|
![]() |
|||||||||||
New York City Recumbent Supply™
|
Events and NewsNow available: Flevobike Greenmachines!
The new Scorpion fs recumbent demo trike is in. This is one sweet ride.
All Year Around:
|
|||||||||||
Featured Recumbents |
Please note: Bicycle and accessory prices and specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. Current prices and specifications are published on manufacturers' websites, but we are not responsible for errors or omissions. Some of the bikes in the photos include options and upgrades. The manufacturer may switch out or redesign components without notice. Call if you have any questions. | |||||||||||
From Volae...The Tour (The Quiet Giant)
This is Volae's capable but understated short-wheelbase 26x20 'bent that fits small riders as well as tall. Well-known for their exceptional high-racers and deep commitment to cycling, Volae brings performance know-how to the 26x20 "urban" format. Unusually good for an "entry-level" bent, we strongly recommend you compare it against any other 26x20 in its price range. Below, Robert writes about taking a Tour on a day ride of 84 miles and 4,000 feet of climbing and how there is nothing this bike can't do. Like Seinfeld's cinnamon babka, which takes a back seat to no babka, the Tour takes a back seat to no bent. If you're a frugal cyclist or a new bent rider, you will enjoy this bike. Based on a Reynolds 4130 chromoly frame made in the USA by Waterford Precision Cycles, the basis of the Tour is at a level above most others. Building from there, with excellent components for the price, even in the "hidden areas" where other bent makers skimp -- like the headset (FSA Orbit X), bottom bracket (Truvativ Square Taper) and wheels (Alex DA 16 rims w/ Shimano Deore hubs) -- it adds up to a responsive and well-made bike that does everything you could reasonably expect. An innovative "break-apart" travel option is available so you can take it with you when you travel or store it over winter. Volae recumbents are yet more unique in that they come in four frame sizes, four sizes of carbon seats, seven stem sizes and three handlebar sizes, plus a mesh seat with nearly universal fit. As a result, riders from 4'10" to 6'6" can get a perfect "custom" fit from a "standard" bike. Rated for a max. load of 250 lbs. Third party accessories readily available, including under-seat and rear racks, fenders, bags, light mounts and more. Colors available: Metallic Candy Red and Metallic British Racing Green. Both are beautiful. Street lockable with our optional lock system. In stock: Small (Metallic Candy Red) and Medium (Metallic British Racing Green). Available by quick ship: Large and XL in either color and all other variations of sizes and colors. Visit Volae's website for more info., pictures and prices... Here's a review published by BentRider Online: Volae Tour And here's a review from Robert after riding a Tour for 84 miles and 4,000 feet of vertical.
The Volae Century and
|
From HP Velotechnik...The Scorpion fs
It is "all that." Full suspension, folding, takes racks and fenders...and a whole lot more. Words fail to convey the experience of riding a Scorpion trike, so let's try photos. Taken during the 2009 Trikerace at the Spezi show in Germersheim April 25th, the race was won by HP Velotechik engineer Martin Wöllner on a Scorpion trike (above, orange). Second was Arne Ulrich from HP Velotechnik, also on a Scorpion (above, gray). Third was Igor Pawiltchenko/team Hase. Congratulations to all! Trikerace-Picturegalery. (Race photos, copyright 2009 HP Velotechnik). Of course, you can also ride it slowly. The Scorpion fs is stable, comfortable, well-engineered, and a joy to ride at any speed. "From the first turn of the pedals, the Scorpion fs feels like an HPVelotechnik. Once you’ve ridden any of their products you’ll understand. They just have a solid, sturdy, purposeful feel that you don’t find many other places. The Scorpion fs doesn’t flex anywhere at all and is eerily quiet and smooth. I don’t know how HPVelotechnik makes a machine with so many moving parts feel like it has none at all." - Bent Rider Online. Robert's review from Interbike 2009 here. Manufacturer's notes here...
The Street Machine Gte
"Your second car. Or instead of a car. You decide." HP Velotechnik's Street Machine redefines cycling luxury at speed. A top of the line 20"x26" short wheelbase recumbent, made in Germany. Every detail is designed to produce the perfect touring and commuting human powered vehicle. Head and shoulders above the rest and eye level with the cars. As with all HP Velotechnik bikes, this is a purchase you will feel good about every day. See the manufacturer's notes here...
The Grasshopper FX "If you only have room for one bent, ride a Grasshopper fx." Standing head and shoulders above the others, the HP Velotechnik Grasshopper is possibly the world's finest folding recumbent bike. Built for touring and commuting, HPV's brilliant engineering and consistent attention to detail result in a high quality bent that does everything an urban bent rider could want. Two 20" wheels, so it's small and spry, but designed for stability. The bottom bracket is 5" above the seat level, so it's aerodynamic and fast. The chain ring is protected and the chain is covered by chain tubes, so you won't get grease on yourself or other passengers on the train. And it folds in 60 seconds and fits into its own bag, so it goes with you when you travel (bus, train, plane, car, etc.). Side note: the Grasshopper fx is my (Robert's) primary touring ride and, quite simply, I love it. I've noticed that about half of all novice bent riders find the GHfx challenging to ride, at first; the other half, those with a better natural sense of balance, have no problem at all. Either way, as you get to know it, you'll find it's a superb vehicle if you want to travel by 'bent. See the manufacturer's notes here... Folds in 60 seconds. here's how to fold it.
Standard with above seat steering. Under seat steering optional.
|
|||||||||||
Focused on the unique needs of urban 'bent riders...(a personal note)New York City Recumbent Supply(tm) (a service of The Innovation Works, Inc.) offers a select group of particularly high quality short wheelbase recumbent bikes that are suited for urban riding, commuting, touring, racing and generally living car-free. We (I, Robert) also offer a small selection of intelligently engineered and well-made lights, racks, bags and accessories to make urban bent-riding (and cycling in general) safer, more practical and more pleasurable. My objective is to help people (you) discover the joys of riding a recumbent bike, so all urban residents, of all ages and body conditions, can enjoy the freedom of living car-free, subway-free and more healthily. Recumbent brands offered: HP Velotechnik, Volae, Greenspeed, Flevobike as well as Rans travel tandems. The Innovation Works (R) is the exclusive authorized dealer of HP Velotechnik, Volae and Greenspeed along the Boston - New York - Washington, D.C. corridor. I can special order any short wheelbase 'bent from any of those brands if we don't have the model in stock. I do not carry an endless variety of brands because there is not an endless variety of brands that are good enough for me to carry and good enough for you to ride at 45 mph. Just like you, I do not have the space (or time) to mess around with low quality brands, models that are unsuitable for city streets, or manufacturers with poor customer service. I go to markets and rallies and ride and inspect a wide variety of bikes. But I only carry the best, and I only work with the best, and that's it. It saves you (the customer) time, it saves me time, and it saves both of us a lot of hassles. Fact is, only a small percentage of bike manufacturers work to standards that are high enough to design, produce and deliver well-made bikes. And if it's not well made, I don't want to buy it, and I don't want to sell it. Of course, there are some great bikes that I don't carry. That's life. (If you think I'm wrong on any of these counts, please call and offer your perspective. I'll always listen and I'm always happy to discover a new brand that is good enough for me to carry.) Urban 'bent riders face unique conditions. Our homes are small. We have elevators and walk-ups. Streets are tight and crowded. We have bike paths and bridges with barricades in the center of the path. We don't drive to our ride; we ride to our ride, and if we bonk we have to find a train. But if your bent is longer than 80 inches, you'll be prevented from boarding. And if it's too heavy, you won't be lifting it. Few people ride low-rider bents because few people want to get run over by an ice cream truck. And our streets are crap and old: potholes and cobblestones. But we still ride and drive fast. So, combine speed with rough roads and what does it tell you? We need high-quality bikes because our lives depend on it. Oh, and we have bike thieves too, so we need solutions for locking those bikes. We focus on Volae and HP Velotechnik recumbents and Rans travel tandems because they are uniquely suitable for urban riding environments and meet the size restrictions for the regional light rail. We don't carry long wheelbase 'bents or crank forwards, or low-racer 'bents. We carry Greenspeed trikes because they fold so nicely. Aside from a few notable exceptions (e.g. the fast Carbon Fiber Volaes), our bikes generally accept racks, fenders, heavy-duty wheels, fat puncture-resistant tires and full lighting kits. You can ride them in the rain, snow or sun. We seek out bikes that fold or come apart to make them easy to store in apartments and small homes, or go on trains, buses or planes. We carry RANS recumbent tandems, but only the ones with SS couplings; this lets the tandem come apart in two pieces so it'll fit in your elevator, or in the subway or on the Metro North*. We are always looking for solutions for folding and "travel" 'bents, including related products, to make it possible for you to travel with your bike, whether out to Lake Placid, up to Boston, down the Jersey Shore, over to the Alps or down under to New Zealand. We offer fully-outfitted 'bents as well as after-market add-ons like Terracycle upgrades and accessories; Fast Back bags and packs; headlights and rear lights from Busch & Müller, Spanninga and Hella; B&M mirrors; Schmidt dynohubs and B&M sidewall generators; Pitlock locking skewers; Zzipper fairings and Mueller windscreens; and 3A ANSII-2 hi-viz highway safety vests and eye protection rated for construction debris. We are focused on serving customers in the Northeast Megapolis along the coast from Boston through New York CIty and down to Washington DC. Basically, if you're in the Northeast or New England and you want a high quality short wheelbase 'bent, give us a call. *Metro North and MTA regulations may (and do) change. Be sure to check the MTA website for current restrictions. |
What's so great about recumbent bicycles?(It's more than just that great big smile.)
Short wheelbase ("SWB") recumbents work well in urban biking environments. Volae and HP Velotechnik bikes, for example, are built higher off the ground than many other recumbents, so drivers easily see you and you can easily see them. You also get a great view of the world as well as of road hazards up ahead. Bents are particularly good for riders who find "upright" bicycles uncomfortable, a pain-in-the-neck, a pain-in-the-back, a pain "down there," a pain in the hands and wrists, needlessly tiring and less than perfectly dignified. Kids love them, as does everyone who recognizes a good thing in life. More comfortable, especially if you're Masters age...but even if you're not. People usually find bents more comfortable than "upright" or "diamond-frame" bikes. Your body weight is supported by your entire rear-end and back, instead of on your wrists and sit-bones. Your head, neck and spine are in a relaxed position which removes back and neck stress. Also, since you don't put body weight on your hands, there is no arm, wrist or hand pressure. Better for American-sized commuting distances. I find it easier to maintain speed on a 'bent, both due to the comfort factor as well as the fact that a bent rider is more aerodynamic than on a diamond frame bike which is designed with a similarly upright sitting position. I also find it easier to cover a fair distance without noticing the effort or breaking into a sweat. In short, a bent gets you there faster and with your dignity in tact. For New York City commutes, where 6-20 miles roundtrip is common, it's easier if you have a bike built for the distance and the job. Besides, recumbent seats generally don't put wear marks on your work clothes. Are they safe? You can see better, you can stop faster, you're not riding head first, and you can have better eye contact with drivers. So, many experienced bent riders say yes, unequivocably. If you've ridden a bike on NYC streets -- or anywhere, for that matter -- you may readily agree that safety is a primary concern. Safety is arguably a combination of a cyclist's habits, road conditions and terrain, weather, bicycle quality, and how a cyclist interacts with other street users, like motorists and pedestrians. Many riders feel bents have an edge on safety for three reasons: riding position, center of gravity and line of sight. The SWB 'bents we carry -- such as the Volae Century or HP Velotechnik Street Machine -- are high-sitting (but with a low center of gravity). Your eye level is around the same as the eye level of the driver of a sedan and slightly below the eyes of an SUV driver; on these 'bents, you can see and be seen. (A Scorpion trike positions the rider about 10" lower.) On a bent, the riding position is feet-first, not head first as on a diamond frame bike. And let's be frank here. In a front-end collision (like from a dooring or a vehicle turning into your path), your feet are nearest the obstacle and your head is furthest away, dramatically lowering the possibility for a life-threatening injury. Statistics show that most serious bicycle accidents are from front-end collisions, so this is a vital difference. (Sorry to be morbid here, but I am not one to hide my head in the sand.) WIth the low center of gravity of a bent, you can aggressively apply your front brake without flipping the bike over the front wheel (unlike on a diamond frame bike). You'll find that the tires skid before the bike is anywhere near a flip, similar to braking quickly in a car. (In fact, one common recumbent "contest" is to see how quickly various bents can brake to a full stop.) A better view. On a bent, with your head upright, you see better and you look more dignified. Speaking generally, you see road hazards sooner than on an upright bike, because you are riding head-up, not head down. You have better eye-contact with car drivers. And bents are unusual and cool-looking, so they encourage long looks and caution (which is a good thing). It also seems that cars give me more respect and object less when I take the lane with a bent. Could it be that I look more serious on a 'bent? Or because my rear end isn't in their faces? Maybe a bit -- or a lot -- of both. |
|||||||||||
Demo Rides.
|
Recumbent Group Rides. Join us!
Other rides occur from time to time, as posted on the Yahoo group. These are organized and lead by volunteers and are free. Like all things free, you ride and participate at your own risk. And naturally, you come prepared: no sag, repair, rain jackets or medical service provided. Rides are usually 40-60 miles, some rolling hills, more or less conversation speed, and are meant to be inclusive. But...if you're unsure whether you can complete a ride, plan accordingly so you keep yourself safe! For more information and to receive ride updates, join the NYCBentRiders forum on Yahoo. In general, we use the routes and waypoints of the excellent NYCC Ride Library here... (Please consider joining or making a donation to the NYCC.) |
|||||||||||
| Customers Talk about Their Experience with New York City Recumbent Supply™ Reprinted with permission. |
||||||||||||
---------- Original Message ---------- I'm the kind of guy that likes to do a ton of research before I buy anything. I usually end up reading endless reviews of whatever it is I'm about to purchase before I'll make a choice. But every once in a while, I connect with someone who's level of expertise is so unequivocally high that with one conversation, all my urge to research my purchase is satisfied and I now know exactly what I want and I'm ready to buy. Robert Matson, when it comes to recumbents, is just that kind of expert. Robert listened to my needs in a bike then quickly zeroed in on exactly which one would be best for my situation. But far from being a hard sell, he ended up directing me to a bike shop closer to where I live [Portland, OR] so I could get it serviced locally! After giving me a full education on recumbents, he passed the sale on to a colleague! Robert makes me miss living in NY where people just tell you exactly what they know and help you out as best they can and where they treat you the way they would want to get treated! Thanks, Robert, Malcolm S. ---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Hey Robert, ---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Hi Robert, I just wanted to let you know that I have been very happy with the HP Velotechnik StreetMachine Gte purchased from you a few months back. It has completely renewed my interest in cycling. All the reasons that I used to hate riding on an upright have disappeared and I love how the recumbent allows me to ride much longer distances than I was ever been capable of. Please also let your website readers know that your guidance at the beginning made my decision to purchase a world of difference. From the wealth of information on every aspect of recumbent bicycles to the personal care and guidance throughout the demo ride, brought a breath of fresh air to the bicycle purchasing experience. Considering that I came in lower than the StreetMachine’s lowest fit requirement. The non-trivial modification to fit me properly was done with care and on a timeline that was quite impressive. Something that might not been accommodated in a non-boutique operation. I will definitely recommend you to any of my friends and family if the itch to ride a recumbent ever gets unbearable to them. I have the upmost confident in your professionalism; that they will be treated with great care. I’m planning to ride at many places with the StreetMachine, please see attached picture of the recumbent racked on my truck. Kwan ---------- Original Message ----------
Hello Robert, I just wanted you and others to know what a positive experience I've had with you during the course of buying my new Rans V-Rex. Robert is 1st class in customer service and knowledge of not only recumbents but cycling over all. He's also a 1st class mechanic and will leave you with a bicycle ready to go. Just a week or so after purchasing my V-Rex from Robert at NYC Recumbent Supply, I went on my first tour. (The farm Ride) It was a blast. The V-Rex performed flawlessly. I have never ridden more than about 5 miles on a bicycle at one time. I took on the challenge of the 66 mile route (which turned out to be about 75 miles) and I completed it without any pain whatsoever to my lower back, neck, arms or wrists. I could have used a new pair of legs after the tour but that's because I know to better prepare physically for it next time. I was so comfortable on the ride thanks to my V-Rex. I love, love, love the bike. I just can't stop riding it. I ride it in my sleep : ). Most of all it's meeting Robert Matson of NYC Recumbent supply that has been one of the best experiences ever. He's become more like a friend I've know for years rather then a regular sales person. No pressure to buy. He answers question after question (and I can be a pain when it come to questions) without hesitation. He responds to e-mails with an abundance of information regarding a question I may have asked. Robert is a wonderful person in general and it reflects in the way he interacts with his customers. Anyone considering a recumbent bike, and wants the best experience in helping them decide whether a recumbent is for them, can't go wrong in looking Robert up. It's a pleasure to do business with you Robert and I can't thank you enough for your patience and overwhelming customer service you've provided and continue to provide to all of us looking to explore the wonderful world of recumbent cycling. You are the BEST!! : ) - Lieut. Joseph (Eddie) Acevedo ---------- Original Message ---------- -----------------------
Robert-I want to thank you for your patient instruction today. I think I am going to enjoy my [V-Rex] recumbent very much. I rode for a bit after I got home and was able to make all but one hill (missed a shift). I do think, though, that I am going to have serious problems walking tomorrow. -Tim > Serious problems walking is how you know you're having fun, Tim. :-) - RM
|
---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Robert, -----Original Message----- I had never been on a recumbent bicycle but thought that one would eliminate the neck and elbow pain that I got from a regular bike. After some preliminary research it became clear that there are lots of "bents" out there but few places to test ride them. Robert Matson was able to help me sort through the confusion about which type of bike to consider and what features I needed to focus on. He has been absolutely thorough in his explanations about the qualities of each bike and why one was better than another. In most cases Robert answered my [e-mail] questions within a few hours. When I came for my test ride, Robert provided enough instruction so that I was able to handle my first ride with confidence. I did buy a bike from Robert and it came with 2 small imperfections. He immediately remedied the problems by contacting the company and getting the 2 replacement parts. In the meantime the bike has been wonderful and as hoped I have had no pain at all. I love the new bike and expect it to be my "wheels' for many years to come.......Seth Ehrlich ---------- Original Message ---------- Recumbents bikes are truly a fun and exciting way to cycle. However, in a world designed around diamond frame (upright) bikes, recumbents face some basic challenges. Robert Matson of NYC Recumbent Supply will help you navigate these challenges so you can focus on riding your recumbent (and having fun). Robert carefully listens to your needs, and then will help you choose the right bike or gear. In the rare case where Robert doesn't have an immediate answer, he will go out of his way to research the best solution, and in some cases even form new business relationships to get the answers and gear you need. The time and effort Robert puts into helping you will be immediately apparent from the very first moment you contact him till long after you are up and riding. If you live in the New York City area, and are considering a recumbent bicycle, do not hesitate to contact Robert Matson--you will not be disappointed. If you are lucky enough, Robert will even give you a tofutti ice cream sandwhich -- or even better you can envy Robert as he enjoys 6 of them. :p - D. Cohen [Hey, it was my mid-ride lunch! That's allowed! - RM] ---------- Original Message ---------- I couldn't be more satisfied with the test rides and other information you gave me on the two recumbents I test rode. Riding for several miles with the bikes sized perfectly with the handlebar configuration and pedals I wanted allowed me a feel for the bikes that would never have been possible at any other bike shop. Most of all, you knew I was noncommittal about replacing the old recumbent I have at home, and didn't go for the hard sell. The experience I got from riding the bikes and the expertise you gave me was well worth the cost. - Michael N. ---------- Original Message ---------- No problem. We had a great time [on the Screamer TR]. We ended up in a busy part of Brooklyn with many red lights and stop and goes. Then toward the end pushed up a steep hill on the West Side toward 79th St from the river side. So we tried a variety of terrains. Good experience for a couple of starters. Maybe it was the trainer's effectiveness :). Again thank you very much. We do very much appreciate your professionalism and dedication to you're customers. I now need to focus on the NYC Half-Marathon this Sunday. Have a good weekend and talk to you soon. - FS ---------- Original Message ---------- Dear Robert, Thank you for your recent e-mail forwarded to me by F____. I looked up Easy Street's website and am going to order the pedal extenders that might be a quick fix. We have been biking on the roads around Woodstock for the last few days [on our V-Rexes], enjoying the weather, getting used to the bikes and exercising some underused muscles in the process. Tackling steep uphills can still be a challenge but flat portions of road are a breeze and downhills give us a sense of flying. Altogether having a great time cycling. I have moved my seat-back two notches further down and found this arrangement gave me more power and relieved my waist area that felt a bit cramped in the initial, more upright position. The bikes attract a lot of attention and many questions each time we go out biking. I have already referred a few people to Rans' website so they could find your address, and from now on will carry your telephone number in my bag. Thank you again for being so generous with your time and attention. All the best. Philippe J. ---------- Original Message ---------- The Innovation Works was a very pleasant surprise for me. From the first time I started reading about recumbents and trying to figure out manufacturers, bikes and dealers, I quickly realized that most of the options for trying the bikes were at least 50-200 miles or more from New York City. When I read about a RANS dealer in Brooklyn on the RANS site, I was very excited. It was quick to hook up with Robert Matson and try a beautiful V-Rex, in my old beautiful neighborhood, Prospect Park. Robert is a triathlete, and enthusiastic about making the correct brand choice, models, fit, city-friendliness and purpose of the bikes. My first step was learning to ride a recumbent in traffic-free Prospect Park. I quickly had a smile on my face after so many years of riding upright bikes, to enjoy these beautiful designs that really should be replacing even the racing circuit in my opinion. Robert was meticulous with the fit and adjustments, and I felt safe at all times that he was paying close attention. Just to satisfy my curiosity later I did make a long trip and try a Bacchetta dealer (who was also a wonderful person) and preferred the RANS (V-Rex in my case) and purchased through the Innovation Works. It also gave me confidence that if I got nervous about my Upper West Side bike shop touching a recumbent, I knew I could just go to Brooklyn to get full service. We made long deliberations on to go with standard or XL sizes for better fit for me, and bike arrived and was assembled in a very efficient manner by a great mechanic. It was pure joy to take it for a first spin together with Robert. At no point during these exchanges did I feel like I was being pressured by a bicycle salesman in the store trying to sell me what's in stock; it felt like I had known Robert as a friend all along and he was just giving me expert caring advice. - K.S.
|
|||||||||||
Recumbent Reviews from NYC Recumbent Supply |
From Bent Rider Online: |
|||||||||||
HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs: comfortable, stable, easy to ride...and fast.
Robert's Review from Interbike, 2009. The fully-suspended Scorpion fs rides like a dream. Amazingly, it also folds at no compromise to ride quality. When I made an appointment to test ride it at Interbike 2009, I expected it to be fun, fast, and generally very good, but the actual experience far exceeded anything I could have anticipated. It reminded me of the first -- second, third, fourth and 100th -- time I drove a BMW car; I expected something special, but had no idea a car could be so responsive, smooth and capable. The Scorpion fs is the same. If you require exceptional quality, you will like this trike. "Responsive" is the word for the Scorpion fs: fast acceleration, fast braking, smooth as silk, hugs the road, grips the turns at very high speed (and without lifting a wheel) and can brake quickly without raising the rear wheel. And all that means three crucial things: it handles properly in high performance situations; it's safer; and you can ride up, down and sideways on fairly steep hills without flipping over (exactly like you want, but can rarely get). Mind you, having said that, a strong and skilled rider -- or a very incompetent rider -- can lift a wheel during a very sharp high speed turn IF he/she tries very, very, very hard, and intentionally does everything wrong and has enough upper body weight to offset what the engineering is designed to prevent. However, this took such extraordinary effort that it was ridiculous and I can't recommend you try it. Simply, this is a stable bike due to advanced engineering. There's not much you can do to mess it up. The bike also runs true: it holds a straight line without steering input and I could take my hands off the handle bars without the bike veering one way or the other. (Note: Hands-free cycling is unsafe on all bikes.)* Like other HP Velotechnik machines, the Scorpion fs is an extraordinary vehicle. Being designed for riding where stability is critical (mountain and high speed riding especially), the center of gravity is low. However, the frame is sufficiently far off the ground that you have decent ground clearance. Average sized riders will find their eye level below that of a car driver but, in the tradition of HPV's designs, the rider has a relatively upright posture, as seen in the photo. So, you'll have excellent line of sight which provides both better safety as well as better sight-seeing. For riders who expect to ride frequently in and among car traffic, the regular Scorpion or Scorpion fx may be better options, both of which are excellent trikes and position the rider with a higher head-level. However, if full suspension and performance are important to you -- rough roads, off-road, high speeds, or you simply like the smoothness of a suspended ride -- this is a bike you'll love. NB: These notes are NOT recommendations for inexperienced riders to attempt high-performance riding on this or any other bicycle. Likewise, I do not recommend hands-free riding on ANY bicycle. The test described here is merely useful for a professional to see whether a trike runs true and should only be done at slow speeds on a level surface. Volae Tour (The Quiet Giant)
Personal ride review from Robert. On a January 2010 quality control ride I took out an ordinary Volae Tour. In this case, a "quality control ride" means I take an ordinary stock build on a fairly challenging day-trip to see if I still like the bike -- and can honestly recommend it -- after many miles, many hills, and I'm tired, cold, hungry and chafing*. The only changes I made to the Tour were that I switched in Volae's carbon seat instead of the mesh seat and installed a pair of MKS platform pedals with Power Grips (leather foot straps). I wore ordinary sneakers instead of bike shoes and clipless pedals; old trail shoes to be precise. Didn't even bother with bike shorts (*which I regretted, but that's how you get the chafing). With my riding partner pedaling his Volae Century, we headed out on Richard Rosenthal's famous River Road, Bradley, Tweed hill ride (thanks to NY Cycle Club library). We did a double-hill version of one segment of the ride, ending in Manhattan after 62 mi. and 3,600 total vertical feet of climbing (that's equivalent to climbing Bear Mountain three times from sea level). I then added another 22 miles plus the Brooklyn Bridge and the Prospect Heights hill to wrap the day at 84 miles and about 4,000 feet of climbing. OK, so: lots of miles, lots of hills and platform pedals with sneakers (*and chafing). Let me put it this way: there ain't NOTHING wrong with this bike. Along with very steep, slow, slow grinds in the granny gear at crawling speed -- without any loss of balance and never a foot on the ground -- we also hit downhills of 40 mph and some fast and rough descents on pretty crappy (rough and pitted, NY State-style) roads with cars. Handling is perfect, sensitive, secure, intuitive, responsive, no marshmallow feel, you really know where the bike is against your back, and low speed stability is fine. It was dark when we got back, but the bike has great locations for multiple lights. No problems whatsoever. And it accepts quality Tubus rear racks, standard fenders, and Terracycle underseat racks. Summary: There is nothing I wouldn't do on this bike. It's a great machine at any price. But here's the kicker: this is Volae's ENTRY LEVEL bent. Volae bents get even better from here.
Rans Rocket: cute, fits in your pocket.
|
The Screamer: nothin' but smiles. |
|||||||||||
Links to Resources Worth Knowing About |
||||||||||||
|
Blogs, Stories from 'bent Owners Wally and Barbara Bike New Zealand (on a RANS V-Rex) Map Libraries Metro Area Recumbent Society Ride Library New York Cycle Club's Excellent Ride Library Bicycling in New York State (includes state and regional routes) Ride the City (NYC) Useful Links for NYC Commuters Five Boro Bike Club Useful Links for Tourers and People Itchin' to Get out of the City Adventure Cycling Association Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities, wilderness medicine (SOLO). If you tour or hit the trail, get your Wilderness First Aid certification. If you're going to lead trips, get your Wilderness First Responder cert. Web Resources of Note League of American Bicyclists Useful Web Tools |
Bent Manufacturers and Related Sites Accessories Where is my bike make? Cycling Companies Worth Knowing About NYC on-line 'bent groups can be found on... Yahoo Group: NYC Bent Riders forum Facebook: "NYC Bent Riders" Getting back in the Saddle: Exercise and Diet Maybe it's been a long time since you played sports, or you never did. But, if you're "masters" age and you've started riding again, that makes you a masters athlete. And that means you may want to consider being careful with your body. Here are some resources that may help you stay healthy and safe as you discover what your older body can -- and can no longer -- do. |
|||||||||||
About The Innovation Works, Inc.We are a marketing, sales and corporate communications firm located in Brooklyn, founded in 1999. We started our New York City Recumbent Supply (tm) service in 2008 to provide a service which is unavailable through New York Metro bicycle stores, namely introducing New Yorkers to 'bents, helping people learn to ride them, finding models that work well in the city, stocking a small selection that we think are the best for the money and working one-on-one with customers to make the process of buying a 'bent as pleasurable as riding one. We also organize regular rides so customers can enjoy their bikes with like-minded riders. Our focus is customer service. Robert Matson listens carefully to customer aspirations and requirements so as to identify and acquire the right bike for that individual's needs and find the right accessories for that specific bike. Since 'bents are a higher-end product compared to upright bikes and, by their nature, are unusual machines, we go to great lengths for our customers, even those who don't buy anything. We firmly believe this one-on-one approach is the only way to optimize a new 'bent owner's experience. About Robert Matson Member of: |
Website copyr. 2008-2010 Business office located at: 302 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11225 Photos of RANS bikes, courtesy of RANS. Photos of Volae bikes, courtesy of Volae. Photos of HP Velotechnik bikes, courtesy of HP Velotechnik. Photos of people: anonymous and sometimes Robert Matson. |
|||||||||||
Classifieds |
Classifieds listings are offered as a service to New York bent riders. We reserve the right to decline or discontinue any classified ad or advertiser at any time, or discontinue this section of the site, without notice or explanation. The Innovation Works, Inc. does not warranty or recommend or otherwise assure the quality or suitability of any product, nor do we assure that sellers listed here are ethical or honest, nor are we involved in the transaction. Some sellers may provide us with a "thank you" fee for helping them to sell something. While we hope it is otherwise, for all we know, these venders are frauds selling rubbish. You must do your own due diligence. | |||||||||||
Feral cat with casual mate. Free. Call for details.
|
||||||||||||