Commuting...Country, City, Train and stairs! A recumbent is one of the options I'm considering, but

[mason.davis]

But is it practical for the mix?

I live in the UK (Wales).
The 12 mile commute (24 miles per day) has:
- 4 miles moorland (often windy with some short hills)
- 5 miles of cycletrack (flat) which can be replaced by more busy street work (1 mile shorter)
- 2 mile dense traffic (unavoidable)
- 1 mile pedestrian streets.

I had previously bought an upright two speed urban bike more suited to the 2 miles of my journey and I need to upgrade anyway. What do folks think?

I've satisfied myself that Cruz looks to be one of the best recumbent bikes available and should adequately solve the concerns about hills.

 

[Charles.Plager]

Hi,
I think the biggest issue

Hi,

I think the biggest issue you'll have is carrying your bike up and down the stairs (particularly if your bike is carrying bags). My belief is that you can make this a lot easier by figuring out how to put straps on your bike so you can basically attach the strap quickly at the stairs and carry the bike over your shoulder.

Depending on the requirements of your train ( e.g., do they allow unfolded bicycles?), your best shot could be to convert a folding bicycle into a Cruzbike. If they don't have restrictions, then you have a lot more choices open to you.

I've ridden my Sofrider in heavy traffic. I don't like doing it, but I don't feel at a disadvantage compared to my upright bicycle. You won't be quite as maneuverable on a 'bent as an upright bike ( e.g., it is a little harder to swerve to avoid that pothole you just saw on a bent compared to an upright bike), but again, I'd much rather ride my Cruzbike than an upright bike in the situation you are describing.

Finally, it is much easier to pet the packs for wild corgis running around on a recumbent than an upright bike (we have a Cardigan Welsh Corgi).

Let us know what you decide!

Cheers,
Charles

 

[Hilry]

Hello Mason.
Nice to see more

Hello Mason.

Nice to see more UK residents on the board.

I live in the North West and am just in the process of building a Cruzbike conversion, which is pretty much like the Sofrider.
It is nearly ready. I have just to get a front derailleur for it now then I will be able to try it out.
Hopefully the rain will have given up by then!

Where I live it is quite trafficky, traffic lights and roundabouts and not a lot of proper flat sections, and I can avoid the really steep hills but there are plenty of short ups and downs around. So when I get out to have a go I will be able to report how it is in similar conditions.

Reasons I chose a Cruzbuke :-

I have a back problem, and whilst I can ride a diamond frame road bike, I do have to have a very long handlebar stem and sit fairly upright and keep the mileage down and I suffer consequences with even low mileage.
So I am hoping that I will be able to ride the Cruzbike in comfort for more miles.

I didn't like the idea of massive chains and low and very laid back positions of most recumbents.
The Cruzbike is higher up, so should be less scary in traffic, whilst being reclined which should help with the wind and aerodynamics, and consequently speed.

The position of the seat is adjustable, which is critical for me to be able to get a position my back can cope with.
(I have tried out the seat in 3 positions so far in my hallway, holding onto the doorframe whilst peddaling with no chain on yet to try and get positions of seat, pedlas and handlebars right before I try it on the road

It uses standard road or moutain bike componentry, which can be swapped to taste.

Also this website and blog is very helpfull in understanding recumbents, Cruzbikes and their ways and ideas for setups, componentry and accessories.

I am a little nervous about the initial riding learning curve but optimistic of mastering it in a shortish time and enjoying the benfits such a bike brings.

Two speed bike you say? I didn;t know there were 2 speed bikes about, but I would certainly expect you would find it a lot easier on even the highest geared Cruzbike from the range.

As it happens, when I went to cellect my Cruzbike kit parcels from the depot I saw a girl on a very low recumbent trike in the midst of Leylands rush hour traffic. Not for me on anything that low!

 

[Charles.Plager]

Hi,
For those of you who are

Hi,

For those of you who are about to learn how to ride a Cruzbike, those who have just started riding, as well as those of you who are thinking of buying and want a better idea of how to ride, I highly recommend "Kim's videos" . Probably less useful, but hopefully not useless, you can read about my experiences starting out on my Sofrider.

Cheers,
Charles

 

[Hilry]

Hi Charles,
yes I have been

Hi Charles,

yes I have been viewing the vids and reading your blogs.
It looks lovely where you commute to work.

Just ordered front mech so may be getting my first taste afore the weekend....if the rain stops off the odd hour or two.

H

 

[Jake]

Choose Bent

I think a recumbent would prove far superior (than an upright bike) for the moorland and cycletrack sections of your commute, (due to comfort and aero).

For the dense rush hour traffic I'd slightly favour an upright bike, as constant stop / starting in traffic is easier (due to being able to stand up in the saddle), visibility is better (due to higher elevation), and handling is better (particularly at lower speeds). But a recumbent can handle this scenerio too with experience.

For the pedestrian streets I'd also favour an upright as, either walking or riding, the dirty chain, chainrings and pedals are quite a liability so exposed out front on a recumbent. I have a chainguard but its not total coverage.

Stairs are another slight win for uprights as they are ligher, shorter and, on cruzbikes particularly, a recumbent's handlebars have to be held to prevent wheel flop. For longer carries, I've found the best option is to turn a recumbent upside down and plant my shoulder on the seat - surprisingly comfy and well balanced.

I'm not sure of the rail regulations of whatever British Rail are called this week, but you should check the fine print for overall length of bike allowed on train, particularly on-peak, as I seem to recall they weren't keen on tandems, LWB bents etc.

All this said, my New York City commute is similar to yours (minus the moorland!) and, as my signature testifies, it's been a very rare day that I chose to take an upright out of the stable for any ride at all. Cruzbike Conversion for everyday commuting and running around town / shopping, and a regular high racer recumbent for leisure / club runs etc.

Jake

 

[mason.davis]

Thanks guys...

I'd like to go for something as light as possible eventually, but a conversion might be helpful in the first instance. The train shouldn't be a problem out here - but the staris and crowded passage need consideration. Now for that donor!!!