Michael commented he used to own one of these bikes which got me surfing the Challenge website - again!
I have a serious lust for the way Challenge designs and builds recumbents. I've never tried one out or even seen one in the flesh.
It might just be pure fantasy. Maybe when I actually test ride one I won't like it at all. It's possible, but for now I'll day dream.
I should be happy there is no Challenge dealer anywhere near me. If there was I am sure I'd have at least one more bike in my stable.
4 comments:
There is a lad who came over to the World Championship competition a few years back in Brantford Ont (home of your favourite hockey player, since you are from Calgary) :-). Any how he has/had some video's on the web riding his Challenge hands free, standing etc.. On the 2002 IHPVA web site there are a few Challenge's.
http://www.recumbents.com/WISIL/racing2002/hpva_champs/ihpva_champs_2002_pictures.htm
B
Hockey..oh ya the game with sticks and a puck - I've heard of it!
Well hopefully buying a Challenge will be so expensive I will come to my senses and invest my money in a retirement plan.
Although I have avoided growing up I suppose I will eventually have to retire regardless...=-)
Hi Vik:
as a past owner of a Hurri, I'd say that if you went for it, you might be happy with the look of the frame, but you'd definitely be underwhelmed by some of the details and the quality of some of the components. For example, from my experience, I'd say that the general quality of a Volae is much higher. Also, the SL series looks nice, but I think that they have still made some weird and impractical component choices. I've seen Bryan's Fujin SL, and I rode a Hurri SL at the 2005 bentride, and I'd say that I don't like the fixed Ti steerer, and the fact that there is zero fender clearance. Challenge seats are also a matter of taste.
Thanks for the feedback Jun. Not getting to see and test ride these bikes is a serious drawback for sure. And I can definitely understand your comparison to the Volae bikes. I was very pleased when I unboxed my Volae, but I expected a Waterford frame to be quite nice. I have heard some really varied opinions on the SL series Challenge bikes. Some people seem to love them and others are underwhelmed as you clearly are. The best suggestion anyone has made so far is that I should fly to Holland for a holiday and check out the Challenge bikes in person...=-)
BTW - have you seen the other E series Challenge bikes? If so what did you think of them?
Post a Comment