Your Thoughts on Some Entry Level 'Bents - Gas Savers

trebuchet03 · 11-23-2007, 12:15 AM

So I'm looking to buy a SWB 'bent (no, I'm not considering CLWB for a few reasons). I've just about narrowed it down (mostly due to price) to two 'bents:

Rail Metro

and

Desantis Beagle

So the Beagle has marginally better components - but weighs 4 extra pounds. The Beagle has a nicer seat - but the seat type (hard shell) isn't really appropriate for that steep seat angle. I don't like the Metro's chain management (I prefer idlers over tubes - especially on the driven side) - but the Beagle's driven side idler seems superfluous...

IMO, the Metro has a nicer handlebar setup - only because I'm not a fan of the Beagle's bars/stem.

I weigh about 135 and am 5'11" - I really don't need the Beagle's ability to carry 300 pounds. I prefer a hard shell seat (the Metro has a steel framed attempt of a hardshell).

Honestly, I'm leaning more on the Metro's side because I want a more reclined seat angle. I'm tall, so I'd have the Beagle's seat far back (as pictured) and won't be able to get a decent seat angle. I also like the look of the Metro - BUT, I might be able to get the Beagle for a couple hundred less than the Metro (technically not "new" but it comes in the original box, never assembled).

I did a cost v. benefit diagram of sorts - and came to a dead draw. But if I consider physical looks more, the Metro wins....

I know this isn't a 'bent forum

But what are your thoughts

kickflipjr · 11-23-2007, 06:35 AM

I like the look of the metro better. The handle bars seem to have a better set up on the metro and the more reclined position would be faster.

but I am no recumbent expert.

skewbe · 11-23-2007, 07:41 AM

Metro! They painted the fork the right color and it comes with a kickstand

usedgeo · 11-23-2007, 12:47 PM

I like the looks of the Metro better. I think its frame will flex a bit and give a slightly softer ride. I am surprised how much the frame on my LWB recumbent twists even though built with 2 inch square aluminum tubing. The Metro frame might twist a bit. I have very little experience with these though. The twist has never been an issue. You can only do that when sitting with your feet on the ground.

Ran's purposely triangulated their frames "wrong" from an engineering point of view to get flex and a softer ride.

Mighty Mira · 11-23-2007, 12:54 PM

Where are the fairings?

trebuchet03 · 11-23-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty Mira

Where are the fairings?

Down the road

(and I'm not kidding, but getting ahead of myself -- it's just a matter of cost of construction)

-----
Thanks for all the input - so far, everyone else I've spoken with has said the same thing

-----
BUT, for a little more money (used) than the Metro... There's this beautiful 'bent in blue which has everything I want... The Challenge Hurricane

Now that I've thrown a wrench into the gears - any new thoughts?

ajohnmeyer · 11-23-2007, 09:01 PM

oooh, the Hurricane. Definitely.

That's the first 'bent I've seen that made me stop and think "Damn, that bike is Hot!"
Sure it may cost a little more, but it fits your needs better and it will be lower-maintenance and more easily modifiable/upgradeable in the future it's a small price to pay.

skewbe · 11-23-2007, 09:30 PM

"Hot" is the word for that hurricane. Suspension is good on a recumbent since you can't absorb the bumps with your legs. The chain lines up well with the swingarm (minimal pedal jacking) and I like the little luggage rack

Fenders are a nice touch. For utility or recreation?

trebuchet03 · 11-23-2007, 11:48 PM

Totally missed the fenders

The one I'm looking at doesn't come with fenders, but that seems like a necessary thing to have

I'm looking for utility and recreation. Utility: to bring groceries home, get to school, etc. Recreation: to go fast

The quasi lowracer is better for speed - and that rack seems to be good for loads (55lb capacity, allegedly).

The Hurricane isn't a done deal - I still need to hear back from a bike shop if it's still available... And I need to take it for a test drive first - it would be terrible for it to not "fit" me

But it does rate high on the victor-van-HOTness scale

<-- means I need a better bike lock

Honestly, I'll be happy with any frame above - but I think the Hurricane will be the icing, cherries and chocolate on the cake

ajohnmeyer · 11-24-2007, 02:26 PM

Those fenders are Planet bike Freddy fenders. Good fenders are a must, and a big front mudflap.

Locking a 'bent looks like it would be more of a challenge, I guess you'd lock the main tube between the fork and seat? Must need a long-shackle lock too.

omgwtfbyobbq · 11-24-2007, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

Honestly, I'll be happy with any frame above - but I think the Hurricane will be the icing, cherries and chocolate on the cake

Make sure ta post up how it rides too.

trebuchet03 · 11-24-2007, 10:01 PM

Alas, the Hurricane is gone

But when I called, I asked if there were any other similar frames available... And they said they have a half built M5 frame!

Here's a picture from the Adventures of Greg Blog -- it would be something like this, minus that intermediate transmission.

I'm waiting to get an eMail on what components are actually on it to see if it's worth the asking price....

Today I test rode a Bacchetta with dual 26" wheels (I think it was the Giro26).

The ride was nice - it took my a few minutes to get comfortable with the height, but the ride was smooth. The handlebars also take some getting used to as apparently you're supposed to reach out for them. Out of my price range new - it's def. not an entry level frame, but it was pretty nice to ride

cafn8 · 11-25-2007, 08:19 PM

Sorry to hear about the hurricane. That was one sexy machine. The M5 looks pretty nice and racy too, though I would be quite reluctant to go that way if you'll be riding in any traffic (both for seeing and being seen.) I've not owned or spent much time on any recumbent, but between the original two, I'd go with the Metro since the Beagle just looks too awkward with the seat so vertical. I've had bikes whose fit was "NKR" (not quite right) and as nice as those rode, they just didn't compare to a bike where the fit was just right, and all the parts are in the right place.

trebuchet03 · 11-25-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafn8

Sorry to hear about the hurricane. That was one sexy machine. The M5 looks pretty nice and racy too, though I would be quite reluctant to go that way if you'll be riding in any traffic (both for seeing and being seen.) I've not owned or spent much time on any recumbent, but between the original two, I'd go with the Metro since the Beagle just looks too awkward with the seat so vertical. I've had bikes whose fit was "NKR" (not quite right) and as nice as those rode, they just didn't compare to a bike where the fit was just right, and all the parts are in the right place.

I've yet to get more info on the M5 - and I'm in a bit of a catch 22 with regards to height... People haven't had problems in the past (drivers see something they haven't seen before and pay attention rather than become complacent with another bike). If I do end up with the M5 - I'll fly a flag

------

Test rode a no name import today.... Not what I was looking for, but with a little work - it's perfect for my father

The price was totally right too

Oh, never mind the seat too. The webbing was/is really crappy and couldn't handle my pedaling (stitching came undone)

That's a makeshift inner tube seat

Which is actually quite comfortable

Things I'll be doing for it

New Shifters (probably twist shifters)
New Handlebars - probably an adjustable stem to go with it.
New Seat
I'll see what dérailleur I can come up with - right now it's a super low end Shimano. It does it's job, just not as nicely as I would like, personally.
Cable Management! It's terrible
Misc. bike bits to make it more "homey"

EDIT: I forgot to mention - if the frame looks stout, it sure weighs like it. ~40 pounds. Not a big deal for me or my father, as there's not hills around here

Take a guess at how much we bought it for - it was used, found on Craigs List

cafn8 · 11-26-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

I've yet to get more info on the M5 - and I'm in a bit of a catch 22 with regards to height... People haven't had problems in the past (drivers see something they haven't seen before and pay attention rather than become complacent with another bike). If I do end up with the M5 - I'll fly a flag

I've heard that argument before, and it makes sense. I would also be concerned about my ability to see around parked cars and such. One of the biggest advantages of a "wedgie" bike, even when compared to most cars is the high point of view. I can see that you do a lot of biking, though and have, no doubt, weighed this factor already. For my commute, the low and reclined position could make crossing and pulling out in a few places a little dicey.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

Cable Management! It's terrible

Yeah, those cables do look like they'd be easy to snag. Needs zip ties badly

trebuchet03 · 11-26-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafn8

I've heard that argument before, and it makes sense. I would also be concerned about my ability to see around parked cars and such. One of the biggest advantages of a "wedgie" bike, even when compared to most cars is the high point of view. I can see that you do a lot of biking, though and have, no doubt, weighed this factor already. For my commute, the low and reclined position could make crossing and pulling out in a few places a little dicey.

Honestly, my biggest fear on my bike is getting "doored"

I don't mind the 50mph+ cars going by (speed limit is 45

), but when I come up to a line of cars stopped and pass by in the MUP - thoughts of a passenger door come to the front of the brain

Another member mentioned a horn (sorry, I don't recall who in particular though o.0), probably even more useful on a low frame...

But, I call tomorrow on the frame to get details

So it's all up in the air

SVOboy · 11-26-2007, 10:04 PM

Gonna go dura ace with it? Silky smooth!

I'll bet 150 buckers.

skewbe · 11-26-2007, 10:27 PM

Hey you actually bought something

A fixer upper, cool

Note: I tried riding up a large curb on one of my concoctions the other day, wound up standing on my feet!

trebuchet03 · 11-26-2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Gonna go dura ace with it? Silky smooth!

I'm actually becoming more and more a fan of SRAM offerings. I've caught more than one person oogling the Juicy7 hydrualic brakes on last year's human powered vehicle (SRAM owns Avid). I wouldn't spend the money for DA components anyway

But SRAM 7 or 5 (or even 4) will be more than enough for this application

I could probably leave what's on there and get minimal (if any) complaints

I'm just looking for a few transparent improvements to make shifting less of a bother

------
As for the price paid for frame.....

$50 - the previous owners wanted it gone

Even if it doesn't work out, it can be easily sold for $50 and passed on to the next owner

ajohnmeyer · 11-26-2007, 11:03 PM

Watch out for the door-zone on that lil' thing...

AirZound. Good stuff.

I'm looking at all them new-fangled Hydro-disc brakes for my next bike proj, I'm liking the Tektro stuff so far. Juicys' just seem to command too much of a premium. Ebay has complete Tektro sets for the same price as Juicy fronts.

I seem to be finding that people (I) have a tendency to want to "overbuy" components. I remember being hesitant about my Long Haul Trucker b/c it had a lowly Tiagra front derailleur. Hasn't been an issue, hell I've only shifted the front derailleur less than a dozen times so far.

So anyway, save yourself some $$$ and only get the good components where they matter like the rear derailleur, front brake, shifters, saddle (silly 'bent riders

)

trebuchet03 · 11-26-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajohnmeyer

Watch out for the door-zone on that lil' thing...

AirZound. Good stuff.

Yes Yes

I'm looking at all them new-fangled Hydro-disc brakes for my next bike proj, I'm liking the Tektro stuff so far. Juicys' just seem to command too much of a premium. Ebay has complete Tektro sets for the same price as Juicy fronts.
[/QUOTE]

The Juicy's are nice

But they were bought with the intention of passing down to future teams. Way overkill for me - but they sure stop 250+ pounds of vehicle and rider in a hurry

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajohnmeyer

I seem to be finding that people (I) have a tendency to want to "overbuy" components. I remember being hesitant about my Long Haul Trucker b/c it had a lowly Tiagra front derailleur. Hasn't been an issue, hell I've only shifted the front derailleur less than a dozen times so far.

I have the opposite problem for my personal stuff

I ride on very old equipment, and just don't update for myself... That mostly comes down to need - I don't compete. And the lower your expectations, the easier success is guaranteed (and the further your money will go)

<-- college mentality?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajohnmeyer

So anyway, save yourself some $$$ and only get the good components where they matter like the rear derailleur, front brake, shifters, saddle (silly 'bent riders

)

Totally, the last owner changed the brakes to Avid10 direct cantilevers - and they are really not too bad. I've been screwing around with locking up both wheels (and nearly eating pavement several times), and haven't had issue with them.

No more numb nuts after a long ride on a 'bent saddle

cafn8 · 11-27-2007, 05:21 AM

Wow! 50 bucks? Fall must be a good time to. Scoop up the bike deals on craigslist. Just picked up an older road bike for 25 over the weekend which I plan to show-and-tell when I get a chance. Enjoy the 'bent.

trebuchet03 · 12-22-2007, 06:26 PM

And now the conclusion of this thread... that's right - I found my 'bent...

A Challenge Distance - found on eBay

Should be arriving in a couple weeks

So I spent more than the Metro - but I get much better components, racks (rear and mid), a mirror etc

I'm really excited -- thanks for everyone's input