NYC Recumbent Supply™
A service of The Innovation Works, Inc.
302 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11225
Tel: (646) 233-1219
For sales in the New York Metro area, call Robert Matson at (646) 233-1219.
By appointment only.
Specializing in short wheelbase recumbent bikes and accessories for urban cyclists.
Brands primarily offered: RANS and HP Velotechnik. Also offer after-market add-ons like Zzipper fairings and Mueller windscreens; Terracycle-brand upgrades and accessories; quality lights and mirrors from Busch & Müller, Spanninga and Hella; Pitlock locking skewers; 3A hiz-viz highway safety vests and eye protection; and other quality products needed by the year-around urban commuting and touring cyclist. We also offer Tout Terrain, a high quality German upright bike. Delta and tadpole trikes available too. Other brands available, just ask. Special orders don't upset us. In fact, that's our bag. If we don't sell it, we can help you get it.
Featured Recumbents
Standard and XL sizes available by "quick ship."
This is the short-wheelbase classic. Fast, nimble and easy to ride. Excellent for long commutes, touring and replacing your car. Easily one of the best all-around SWB bents from any manufacturer, anywhere. Stiff frame, climbs well. Many after market products available such as fairings, bags, racks, light mounts, etc.
Wheels: 26" rear, 20" front.
Current factory specs
Standard and XXL sizes available.
Take a long and comfortable ride with a friend to Bear Mtn....or
Prince Edward Island...or Florence, Italy. Travel version uses strong
S&S Couplings, making it easy to store at home or take on the
train or plane. Easy and fast assembly/disassembly: from your apartment
to the street in only 10 min. Rugged short-wheelbase tandem weighs
only 45lbs.
Wheels: 26" rear, 20" front.
Current factory specs
A great bike, but discontinued. Limited availability. Call for details.
Short wheelbase 'bent with stiff frame for zooming up hills and
everywhere else. And it still fits into your building's elevator. Quick, very maneuverable and "city-sized." Wheels: 20".
Current factory specs
Please note: Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. Current prices are shown on the RANS website, 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.
Never ridden a recumbent bicycle? Let's fix that! Call today for a demo ride.
Short wheelbase recumbents work well in urban biking environments. RANS bikes 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-in-the-you-know-what, 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 when they see it.
More comfortable, especially if you're Masters age...but even if you're not.
Bents are 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, sit-bones and crotch. Your head, neck and spine are relaxed, instead of curved over to reach the handlebars, 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 you are more aerodynamic than on an upright bike. I also find it easier to cover a fair distance without noticing the effort. In short, a bent gets you there faster and with less sweat.
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, the seat of a bent doesn't add strange wear marks to your work clothes.
Are they safer? Many bent riders think so.
If you've ridden a bike on NYC streets, you know that safety is a major concern. It is largely a function of a cyclist's habits and the road environment. Many riders feel bents have an edge on safety for three reasons: riding position, center of gravity and line of sight.
On a bent, the riding position is feet-first. 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, lowering the chance of a head injury.
WIth the low center of gravity on a bent, you can aggressively apply your front brake without flipping the bike over the front wheel. Instead, I find that the tires skid before I feel any flip, more like a car.
A better view.
On a bent, you see better and you look better. You see road hazards clearer than on an upright bike, because you are riding head-up, not head down. And it's a more natural position for glancing to the side and back. You have better eye-contact with car drivers because your riding position places your eyes at nearly the same level as that of car and SUV drivers. And bents are unusual -- let's face it -- and they encourage long looks (which is a good thing).
It also seems like cars give me more respect and object less when I take the lane. Could it be that I'm going faster? Or that they see my face instead of my rear end? Maybe a bit of both.
Year 'Round Demo Rides:
"Ride a Bent and Raise a Buck"
Where: Prospect Park
Call for details and to reserve a time slot: (646) 233-1219.
We offer one-on-one demo rides on a new RANS V-Rex. We require a waiver and charge a fee of $100/person for each one-hour demo. Buy a 'bent from us within 6 months and we'll credit $40 towards your purchase.
Demo rides take place during car-free hours in Prospect Park, so you can safely try the bike on hills, curves and around other bicycles. These are expensive and unusual bikes. We reserve the right to deny or cancel a demo ride for any reason whatsoever. The most common reason is if we think you may damage the bike, yourself, or another park user. All demos by appointment only and subject to bike availability.
If you find this too restrictive and want to go someplace else to demo a recumbent, please visit manufacturer webpages for information about the next closest dealer. I usually recommend The Bicycle Man (NY) or Jersey Bents (NJ).
Previous year's demo bikes are sold at 10% off list price.
Raise a Buck:
We donate 15% of the fee from every demo ride to the League of American Bicyclists, the USA's national bike advocacy organization.
Map of our location(s).
View NYCRecumbentSupply.com: a service of The Innovation Works, Inc. in a larger map
Customers Share Their Experience with NYCRecumbentSupply.comTM
(reprinted with permission)
---------- Original Message ----------
Subject: Having a great time
From: "MF&Ph J."
Date: Thu, August 28, 2008 4:34 pm
To: "Robert Matson"
-----------------------
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, 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 ----------
Subject: Re: flag mount detail
From: "K___ S____"
Date: Thu, June 5, 2008 8:48 am
To: "Robert Matson"
-----------------------
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.
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "t__ c_____" <t__c___@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, June 30, 2009 8:06 am
To: "Robert Matson" <rmatson@theinnovationworks.com>
-----------------------
> Serious problems walking is how you know you're having fun, Tim. :-)
Robert-I want to thank you for your patient instruction today. I think I am going to enjoy my 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
Reviews
V-Rex
Just how effortless is it really?
8 fluid ounces of sports drink and a one-ounce energy bar powers Brooklyn man 39 miles. Unbelievable? No, V-Rex.
Robert at the end of the 39-mile Five Boro Bike Tour on May 4, 2008 with a RANS V-Rex.
No blood, no sweat, no tears, no bonk, no tired arms.
Report from the 2008 Five B-B Tour:
"I'd like to try and give people an idea of how comfortable and effortless the V-Rex is to peddle, because it almost defies believability.
"I was anything but fresh when I started, because the day before I had swum a hard 2.6 miles and run another 6 mi. Still, the morning of the 39-mile tour, I biked the 5+ miles to the start from my home in Brooklyn, via the Manhattan Bridge, and at day-end biked again back home to make the day an even 50.
"When I got home, even after the long climb from the Navy Yard to Prospect Hts. and jockeying for position with Sunday drivers up Franklin Ave., I didn't feel fatigued or sore. I actually felt disappointed; I had wanted a workout, but by the end I could have easily gone another 50 mi. I wasn't hungry, I wasn't thirsty, I wasn't tired... Where's all that pain I've come to associate with the "Long Ride" on my diamond-frame bike?
"The V-Rex itself performed flawlessly. It's worth noting that even at very slow speeds, for example when the crowd was heading up the bridges at nearly walking pace, this bike handles well and holds a straight line, without the weaving/wobbling quality that people associate with recumbents. And at high speeds, no real complaints: it's fast and easy to control. It's a pretty amazing bike.
"If you are looking to do easy 50's -- and more -- it would be hard to beat the V-Rex, especially in terms of dollar value."
Rans Rocket
This year, it rained moderately -- and not so moderately at times -- all day for the 2009 Five Borough Bike Tour. It was basically one long wet and slippery ride, but the RANS Rocket was great. It felt sure footed even on slick pavement. Other 'bent and diamond frame riders fell, but I didn't, rarely holding back due to road conditions. After 44 miles of soggy riding, I was wanting more and rounded off the day at about 60 miles. At only 29 lbs. (sopping wet), the Rocket is fairly light. Too bad only a few remain. Many thanks to Bike New York, NYC DOT, NYPD and many others for a great day. This is a photo of Robert looking fresh after 50 miles in the rain.
My summary of the Rocket is that I like it. Fast and nimble, but almost too nimble with the praying mantis-style handlebars. At high speeds you need a soft touch with the steering. And when climbing, due to the 20" wheels, there's more tip, but one needs simply learn to hold one's center better to keep it stable. By same token, with the small wheel size, you have another level of granny gear which is nice.
The Screamer
When is the last time you rode a tandem? This is "The Screamer," a recumbent tandem. It offers some of the most fun you'll have on two wheels. Better than two separate bikes, a tandem puts you and your friend within easy conversation distance; no more knocking handlebars or bumping wheels or shouting over the noise of the wind. Or dropping your significant other on the climb! And the 'bent version is as comfortable as you can get.
There's a reason it's called The Screamer, as these two smiling folks could tell you! This is Robert and Malene after 12 hours of grueling road and trail riding on a 104-degree NYC summer day with ozone alert. Punch drunk or just plain happy? You decide! Either way, it was a great time!
Review
I have ridden about a thousand miles on the Screamer. Here are the primary points, as I see it.
- Super comfortable, like any bent. And all those usual benefits of bents.
- Praying mantis position for the captain, which has the usual pros/cons. Without question though, you do want the standard flip-it on the captain's seat, otherwise it's hard to get on the bike while the stoker is seated. Personally, I'm fine with the handlebar position. Stoker has a USS-style handlebar.
- In the same way that a bent steers by shifting one's weight, it is vital for the tandem team to understand that the tandem bent steers by the slightest
weight shift and therefore the stoker will need to learn to stay centered while
enjoying the view _to _the _sides of cap'n's head. This simply requires
practice. In this way, it is quite a bit like rowing a two-man shell, if that means anything to you. Stoker is otherwise stuck looking at the back of cap'n's
head (no fun, don't expect it).
- The reason it is called The Screamer? My theory: yes it's a thrill. But moreover, due to the manner in which weight shift controls steering -- and that it's easy for the stoker to lose focus due to the high comfort -- tiny weight changes in the stoker can elicit screaming from the captain. And sudden turns (to avoid a rock) or bumps will elicit yells from the back. Honestly, my wife and I have used this to our benefit: we've learned to communicate astoundingly well while on the bike so as to minimize surprise weight shifts. And that is what tandeming is ALL ABOUT.
- In some ways, I like the Screamer more than any of RANS' bikes. If it means anything, my other favorites are the Rocket and the V-Rex. I'm a short wheelbase guy.
- The Screamer rear rack and fender set up works particularly well and is strong.
- Option of a great light boom for a front light.
- Components are high quality and wheels are well built.
- Cars give good respect due to the size of the bike and the ultra high "cool" factor.
- Many couples who see us, have this in their wordless expressions: the woman: "Wow, that looks like a LOT of fun." The guy: "Oh my God, that is the LAST thing I need." However, just as many couples love it. We get many, many questions about it. One popular one: "can you put a baby seat on that?"
- Standard fairings are available.
- Cap'n is in "short wheelbase" position. Stoker is in LWB position. Kind of cool, really. Expect it to ride like a SWB.
- I take friends out for rides. Great way to have a long conversation with a friend. I'm an endurance athlete, so I can't do pubs much, but this pretty much provides the opportunity for those same sorts of long friendly conversations.
The ONLY "cons" in the list of pros and cons are:
- Price (but in the world of tandems, it is directly in line with other quality tandems).
- It takes time to master the balance issue for you to feel safe in traffic. Mind you, I'm writing from New York City. And we ride the most trafficked and potholed streets in the city. Any street I'd tackle with a DF Mtn. Bike we'll hit with the tandem. BUT, it can be hairy at the Red/Green light, when you want to get a jump on the cars, to QUICKLY establish forward movement and balance. Simply you practice, you ride, you learn, you get it down.
- Awkward conversations: people often pull up next to us in cars or stop at the crosswalks -- all the usuals who admire 'bents -- and they'll always say: "That looks like fun. Is that comfortable? How much did it cost?" The problem is always this last question. I really hate telling strangers that we're riding a five to six grand bike.
- The TR model breaks apart and assembles in 10 min., from wall rack to street. (Great.) However, for travel, the stoker seat is connected to the bike via the second brake cable to the rear disk drag brake. You'll simply have to learn to deal with this. (Carry a tool; be gentle.)
- Some flex in the frame, so, soft ride (great), but (ugh) powering up hills can be hard work.
Summary:
GO FOR IT. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. BEST INVESTMENT IN LOVE AND LIFE. EVEN IF YOU BREAK UP WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. WITH A BIKE LIKE THIS, YOU WILL NOT BE SINGLE FOR LONG. NO JOKE. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I am serious. The Screamer is possibly the single greatest contribution RANS has made to better quality life in the universe.
Manufacturers
Bikes
RANS' on-line catalog and store
Accessories
Sites related to RANS bikes
JetSet Wheels (on some RANS bikes)
SRAM (on RANS bikes)
Velocity Wheels (on the Screamer)
Web Resources of Note
Useful Links for Tourers and People Itchin' to Get the Heck out of the City
Useful Links for NYC Commuters
Map Libraries
Metro Area Recumbent Society Ride Library
NYC Area Maps (thanks, TA)
NYC Bike Maps
Cycling Stores and People Worth Knowing About (I'm sure there are others too)
B-Fold (NYC's great folding bike shop)
Blue Velo (Velomobiles in Ontario)
Dutch Bicycle Company (imports Gazelle "Dutch" bikes)
Peter White Cycles (Nothing but quality bikes and accessories. We retail many of PWC's lines.)
Sheldon Brown (The Bicycle Encyclopedia)
The Bicycle Man (the great bent shop in beautiful west NY State)
NYC On-Line 'Bent Groups are on...
Yahoo: search for RANS and NYC 'bent groups
Links for Swimmers. (Because.)
Coney Island Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers
About The Innovation Works, Inc.
We are a marketing, sales and corporate communications firm located in Brooklyn, founded in 1999. We started NYC Recumbent Supply (TM) 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.
Our focus is customer service. Robert Matson listens carefully to customer 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. We firmly believe this one-on-one approach is the only way to optimize a new 'bent owner's experience.
About Robert Matson
Robert is a bicycle commuter and short-distance tourer who rides year-around, through snow, sleet, rain and even sunshine. He hasn't owned a car for 20 years. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, his interests include velomobiles, art, photography, backpacking, camping, running, and long-distance open water swimming.
Website copyr. 2009
The Innovation Works, Inc.
Catalog photos of RANS bikes: courtesy of RANS. Other photos: anonymous.