Friday, March 09, 2007

Trying out a bent for randoneering...


Ron Penner of the BC Randoneers tried out a bent to see if it would help him overcome some neck issues he has on longer rides. He wrote an article you can read here.

While I obviously don't agree with his conclusions I do agree that riding a bent is completely different than an upright bike. If you are looking to replicate the same feeling and aesthetic with a bent you'll be disappointed. If you can keep an open mind and see the beauty in both types of bikes than getting bent can be a lot of fun.

I also think a single day of riding is probably not enough for a serious cyclist to evaluate how one type of recumbent, let alone the whole spectrum of designs that are available, will perform for them in comparison to the type of bike they have ridden for many years.

5 comments:

Jim said...

Wait until he tries a low racer!
He was almost over his bias, and near just giving in. Did he almost say: It was too MUCH fun?

Jim

Steeker said...

I love ALL bikes I LOVE my Fixed gear 1989 Pinarello . it made me abit sad to read that from a randonneur , I think bents are the second coolest bikes out there next to fixed, :-)

Vik said...

I hear what you are saying steeker. His attitude is quite irrational. I mean a tandem isn't cheating, drafting in a paceline isn't cheating, yet a recumbent bicycle is cheating??? On the plus side at least he tried a bent - many DF riders wouldn't even do that much. And at least a lot of positive aspects of bents were mentioned in the article. His rationalization at the end was so weak many people will see right through it and might give bents a shot.

Vik said...

BTW Steeker - I saw this sweet fixed gear surly steamroller in my LBS all built up and quite cheap. I had to back away quickly saying.."..must not buy another bike..."....lol...=-)

Steeker said...

surly steamroller is great for bombing around the city and everywhere, I have to sell my bikes because of back pain. but the recumbent will still let me ride and farther,, randonneuring here I come