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LOL, yes John, I'm very familiar with Sheldon's Gain Ratio. I also spend a lot of time trying to explain complex engineering stuff to 'non-engineers', feebly attempting to keep their eyes from glazing over. :lol: You're absolutely right about crank length, etc. However, I had no data...

Understanding gearing is an exercise in relatively simple math. I recommend heading over to the Sheldon Brown website for some great information. So, assuming the Freerider has a 44 up front and an 8sp "megarange" (11-34) in the rear, let's compare the lowest gearing: Freerider 44 X 34 = 33.6...

It is all about the gearing...and the motor. I'm of similar weight (sans the lost 50lbs) and ride a conversion. My neighborhood is full of short (and not so short) hills, some of which are quite steep (like 9%, not nearly world record steep but certainly sufficient to make me think I'm going to...

After the wettest winter/spring in many years, the planets aligned (read: honey-do list got knocked down a bit) and I was able to take the Conversion out for a ride Sunday morning. Back a few weeks ago, I put about 10mi on her in between rain showers but Sunday I opted to take it out on my...

Follow up from the LBS... Bike Guru sez: "Oh, I have a set of those wheels on my Surly...they probably weren't properly tensioned from the factory, I'll fix 'em for you, no problem. $30 charge to re-tension/re-true and new nipples all around." Nice to have a friendly and customer-oriented bike...

One big problem with your proposal would be that you're eliminating the strong triangle and creating a weak polygon. Pedalling forces are severe and the add-in you propose would need to be very, very strong (compared to the rest of the system). Even if you made it strong enough, you're adding a...

One big problem with your One big problem with your proposal would be that you're eliminating the strong triangle and creating a weak polygon. Pedalling forces are severe and the add-in you propose would need to be very, very strong (compared to the rest of the system). Even if you made it...

While there is nothing you can do about it now (other than repair or replacement), it is a good idea to treat exposed rubber stuff with a protective coating. Most over-the counter tire treatments can be used but look for one that has no petroleum products (typically the aerosol propellant or...

Yeah, the Catrike has none of the provisions you want (other than adjustable handlebars). Trikes are a real hoot and I get that "trike grin" everytime I climb aboard. I just don't ride mine much at all any more, so I've got it down at the LBS on consignment. There are a couple of things that...

So, you want to work out a trade? I have a Catrike "Speed" for sale...2005 model w/~2k miles.

Finally got to put a test ride on this new version of my conversion. It has been sitting for a while waiting for me to get my act together. Weather---vacation---etc., life gets in the way sometimes. 8-) I spent a bit of time getting the last-minute items done, cable-ties, tire pressure, shock...

Well, I did get to visit Hampton's Edge bikes and Suncoast. Suncoast had no recumbents for rent but were very nice and gave me driving directions to Hampton's Edge. They were closed Monday (and Tue.) but I finally got down there Thur. I got there about 30min after they opened and was lucky...

Yeah, perhaps "diving off cliffs" was a bit hyperbolic. :lol: But seriously, if the bike can be designed to meet a "DF standard" set of requirements, those 'complaints' can be erased (or mitigated) and your average rider starts to see the playing field as 'more level'. The BROL trolls won't...

The trouble with "transformers" is that you have to add weight by creating fittings (so you can add/remove parts). While I agree that it can be done, I would not recommend it for the "Cruzbike Rocket". In my mind, I would target something within UCI size and weight restrictions (185cm overall...

Not me, I'll be headed down south to ride the Withlacoochee trail in Florida. Too bad I ain't got room to take my own bike. Maybe Hampton's edge or Suncoast will have something cool I can ride though. They both advertise rental recumbents.

Just some 'thinking out loud'... If you only plan on making two...and the target market is "world class racer types"...why not wait to build until you have a body to measure for fit and then delete all the "adjustability". No need for a joint in the TFT, no need for pivots at the fork ends or...

Ah...now we're talkin! So, in an appeal to the weight weenie in all of us, what is the target weight? I assume you're designing for the typical Cat 3 rider, who typically masses around 65kg... :D I'll never be able to get on one...but if you're going to go racing, go all the way! 8-)

Not sure if I can flip the clamp. The clamping bit is already "inside" and there is very little room between the tip of the seat post and the seat pan. I'll take a look at it though, every little bit helps.

Well, a 300k brevet is nearly a double century, only 13.5 miles short. Seems to me doing brevets would be good stepping stones to a double "statute" C. I can't imagine doing something like that. It took me nearly 8 hrs to do my first statute century...and I damn near had to get a hotel room...

Some ride, dude. Very impressive! I hope to be back on the road this week...on the 'upgrade' ride.