spend less and get a lighter bike that rides at least as well if
not better. The Cannondale is a CLWB and they are among the easier types
to ride.
I am 275 lbs and I have owned a SWB and now a LWB, neither had
suspension and it was not a bother. If your bike has a *real seat*,
suspension isn't all that necessary for on-road riding.
The Cannondale uses a 16-inch front wheel. I don't like 16" wheels
because there are a lot more tire choices (widths, especially) in
20-inch size. So I would suggest you get a bike that has at least a
20-inch front wheel.
Make sure whatever you buy is l-o-n-g enough for you. Sitting on the
bent, you must be able to totally straighten your leg, AND extend your
toes, while still keeping your foot properly on the pedal! If you cannot
do this, the frame is too short and will cause you knee pain over time.
Ideally you want a couple inches of seat adjustment left over.
Specialized Expedition--it is a comfort bike, and you won't get a lot of
good reks about them either. The riding position is only slightly
more comfortable but the pedalling efficiency is much worse.
.......
If you really want an "upright-style" bike then a lot of people like the
RANS crank-forward bikes (most cost $800-$1000, the Zenetic is about
$1500 I thinks). They are more comfortable but they still pedal well. I
don't know what the weight rating of the frames are but if you stay
on-road and be halfway careful it shouldn't be a problem. (Also, the
photos on the RANS site seem to show the crank-forward bikes with their
handlebars set WAY down low,,, most people raise the handlebars up
higher than the website photos show)
~~~~~~~~~
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Date: 17 May 2006 21:13:02
From: Yelps
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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"DougC" <dcimper@norcom2000.com > wrote in message
news:YsJag.113$8b1.96@fe03.lga...
> Yelps wrote:
> .......
> If you really want an "upright-style" bike then a lot of people like the
> RANS crank-forward bikes (most cost $800-$1000, the Zenetic is about $1500
> I thinks). They are more comfortable but they still pedal well. I don't
> know what the weight rating of the frames are but if you stay on-road and
> be halfway careful it shouldn't be a problem. (Also, the photos on the
> RANS site seem to show the crank-forward bikes with their handlebars set
> WAY down low,,, most people raise the handlebars up higher than the
> website photos show)
Interesting. I will have to try one.
dc
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Date: 17 May 2006 17:53:41
From: Ken
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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"Yelps" <birdsnestsoup@worldyeti.net > wrote in
news:aJSdnY8bRsxo0fbZnZ2dnUVZ_v-dnZ2d@adelphia.com:
> So finally I am determined to get back into riding and began to research
> the current bikes....looking for comfort along with exercise.
What kind of distances do you plan on riding? What kind of road conditions?
For shorter rides (up to 40 miles), I would recommend a hybrid bike. The
sturdy wheels can handle urban road conditions and allow you to take the bike
off-road (except for the real steep and rocky stuff). The upright riding
position is very comfortable at moderate speeds and distances, but also easy
to maneuver at slower speeds.
For longer distances, a standard road bike will be more efficient and
comfortable, but you need a degree of fitness to take advantage of this.
Recumbents are still a specialty item. They definately do have their fans,
but the relatively high price and the limited maneuverability and visibility
mean that they are not for everyone.
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Date: 17 May 2006 21:24:16
From: Yelps
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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"Ken" <uce@ftc.gov > wrote in message
news:Xns97C66ED3E8713x12@192.160.13.20...
> "Yelps" <birdsnestsoup@worldyeti.net> wrote in
> news:aJSdnY8bRsxo0fbZnZ2dnUVZ_v-dnZ2d@adelphia.com:
>> So finally I am determined to get back into riding and began to research
>> the current bikes....looking for comfort along with exercise.
>
> What kind of distances do you plan on riding? What kind of road
> conditions?
Suburbs riding for the most part initially, Till I get in better shape,
starting out easy and developing myself for longer ride. There was a time
in the 80's when I rode 125 miles or more a week around
a large ina. And hill climbing. Never did much dirt biking--my
particular Hybrid was more of a road bike, so not great in that area. Never
did much long distance biking. Now in my current shape I will have to build
up to it.
> For shorter rides (up to 40 miles), I would recommend a hybrid bike. The
> sturdy wheels can handle urban road conditions and allow you to take the
> bike
> off-road (except for the real steep and rocky stuff). The upright riding
> position is very comfortable at moderate speeds and distances, but also
> easy
> to maneuver at slower speeds.
>
> For longer distances, a standard road bike will be more efficient and
> comfortable, but you need a degree of fitness to take advantage of this.
>
> Recumbents are still a specialty item. They definately do have their
> fans,
> but the relatively high price and the limited maneuverability and
> visibility
> mean that they are not for everyone.
That visibility issue I know is very real when I barely can see them next
to my car and from reading I understand the recumbent's maneuverability must
be significant.
When I look at them they intimidate me a bit, seeing those pedals up so
high. But then I read all the fans talking about their comfort.
dc
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Date: 17 May 2006 09:53:18
From: Jeff Wills
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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Yelps wrote:
<snip >
> So, I am wondering what do people think about the Bent 1 from Cannondale in
> the 1499.00 range. Is the learning curve on one of these significant and
> will I really be more comfortable and safer in the long run?
>
The learning curve is not significant, but I'm not to keen on the
Cannondale Bent:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6BMER.html
It's taller than many other long-wheelbase 'bents, and at your height
and weight, the center of gravity will be far to the rear. The
suspension might be nice if your roads are rough, but it'd be wasted on
most smoother roads.
If you wanted to try out the 'bent, a Sun EZ-1:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/recumbents/ez1/ez1.htm
is a similar configuration at 1/3 the price. In the same price range as
the Cannondale would be an EZ-Sport:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/recumbents/ezSport/ezSport.htm , which
has larger wheels for lower rolling resistance. If you wanted to step
up, a Tour Easy: http://www.easyracers.com/tour_easy.htm has a lower
seat (better aero) and generally better parts.
> A Bike shop owner was telling me that I might be better off, if I get the
> Specialized Expedition I should have the front suspension and the seat
> spring removed and replaced.. I also see I could spend a little more and
> get the Expdition Elite with the "preload" suspension. and stronger rims.
> Is that significant enough?
>
I think you'd be better off spending a little less and then finding a
professional bike fitter. By spending some money on getting the bike to
fit *your* body, you'll be much happier in the long run. With your
problems, the "one-size-fits-all" approach may do more harm than good.
Jeff
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Date: 17 May 2006 21:32:04
From: Yelps
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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"Jeff Wills" <jwills@pacifier.com > wrote in message
news:1147884798.751251.293500@u72g2000cwu.googlegroups.com...
>
If you wanted to try out the 'bent, a Sun EZ-1:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/recumbents/ez1/ez1.htm
is a similar configuration at 1/3 the price. In the same price range as
the Cannondale would be an EZ-Sport:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/recumbents/ezSport/ezSport.htm , which
has larger wheels for lower rolling resistance. If you wanted to step
up, a Tour Easy: http://www.easyracers.com/tour_easy.htm has a lower
All those Sun bikes look good. I also saw the Sun SunRay, upright cruiser
with the lumbar support that looks interesting. I will have to see all
these.
Thx.
dc
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Date: 17 May 2006 20:52:45
From: Yelps
Subject: Re: Questions--returning to cycling.
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"Jeff Wills" <jwills@pacifier.com > wrote in message
news:1147884798.751251.293500@u72g2000cwu.googlegroups.com...
>
> Yelps wrote:
> <snip>
>> So, I am wondering what do people think about the Bent 1 from Cannondale
>> in
>> the 1499.00 range. Is the learning curve on one of these significant and
>> will I really be more comfortable and safer in the long run?
>>
>
> The learning curve is not significant, but I'm not to keen on the
> Cannondale Bent:
> http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6BMER.html
> It's taller than many other long-wheelbase 'bents, and at your height
> and weight, the center of gravity will be far to the rear. The
> suspension might be nice if your roads are rough, but it'd be wasted on
> most smoother roads.
>
> If you wanted to try out the 'bent, a Sun EZ-1:
> http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/recumbents/ez1/ez1.htm
> is a similar configuration at 1/3 the price. In the same price range as
> the Cannondale would be an EZ-Sport:
> http://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/recumbents/ezSport/ezSport.htm , which
> has larger wheels for lower rolling resistance. If you wanted to step
> up, a Tour Easy: http://www.easyracers.com/tour_easy.htm has a lower
> seat (better aero) and generally better parts.
>
>
>> A Bike shop owner was telling me that I might be better off, if I get the
>> Specialized Expedition I should have the front suspension and the seat
>> spring removed and replaced.. I also see I could spend a little more and
>> get the Expdition Elite with the "preload" suspension. and stronger rims.
>> Is that significant enough?
>>
>
> I think you'd be better off spending a little less and then finding a
> professional bike fitter. By spending some money on getting the bike to
> fit *your* body, you'll be much happier in the long run. With your
> problems, the "one-size-fits-all" approach may do more harm than good.
>
> Jeff
Thanks much good info I will study these other bikes and see what
"professional bike fitters' say.
dc
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