S40. Any good?

[Slinkymn]

So, after looking at several recumbents (including AZUB 700 max), I've narrowed it down to the S40. I've heard and seen some amazing things about this bike, but would like to hear from anyone who has anything to add that I need to know please. I currently ride a HP Streetmachine GTE.

Many thanks

Mark

 

[Greg S]

You do realize this is like going into a bar and asking “does anybody here drink?”

There’s a wealth of information here about the S40 that will probably answer any question you might have about it. Spend some time and look around.

FWIW, I own both an S40 and a V20c. I enjoy riding them both. There’s a certain amount of ”horses for courses” i.e., I take the V20c when the route I’m planning on isn’t egregiously hilly, I’m riding solo and I want to go fast (NB: I do ride it other times as well). The S40 is for hillier routes, riding with others, rougher roads (bigger tires), gravel, etc. I would generally characterize the two as: the S40 is more versatile but still plenty fast, the V20c is a race machine.

Good luck and happy reading!

 

[Slinkymn]

Thanks for that. I guess I was really asking, is there anything about the S40 that isn't so good? Anything i should prepare for?Cheers again

 

[Greg S]

Thanks for that. I guess I was really asking, is there anything about the S40 that isn't so good? Anything i should prepare for?Cheers again

Probably the two most consistent “negatives” on the S40 are: 1) learning curve. Riding in the recumbent position coupled with the moveable bottom bracket design takes some practice but most riders get it pretty quickly. 2) some riders experience “recumbutt” on longer rides with the stock seat. If you experience this it can usually be resolved with either the Cruzbike carbon fiber seat or one from Thor. Many threads about both of these topics here in the forum.

Good luck!

 

[Boreen bimbler]

The only real problem with the S40 I can think of on road is you can't hop over things.
Not the best thing on very steep hills as you can get wheel spin if the road is wet or loose. You can get up short 20% grades on them in the dry though so certainly not stupidly bad in any sense.
And of course you have to spend time learning to ride again but I found that enjoyable.
I love mine and have far more positives than negatives. That short list was a struggle. But I drink......sorry...ride one.

 

[Slinkymn]

Again, cheers all. Much appreciated,

 

[Damien]

Hi.
As an owner of both an Azub Mini and a Cruzbike S40, I have a question: what are you looking for in a new bike? The HP Streetmachine is a popular model in Europe—I’ve seen plenty of them—and it’s essentially the equivalent of the Azub Six.
If you want a direct comparison:

• HP Streetmachine: More comfortable due to full suspension (front and rear) and the option for Under Seat Steering (USS). It’s a much more versatile tourer or city bike, handling both asphalt and gravel roads well.
• Cruzbike s40: Compared to your HP, it will be several classes lighter, faster, and more agile. You’ll definitely prefer it for non-flat routes, as FWD climbs and descends better than RWD. It’s built for fast long-distance or short sprints on asphalt.

 

[Slinkymn]

Hi. Thanks for the reply. So, I've enjoyed riding the Street machine, but it is quite heavy and as I live in hilly Devon in the UK, this is a notable downside. The S40 appears to be more suited to our terrain and my physical ability. Cheers

 

[Boreen bimbler]

I'm in Ireland and it's pretty good on the hills. Low, spinney gearing on the S40 seems to be the general consensus for climbing. Probably the same on your current one?
I suppose the VAT is another negative on our side of the pond but thats not the bikes fault.

 

[Slinkymn]

Cheers bud.

 

[McWheels]

I'm slightly further north near Bath, where there are a several of hilly encumberances to choose from. I can load my S40 up too much or just go clean and there's no real limit to what you can do. My previous Cruzbike was the V2k or Sofrider. Similar geometry after I'd laid the seat back, but it was a tank in comparison. I have the occassional need to get from south of Bath to Filton, 25 miles each way mostly on old railway lines. The S40 is 20 minutes faster on the same route each way.

 

[Slinkymn]

Cheers Bud.
So far, I've heard nothing bad about the S40. Can't wait.!

 

[bromclist]

Can someone please share the link for the thor seat that works with S40 (without any modifications)?

 

[IyhelM]

Here you go: https://www.thorseat.eu/store/Seat-Sport-Carbon-p138791037

 

[cpml123]

I have this.

Seat Easy – THOR

www.thorseat.eu

 

[bromclist]

Thanks folks. I like the Thor Easy (with a slight curve bend and lumbar support).
Not really sure as to how to select the size. Will figure that out by sending an email.

 

[bromclist]

Looks like the Thor seat is not a direct mount. It requires modification of the frame which I am not ready to do at this time. Sigh !!

 

[Greg S]

Looks like the Thor seat is not a direct mount. It requires modification of the frame which I am not ready to do at this time. Sigh !!

That also makes it a non-starter for me. I hacked the first S40 I had (now sold) to mount one and liked it but am unwilling to do it to my current one. I went with the Cruzbike carbon instead.

I don’t understand why Thor doesn’t modify their mold to make it a direct mount. I’d speculate Cruzbikes are one of their more significant customers but have no data to support that other than posts here about it and I bought my previous one many years ago.

I probably would have bought one this go-round were it direct mount.

 

[Margo]

I have a S40 with a 1(42T) x 11(11T - 42T) drive train.
1) I would often appreciate to have a lower gear.
2) I cannot ride it with hands-off, which I can do with the QX100. The S40 seems much less stable.
3) Recumbut: rowers have figured it out since 60 years: the seat requires holes (see picture). Somebody from Cruzbike should have a look at a rowing boat. Maybe a rowing pad would help as a provisional improvement.

 

[chicorider]

That's genius! Makes sense.