Show off our bikes! (page 8 of 9)

I have a ROCK RIDER 340 for hiking—similar model. It works great for me, really well-balanced, though the braking is a bit weak. Bought it second-hand for 50 €. I added a rear rack with two panniers, a homemade front rack to support the front pannier, and touring tires (way more efficient than knobby ones). And that’s it!

Those who are equipped can attach a photo here and describe their bike, its qualities, and of course its flaws.

Since my blog doesn’t have any posts about my two new bikes yet, let me introduce you to the latest one.



Without going into too much detail, this little Alpentourer by Wolf & Wolf(a Swiss artisan who only makes touring recumbent bikes) has some great qualities, starting with excellent comfort, good road handling (a great balance between maneuverability and stability), solid efficiency, and a weight just slightly higher than a good upright touring bike. Downsides: it’s a bit tougher on climbs than an upright bike, but I plan to improve with some training. Also, you can only fit two rear panniers, but you can attach water bottles and a cylindrical bundle (tent + sleeping pad) under both sides of the seat.

Hi Monique,

Here’s the first recumbent bike in this thread—no ordinary one, either!

I’ve been wanting to try one for ages, just out of curiosity, but I haven’t found any bike shops that carry them in the Rhône-Alpes region. If you happen to have any addresses, I’d love to know, and I’m sure other forum members would too.

I’ve got a few questions about this machine: - How does it work for train or plane travel? (Recumbent bikes are much longer.) Can it be disassembled? - In traffic, don’t you feel more vulnerable because of your low position? Or do other road users show more respect because the bike looks so unusual? - I’ve heard that recumbent bikes don’t climb as well—I don’t get why, since the position seems ideal for powerful pedaling. Do you have an explanation?

Thanks in advance.

I have a few questions about this bike: - How does transportation work for trains or planes? (Recumbent bikes are much longer.) Is it disassemblable? - In traffic, don’t you feel more vulnerable because of your low position? Or do other users show more respect because of the exotic nature of the bike? - It’s said that recumbent bikes climb less well—I don’t understand why, since the position seems to favor powerful pedaling. Do you have an explanation?

Hello, Currently on a touring bike (Surly LHT), I’ve had a few recumbents (20x26, 2x700) and even a trike. With my wife, we followed the EV6 from Ulm to Constanta on two 20x26 Metabikes, completely unloaded—just two small panniers. It went well. We returned by bus that takes recumbent bikes packed but not disassembled, in a trailer (Atlasib). Then we traveled to Croatia from Montpellier—two 20x26 Metabikes, much more loaded (tent, bivouac gear) but with a Bob trailer. Returned by train from Ancona—6 regional trains. It went pretty smoothly each time, bikes not disassembled.

I’ve done a lot of BRMs (long, even very long distances) on different bikes: carbon VKHI, Zockra, and currently a Schlitter. But these last three are lightweight BRM bikes, not suited for touring. I’ve even had a Catrike (recumbent trike).

Well, the verdict: they climb less well, much less well (unless you’re a young, trained athlete, of course). The reason is simple—you can’t use your body weight to "push" on the descending pedal. And the reclined seat position requires a very different pedaling style. Some tendonitis at first if you’re not careful. But on flat terrain, you go fast—really, *really* fast. Even when loaded. The position is very aerodynamic, and on descents, you hit insane speeds.

With cars, it always goes well—only a few grumblers say, "But we can’t see you!" A rolling object 1m to 1.5m high—they don’t see it, but they see a rock on the road or a child? It’s mostly the "unidentified strange object" effect that scares people. Scares horses (be very careful), scares Romanians in the countryside who cross themselves as we pass!

Finally, recumbents like Meg’s (uh, a Rolls-Royce—single-arm, 14kg, Rolhoff hub... I’d rather not know the price, but it’s itching me) are obviously made for riding loaded, safely, without back-butt-arms-wrists pain.

The downside that made me switch back to a classic touring bike is handling very rough terrain: gravel, rocks, single-track MTB trails. Where an upright bike handles fairly well, a recumbent is harder to control. Though, well, my wife struggles more with it. And balance control at very low speeds is trickier. For example, hairpin turns on climbs require anticipating.

Anyway, that’s that. Oh, shoot—after seeing Meg’s bike pics, I obviously went to the Swiss manufacturers’ site. *Ahhh.*

I've wanted to try one for a while, just out of curiosity, but I haven't found a bike shop in the Rhône-Alpes region.

Two specialized "recumbent bike" shops in Rhône-Alpes: Cyclociel in the very near suburbs of Lyon in Villeurbanne, and Bentoline in the less near suburbs of Grenoble in Crolles. They have a few demo models, but with limited choice due to the high prices (and more trikes than bikes because they sell better). There was also M5-France in Doussart near Annecy, but I don’t know if they still distribute recumbent bikes.

Another option: post on the velorizontal forum explaining what you're looking for (road- or touring-style recumbent bike, size, etc.) and in which region. Recumbent bike owners often agree to let you try their machine, since the wide variety of models and high prices make testing before buying highly recommended.

How does it work for transport by train or plane? (The recumbent bike is much longer.) Is it disassemblable?

Length varies depending on frame geometry, wheel diameter, and rider size. If the bike isn’t too long, some manage to hang their recumbent bike from a bike hook by the rear wheel, but it’s not very practical. Even though mine is very compact for a recumbent (wheelbase 1.05m, length < 1.70m), I leave it on the floor along a row of fold-down seats or under the bike hooks, and if needed, I help other cyclists lift and strap their bikes onto mine. Luckily, on my usual routes, I often board at the train’s starting station and against peak traffic, which makes things easier. My recumbent bike hasn’t flown yet; max dimensions and fees vary widely by airline. I’d like to thank Turkish Airlines, which last year accepted my recumbent trike for the price of a regular bike!

In traffic, don’t you feel more vulnerable due to your low position? Or do other users show more respect because the bike is so unusual?

Both! I slow down more when approaching intersections because I’m more hidden by parked cars (despite my fluorescent flag), but once drivers spot me, they respect me more than when I was on a regular bike.

I’ve heard that recumbent bikes don’t climb as well. I don’t understand why, since the position seems to favor powerful pedaling. Do you have an explanation?

I don’t have a rigorous explanation. On gentle slopes, it’s probably just a matter of practice—you don’t use exactly the same muscles in the same proportions. On steep slopes, you *can* push hard when your pelvis is well-seated, but you always have to push (or pull); you can’t rely much on body weight (no equivalent of "dancing" on the pedals).

But on flat terrain with momentum, you go fast—really, really fast. Even when loaded. The position is super aerodynamic, and on descents, you hit crazy speeds.

yeah, and it's fun to see how easily you pick up speed on the slightest downhill slope 🙂 On the other hand, at low speeds uphill, it can be a bit tricky, depending on the bike's geometry. I'm also a little less comfortable on switchbacks uphill, especially if the panniers are fully loaded at the back. I think I'll end up changing the type of panniers to move the center of gravity forward a bit, or maybe try a lightweight single-wheel trailer.

I’d rather not know the price

yeah, that’s its main downside...

I love your bike!

The Rock Rider 320 is my wife’s bike—she really wanted to keep it. While refurbishing it, I noticed the frame is actually better than my T100’s (central heating pipes, lol).

I've wanted to try one for a long time, just out of curiosity, but I couldn't find a bike shop in the Rhône-Alpes region.

Oh, I almost forgot—it’s not in Rhône-Alpes, but 3 hours by train from Geneva, right at the source: the Wolf & Wolf workshop has a small stock of 6 or 7 Alpentourers in different sizes, available for test rides. I tried one for half a day before "caving in." Through the velorizontal forum, I know a Belgian cyclist who was able to test one for 2 or 3 days before ordering his. In both cases, we were hooked pretty quickly, but it wasn’t our first recumbent bike, so the risk of addiction was already high for us...

thanks for the info Monique

I had a recumbent Optima with a low handlebar... I used to dream about it, but it ended up putting me off.

Position—super comfy... that exhilarating gliding sensation... and that’s about it.

Not practical to push by hand, going down three steps in a train station...

You have to stay focused to avoid falling, and if you get distracted even a little, the ditch isn’t far away ;-)

And then the worst part—climbing hills... what a nightmare those climbs are... even worse than I’d imagined.

I had a recumbent bike, an Optima with a low handlebar. (...) Not practical to push by hand, going down 3 steps in a train station...

That's true, but especially for low-handlebar models. From that point of view, my bike is easy: high handlebar, a really rigid frame, and a good grip at the top of the backrest—it works. I just regret that most SNCF elevators are too short; it forces me to bring my bike in diagonally and lift the front wheel by more than 40 cm.

Position, super comfy... a thrilling gliding sensation... and that's it.

That’s already not so bad 😉 I’d add that you get to enjoy the scenery much more, except when riding along a guardrail that might be at eye level.

You have to stay focused to avoid falling, and if you get distracted even a little, the ditch isn’t far ;-) And the worst is the climbs...

Balancing, especially uphill, is clearly harder than on a regular bike. But some recumbent bikes designed for "touring" are relatively easy to handle, and after a few hundred kilometers (well, to be honest, more like 1000 than 100 now), I ride pretty relaxed—except on switchbacks uphill or steep sections: above 9-10%, I really struggle. But I’ll keep at it. Anyway, I don’t have a choice—my right shoulder and left wrist can’t handle a regular bike for more than a short 15-minute ride...

I ride pretty relaxed, except on hairpin climbs or steep sections: anything over 9-10% is really tough for me.

As a recumbent bike newbie, I think that beyond efficiency (you can’t use your arms, torso, or back to shift your weight onto the pedals on a recumbent like you can on an upright bike), serious climbs require a change in body position. You lean forward, grip the hoods, get out of the saddle a bit, or even stand up to put more weight on the front wheel when climbing. While this feels natural—even unconscious—on an upright bike, it’s impossible on a recumbent. In fact, the opposite happens: the horizontal projection of the recumbent rider’s center of gravity shifts closer to the rear wheel in climbs, when it should be nearer the front wheel for better stability.

I also think (though I could be wrong) that the constant, unconscious lateral shifts in center of gravity that help maintain balance on a bike (and are part of learning to ride) are much easier on an upright bike. You’re supported by your feet, hands, and seat, so your center of gravity can adjust—even imperceptibly—to stay balanced, especially at low speeds. With your back fixed against the seat, it’s much harder, likely more energy-intensive, and less immediate. That’s probably why recumbents take longer to learn and why balancing at low speeds (like climbing) is trickier.

I don’t know if I’m making sense, but if any recumbent riders have tried riding on a classic roller trainer and mastered the balance in under an hour (like you can on an upright), I’d love confirmation—or correction. Same for anyone who can trackstand easily: I suspect it’s harder to master with your back fixed against the seat than on an upright bike. But I could be wrong—I’m speaking from theory, not experience.

These recumbent bikes have such a fascinating, unconventional side... Why are they still so rare on roads and trails?

These recumbent bikes have a fascinating, iconoclastic side... Why are they still so rare on roads and trails?

Even though it doesn’t directly concern touring cyclists, part of the explanation is certainly that recumbent bikes have been completely banned from all cycling competitions by the UCI since 1934. The first holder of the hour record on a recumbent bike, in 1933, was even stripped of his title. It’s clear that as "technological doping" (the current hour record is 91 km on a recumbent bike, compared to 56 km on an upright bike), it’s less discreet than a small electric motor in the crankset or rear wheel 😛.

The recumbent bike world has therefore remained artisanal, in the noble sense of the term, but with the limitation that this implies in terms of production volumes and notoriety. And as a result, since it’s a niche market, you won’t find any affordable "entry-level" models.

you can't engage the muscles in your arms, torso, and back to shift your weight onto the pedals on a recumbent bike, whereas you can on an upright bike

That's true—the upper body is barely used on a recumbent bike.

(...) the projection of the recumbent rider's center of gravity moves closer to the rear wheel axis on climbs, when it should be nearer the front wheel axis for better stability.

Yes, but some recumbent bikes have a seat that’s adjustable in tilt and/or position. In that case, you can set it specifically for long climbs if you want.

on an upright bike, you’re supported by your feet, hands, and butt—not your back. Your center of gravity can shift easily, even imperceptibly and unconsciously, to adjust balance, especially at low speeds. With your back braced against the seat, it’s much harder, likely more energy-intensive, and far less instantaneous

Hmm, I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate: on a well-designed and properly adjusted recumbent bike, your pelvis is firmly braced against the seat, but you can still move your upper back by leaning on one shoulder to lift the other off the backrest.

if any recumbent rider has already tried riding on a classic roller trainer and mastered that balance exercise in under an hour (as you can with an upright bike), please confirm or refute this.

No idea—I’ve never tried a roller trainer, even during lockdown since I had a leg in a cast for the first month! That said, when I rode an upright bike, I’d sometimes balance in place at a red light, but I don’t think I could do that on a recumbent bike.

Great news about the forum coming back—we’ve been waiting for this for quite a while! Now we can chat with the die-hards like Claudio, Luc Bertrand, and everyone else...

A battery that can travel on a plane

https://forumvoyage.forumactif.com/t4238-une-batterie-pouvant-voyager-en-avion

A battery that can travel on a plane

https://forumvoyage.forumactif.com/t4238-une-batterie-pouvant-voyager-en-avion

My Decathlon Tilt 9 bike, which I’ve talked about a lot here

https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7027020

These days, as of 2024, it’s retiring at the age of eight. It used to serve as my city bike, travel bike, and touring bike. From now on, it’ll only be my city bike.

In 2023, it got one last upgrade: a re-spoking of the rear wheel with super-strong spokes crossed three times. Because twice I found myself on a tour with a broken spoke.

It’s a victim of its weight—18 kg—and my age, 70 years old. Yep, I’m not as strong as I was back in 2003 at 48, when I got back into biking after a 28-year break.

I found a fully equipped bike that meets all my needs and weighs 14 kg (I was hoping for 12 kg, but still, it makes a nice difference when you’re holding it one-handed on SNCF station stairs). It’s also a folding bike, the Sava Z1.