How it started... (Bike 1, 300 km)
Back in 1996, we moved from Almelo to Bergentheim, while my work stayed in Almelo. Distance: approx 23 km. My first response: that's ok, but I have to get a recumbent bike then (not knowing anything about them) to be able to get to work at bike. Then I started to gather information, and concluded that prices were too high just to buy one. As many others did, I decided to build my own. I bought an old racing bike, broke it down into pieces, and welded it together again in a different configuration. While in this process, I talked to somebody else, who offered to use his unused frame. I decided to switch to his frame because it was more easy to finish. It was a SWB (short wheel base) with USS (under seat steering) and without suspension. I rode it for about 300 km, and decided that suspension was really needed, so I looked for another one.
Challenge Focus Comfort (Bike 2, 7500 km)
On Cycle Vision 1997, I wanted to test (and possibly buy)
an Speedliner Blue Glide. I tested it, but it didn't match my requirements. Opposite
to the Speedliner stand, there was Challenge with the brand new Focus. I tested it,
felt like a king and ordered one. It is a SWB with ASS (above seat steering) and
suspension.By summer 1997, I got the bike. I wanted to ride it for at least 4 times per week for home-office commuting and I did !!! Within 10 months, I drove 7500 km with it.
Picture copied from http://www.ligfiets.net, the dutch recumbent site.
But...
I changed job and started to work in Enschede, which is about 50 km from Bergentheim. To my opinion too far to go on bike. Plus my shed for the bikes already too full. So.... I sold the Focus :-(
Roulandt (Bike 3, 400 km)
After being without a recumbent for
about half a year (and getting fatter),
I was in the need of having a recumbent again. In June 1999, I read an advertisement
of a cheap vehicle. I went and bought a Roulandt, an old but good functioning recumbent.
It's not that recumbent, so I call it a 'sitting bike'. It is a LWB with USS.
During a couple of weeks I used the bike. Most of the time by driving half-way
to work and proceeding by bike.
However, the comfort of the bike isn't what I want. So, at July 6th 2001, I sold the bike.
Picture copied from Ian Feldman, on http://www.ihpva.org/bm92/Roulandt/index.htm
Back to Focus !!! (Bike 4, 10.000 km's done and counting up...)
But I am back on the recumbent now !!! (I upgraded the shed into a bigger garage.)
In September 2001 I bought a red second-handed Challenge Focus.
Quite similar to the one I had, little diffences in brakes and grip shifters. Another seat. Probably done
by the previous owner who had a problem with her back.My commuting distance was approx 50 km single route for a couple of years, so I combined car + bike. My car is big enough to carry the bike, so that's no problem. I expected to be driving the bike approx 2 times a week, but due to too many obligations it was less.
Nowadays, since I started working in Almelo, commuting distance is approx 22km + 22km visa versa. I upgraded some parts and now expect to ride the bike 2 or 3 times a week. Time will learn; my bike computer will register.
In mean time I have replaced the odd Optima saddle into the original Challenge type saddle; quite more comfortable!
Dreaming about a fairing...
It is my dream to realise a fairing on my recumbent. This picture is exemplary.
It should make the bike more appealing (to myself as invitation to ride it and to others in general).
Actually, I want the comfort of a velomobile or quest, but somewhat cheaper than those recumbents.
I am a little reluctant on working with polyester, so I am seeking for an alternative approach.
Advices are welcome!
Some inspirational souces:
- Home builders of the dutch recumbents website
- Builders from USA
- An alternative approach to polyester:
John Tetz (also USA) with Zotefoam (including complete manual!)
