Recumbent bikes aren’t good for mountain riding? Hold my beer...

[Damien]

It's time to bust the myth that recumbent bikes aren't good for mountain riding and confront the opinion that the Cruzbike S40 is suitable for this purpose. The beautiful weather on the first of November provided the last chance before the first snowfalls in the Tatra Mountains—the highest mountain range in the Carpathians between Poland and Slovakia. As part of the test, I completed a full loop around this relatively short mountain range: 134 miles (215 km) with 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) of elevation gain. The route is very scenic, especially in autumn. Unfortunately, during holidays, there is heavy traffic in many places due to tourism. I extended the route a bit at the start by 6 miles (10 km) to ride on a new bike path connecting the Polish town of Nowy Targ with the Slovakia town of Trstená. It was worth it. The fall temperatures were cold—when I started, it was around 34°F (1°C). I have to admit I was a bit worried about riding this route on the Cruzbike—I wasn't sure if, after a 1.5-month adaptation period, I was ready for longer mountain rides. But my concerns were unnecessary. I have done this route a total of four times: twice in a cycling race, once on my own but in the reverse direction. Strava shows I got some PRs in several spots! The views were stunning.

route: Route

 

[chicorider]

Nice video. These bikes climb great, the V20/V20c included.

 

[Damien]

I can only talk about the S40. Long climbs on it took ... a long time. A road bike is significantly faster. But that’s nothing new—everyone knows that. Still, climbing on a recumbent bike is much more enjoyable—you really appreciate the comfortable position and the chance to take in the mountain views.

 

[trplay]

Hmm! Have we already forgotten Jason Perez won the California Triple Crown two years in a row on a Vendetta? How about when Barbara Bouttoa killed the Appalachian men's field on her way to a no-contest RAAM win? One interview was most notable when they asked her how she was killing the men on the climbs when she was at such a disadvantage with her Performer recumbent. She was confused because to her the question had no merit. My biggest disappointment is we let Jason get away before he entered The great Hoo-Doo 500.

 

[vosadrian]

I personally ride a V20 (around 14kg) and a high quality light weight road bike (around 7kg). I am much quicker on the V20 for flats and down hills and moderate up hill (up to 2-3%).... but for a climb I am much quicker on the road bike. By climb, I mean something >3% for more than a couple of minutes. For most courses I am quicker overall on the V20, but on a course that is constant climbs, I am quicker on the road bike. On a 10 minute climb I can be up to 2 minutes quicker on the road bike, and it is difficult to make that back up on the down hills and flat roads between. My road bike is about 7kg lighter than my V20, but I think the real difference is the ability to change my riding position (stand up, sit down, moving around on the saddle) which moves muscle fatigue around to different muscle groups.

Because of the ability to move around more on the road bike, I find climbing more managable... even at high exertion levels, so I generally choose the road bike for climbs and the V20 I seek out flatter courses.... but I live in a hilly area, so my flatter course is what most people would call hilly.