Performance difference b/t S40 & T50?

[skankingbiker]

I have been drooling over cruzbikes for years and due to a recent promotion, am considering being selfish and getting myself a new toy. I already have a performer FWD midracer, but would really like something with a little more climbing potential and versatility for endurance road and gravel-type events. Assuming I am able to stick to my planned fitness/training routine, I would like to attempt the 220-mile "Ride Across Wisconsin" this year.

I am therefore considering purchasing either a T50 frame and doing some heavy mods to it (emiljay & seat recline) or an S40 frame. The big consideration obviously is cost.

So, how much performance difference is there between a T50 and S40, and is it worth the extra cost?

(Also, this is obviously a dumb reason for a purchase, but as much as I enjoy my Performer, it still feels "weird" to ride with my usual group, and I tend to use it only when my back is giving me problems....the S40 seems much more like a "legitimate road bike'--whatever that is)

 

[super slim]

I have been drooling over cruzbikes for years and due to a recent promotion, am considering being selfish and getting myself a new toy. I already have a performer FWD midracer, but would really like something with a little more climbing potential and versatility for endurance road and gravel-type events. Assuming I am able to stick to my planned fitness/training routine, I would like to attempt the 220-mile "Ride Across Wisconsin" this year.

I am therefore considering purchasing either a T50 frame and doing some heavy mods to it (emeljay & seat recline) or an S40 frame. The big consideration obviously is cost.

So, how much performance difference is there between a T50 and S40, and is it worth the extra cost?

(Also, this is obviously a dumb reason for a purchase, but as much as I enjoy my Performer, it still feels "weird" to ride with my usual group, and I tend to use it only when my back is giving me problems....the S40 seems much more like a "legitimate road bike'--whatever that is)

If racing is your game, then the S40 will be faster and more comfortable.

The S40 can handle 700C*38 front and 700C*40 rear, or 650B*42, where the T50 can only handle 700C*25, or 650B*42.

The S40 has a MUCH stronger frame at 100*45*1.4 (10,411 mm^3 Z modulus) oval shape, compared to the T50 61*40*1.8 (6,515 mm^3 Z modulus)

The S40 comes with its very stiff front triangle of 41 mm OD 2.4 wall Bottom Bracket boom, and 44 mm OD*1.76 wall Handle bar slider tube, compared to T50+ Emeljay mods, 35.6 mm*1.8 wall Bottom Bracket boom, and 31.8 mm OD*2 wall Handle bar slider tube!

If racing 220 mls (350 km) in one day, the T50 would be a LOT more comfortable(and lighter (1.2kg)) with a Thor Sports (G) CF seat, and the S40 standard seat is comfortable, and aero for most riders, but some have converted to the Thor and swear by it for comfort, and no need for a head rest, but less aero.

Neither S40 or T50 can fold, so USA plane travel will be expensive!

https://www.performercycles.com/recumbent-bikes/high-racer-recumbent-front-wheel-drive-folding/
https://www.performercycles.com/recumbent-bikes/folding-recumbent-front-wheel-drive/
The Performer FWD looks interesting, especially the folding frame and the pivoting slack idler!
What wheel size is it?
Can you pull on the handlebars when climbing?

Seeing this, I would strongly recommend the S40!

 

[skankingbiker]

Thanks for the response.

This is my highly modified performer and review: https://www.bikeforums.net/recumbent/1157725-my-review-performer-fwd-custom-midracer.html

I am not interested in "racing" per se but want to be able to do centuries, supported tours, and "keep up" (not ride in a paceline) with my casual Sunday riding crew, which likes to do lots of hills 60+ miles.

For my first bent, the Performer has been great, but it has limitations. The 451 wheels give a great aero position but bleed momentum on rolling hills. Visibility is also more reduced then I would like, and the whole front end just feels very kludgy.

I have am relatively short with a 41 x-seam, so most "performance" oriented bents with larger wheels wont work for me, both from inability to touch the ground and from hard crank/wheel rub. Hence my interest in Cruzbikes.

 

[super slim]

Thanks for the response.

This is my highly modified performer and review: https://www.bikeforums.net/recumbent/1157725-my-review-performer-fwd-custom-midracer.html

I am not interested in "racing" per se but want to be able to do centuries, supported tours, and "keep up" (not ride in a paceline) with my casual Sunday riding crew, which likes to do lots of hills 60+ miles.

For my first bent, the Performer has been great, but it has limitations. The 451 wheels give a great aero position but bleed momentum on rolling hills. Visibility is also more reduced then I would like, and the whole front end just feels very kludgy.

I have am relatively short with a 41 x-seam, so most "performance" oriented bents with larger wheels wont work for me, both from inability to touch the ground and from hard crank/wheel rub. Hence my interest in Cruzbikes.

The seat height, with no cushion of the S40 with 700*30 tyres is 610 mm(24"), while the T50 is 560mm (22") with 26"*2.35"tyres.
My S30 28 deg seat back, with dual suspension, has a seat height, no cushion of 546mm (21.5") with 26"*42 tyres, and 550 mm (21.7") with 700*28 tyres
I am amazed that the seat height for the S40 has increased 2.3" from the S30!!!

What is the Performer seat height with no cushion?

 

[paco1961]

I honestly can’t imagine a more comfy bike than the S40. I think it’s a great mid ground between the super aero V20 and easiest to learn T50. Have only tested T50 here and there - many more miles on the S40. The S40 flys compared to the T50. The more upright T50 is much easier to master than the S40 but that’s a short term adjustment.