Need advice on selecting a Cruzbike

[Matt L]

Some years ago I bought a used Rans VRex and loved it. I got into good enough shape that I wanted to try a triathlon. So I sold the recumbent and had a bike made for me here in St Louis. It’s a great bike and the most comfortable upright I’ve owned but it is still nowhere near a recumbent and I miss that. The upright is collecting dust so I decided to look at recumbents again.

I just discovered Cruzbike yesterday and I am very impressed and interested. I do have a few questions I could use help/advice on.

I am trying to understand what the major differences between the QX line and the T50 line would mean for me? I am heavy at 255 right now and would just ride on paved bike trails and roads mostly. Maybe 10-20 miles at the most.

Do the different lines have significantly different feels? Speed differences? Will one handle a larger rider better? I guess with the price aside how do I know which one will suit me better? Should I consider just a frame set because of my weight?

Cross-posted in T-50 forum.

 

[super slim]

ANY Cruzbike, will climb 50% better than a Rans V Rex, as you can use your upper body!

How tall are you, and what is your X seam,(sitting on the ground legs straight and back up against a 15? degree off vertical plank of wood, measure from heel of shoe to the base of the 15 degree wood).

If buying a new bike, then the following should be considered.

Will you be wanting to fly with it to another state for a ride? (T50 has no rear suspension so a Oversized air bag required (extra $220/flight leg), Q45 fits a USA 26"*26"*10" box)

Do your bikes have upper end running gear or standard Sram? (T50 comes as a frame option, Q45 MIGHT come as frame option)

Do you live in a hilly area? (T50 frame option, any gear options as it has an English 68 threaded BB, as ALL Cruzbike have, Q45 full option with 1*11 SRAM)

Do you live in a hilly area? (T50 has an indirect power triangle(front fork, chainstay, adjustable BB tube , vertical steerer, Q45 has the same power triangle as the Vendetta and the Silvio S40, which is 190% stiffer than the T50. The handle bar deflection is only noticed on hill climbs when using your arms for power!

Both the T50 and the Q45 have extra bosses to carry 4 pannier bags!

If buying a second hand Cruzbike, I would go for a Quest v2.0(26"*1.5") or 3.0(26"*2.0"), or a QX100(26"*2.0"), which is a Quest but with a double crankset instead of a Sram 3 speed wheel hub.
All these have the same front end power triangle, as the T50.
Some have no front suspension, but can take a 26" * 2.0" tyre that acts as suspension.

I hope this helps, and can other Cruzbikers add your comments!

 

[benphyr]

Hi Matt L,

Welcome to the Cruzbike tribe!

Super slim's assessment is great. It may be too complicated depending on how much technical knowledge and comfort you have and on how well you like written directions. I'll try to summarize in a different way your question about differences between Q and T series Cruzbikes.

T50 is:
-the entry level model.
-one straight frame from rear wheel to front fork (so not made for packing in a suitcase)
-is a recent addition to the Cruzbike line so there are not too many used ones out there yet.
-most wallet friendly way to buy a brand new bike

Quest and QX models (see super slim's description above) are:
-the do Everything (touring, commuting, everyday, every terrain, every size tire, packing for travel) model
-has a pivoting rear suspension (so can fold up to pack in a suitcase)
-has been around for a long time so there are many used ones out there. (this is a great way to get into Cruzbiking at moderate cost and sometimes with fantastic upgrades)
-used is the most wallet friendly way to buy a bike
(-the new Q45 being released March 20 gets trickle-down upgrades of the front power triangle from the top end S40 and V20 models. At your 10-20 mile maximum range you will not notice the difference but would probably notice the rear suspension difference between T50 and Q... models.

All models may require the perspective of learning a new skill - some need no time at all and some it takes a little to get through our thick skulls that this is not exactly the same from our Gary Fisher and we should follow directions and just enjoy the slight learning of a new skill. In short order all who stick with it enjoy the cruzbike platform. It is well worth it.

To get back to your original post.. a couple responses:

It sounds like your weight is within the usual range for cruzbike members. There are definitely a wide variety of shapes and sizes. We have some who are heavier - hoping they can chime in on that topic as I'm definitely at the other end of the spectrum at 135lbs.

The Q series have suspension. The T, and V series do not. Early Silvio and S30 series had suspension; later S30 and the current model S40 are unsuspended. That may make a difference.

I think you are headed in the right direction. Both the T50 and Q45 and earlier Q models have more space in the cockpit and are the way to go considering your use.

As you spend more money they get faster but more long distance and racing oriented so for your use T and Q fit the bill. For me the only difference would be if you want to be able to take it with you on flying vacations then Q is your beast, otherwise whichever you choose or find used will do great. Frame set gives many more options but also many more choices to make - but you already know that from your experience with the custom build. The stock components on T and Q bikes are very robust. I have a QX100 that is probably tougher than my Marinoni touring bike!

Anyway, there you have it, a bunch of my opinions. Hope they help somewhat. Feel free to continue to ask any questions that you think of and we'll try to answer them to your situation.

Cheers,

Ben.

 

[Matt L]

Thank you both for the detailed and thoughtful response. I just got the email on the new Q45 and wow! I think that bike will be good for anything I’m going to do and much more.

 

[super slim]

Thank you both for the detailed and thoughtful response. I just got the email on the new Q45 and wow! I think that bike will be good for anything I’m going to do and much more.

Whatever Cruzbike you decide to buy, you will not regret it!!!

 

[McWheels]

Standard wisdom when buying a bike is to talk about journeys, use cases, all that sensible stuff. A recumbent isn't standard wisdom, much less the Cruzbike. So go with the simplest question: How Fast do you want to go? That will probably end you up in the same place once the spreadsheets and SWOT analysis is done.

 

[Rampa]

The new Q45 will probably handle you better. It actually has a slightly more open seating because of the frame design not angling up to the steering tube so sharply. The front end is the "proper" one now for best power transfer and simplicity. Also, having a good suspension is going to make it very comfortable for the rough stuff.

 

[pherreshoff]

I am thinking about upgrading from my Quest. Useful information from someone with experience with the various bikes would be to post their "cruising speed" (expending equivalent energy) on an old Q or Quest, the new Q 45, and the S40 hopefully equipped with similar tires etc, That would give those of us without immediate access to a variety of cruzbikes an idea of the boost in performance.